St Pius X Preparatory School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 119822 Inspection date 21 March 2006 Inspector Amanda, Jane Nicholls

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

First registered in 1992, the childminder lives with her husband and daughter over 16 years, in a semi-detached property in Binstead on the Isle of Wight. All ground floor rooms within the home are suitable for their purpose as is a fully secure garden to the rear of the property. The childminder keeps 1 small domestic pet. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding a total of 8 children, on a part time basis, throughout the

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 week.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children have a superb understanding toward the importance of a healthy lifestyle, because the childminder provides an environment which encompasses a balanced diet with both physical exercise and restful sleep. Flexibility prevails during mealtimes, where children's right to choose when they are hungry and thirsty are respected and accommodated. Between meals, the snacks they are offered promote children's taste for fruits and vegetables, fresh water and milk. Children learn the importance of effective personal hygiene. They are encouraged to wash their hands and faces at appropriate times, developing purposeful and lifelong self care skills. The childminder has excellent nappy changing routines and wears gloves to prevent cross infection. Children benefit from regular exercise as they participate in weekly outings to local places of interest such as country parks and historic retreats. When they are tired,

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Helping children to be healthy

they are settled to sleep in a comfortable, well ventilated room, remaining under the watchful eye of the childminder who is mindful of their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy within the childminder's home, because she has all necessary equipment to keep them comfortable and engaged. They are able to access a wide choice of toys, books and equipment, because the resources they desire are purposefully arranged on reachable shelves and, in well organised boxes. Children enjoy a very safe and secure environment because the childminder is extremely vigilant and aware of potential hazards to children both indoors and outside. The areas they have access to are well defined and within these rooms they play and move with confidence and ease. Children are safeguarded and very well protected as a result of the childminders knowledge and attitude toward protecting them from abuse and neglect. The contact they inevitably have, with unvetted persons, during outings and trips, is restricted. This is because she supervises and monitors children closely, taking them only to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

places that have been suitably risk assessed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The provision is outstanding. Children are very confident and competent learners with high levels of self esteem. They know what they like to do and help themselves to toys from the extensive range available to them. They are able to play independently as well as in small groups, supporting one another and laughing together. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of children's developmental needs and she participates fully during activities. She uses the Birth to three matters framework to help younger children develop and enhances all individual learning by regular outings to purposefully planned local and historic places of interest. Children are interested and motivated by the activities and experiences provided by the childminder. They communicate well and eagerly share in their enjoyment of both

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

toys and games. They enthusiastically recount information and use number, colour and shape language frequently throughout the day. Their use of their imagination is creative and spontaneous. This enables them to adapt resources such as a set of small plastic weighing scales, in order to represent the steering wheel of a very fast car.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from an environment which respects diversity and celebrates difference. They develop an understanding of their wider world through meaningful activities both inside and outside of the home environment. For example, children maximise upon opportunities to explore their place in history, through stimulating trips to Carisbrooke Castle for example. Here they explore the workings of water power and the thrill of jousting. Posters, toys and play resources, are used by the childminder to reinforce children's understanding of tolerance and respect for themselves and each other. Their behaviour is very good, and they happily share the attention and affection of a childminder who clearly enjoys having fun. Through her consistent praise and encouragement, in language they can understand, children achieve. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met, because she

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Helping children make a positive contribution

knows them well and takes account of their unique characteristics. They benefit from the very positive relationship she has with their parents. This in turn, ensures their continuity of care is first class. The preparation of individual folders to record the agreed arrangements for children's care and welfare, maintains strict confidentiality. To compliment the worthwhile sharing of information, young children have individual record books to keep parents informed about their day.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are very well supervised at all times, by a childminder who is appropriately qualified and presents herself professionally. As a result of her warmth and welcome, children appear comfortable and at ease in their well organised environment. They manoeuvre with confidence, able to independently access the superb selection of toys and equipment available to them. This is because resources are appropriately stored and readily available. The childminder provides activities for children which interest and excite them. She is interested in what they do and say, and dedicates her time to them and their families, for whom she is a good role model. Outings to stimulating and credible venues such as Carisbrooke Castle and the Botanic Gardens, enhance children's taste for learning. This is indeed an

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Organisation

environment where children have fun. Children are protected and safeguarded from unvetted persons. Their care is enhanced by the readily available and mostly accurate, documentation which she holds. Parents are given copies of policies and are encouraged to share with the childminder, the individual requirements of their children. As a result, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the action made at the last inspection, the childminder forwarded a copy of her driving licence to Ofsted. The recommendation that parents are provided with written information on how to complain, has also been met satisfactorily.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • compliment the written complaint procedure with a log book. Use this book to record any complaint or concern.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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