St Philomena's RC Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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104662 Unique Reference Number 10 July 2006 Inspection date Rachael Williams Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1995. She lives with her husband and two younger children in a bungalow in Bideford, Devon. Minded children have access to the dedicated play room, kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom; which is used for younger children to sleep in a cot. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends carer and toddler groups on a regular basis and visits local parks, libraries and places of interest with the children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children under eight years old and at present has five children on roll. She also cares for children over eight years old.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Devon Childminding Association and holds a level 3 qualification in early years.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder is effective in ensuring children's health and well-being are promoted. She has extremely high standards of hygiene to protect children from the spread of infection and encourages children to learn good self-care skills to promote good hygiene. For example, children are given clear explanations as to why they need to wash their hands after they visit the toilet and before eating; and why soap and individual towels are used in order to prevent the spread of infection. Procedures to protect children from the spread of illness, such as the sick children policy and the administering of medication are given careful consideration and are clear and effective.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of flexible and well-planned activities which promote their physical well-being and development. There are regular opportunities to have fresh air experiences as children enjoy regular walks to the toddler group, park and library. Children have the opportunity to develop their control and coordination skills on a good range of resources within the garden for instance, through the use of ride-on toys, where children are able to create pathways and negotiate space.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is promoted effectively, children benefit from healthy and nutritious snacks and meals which meet their dietary requirements. Children enjoy well-planned activities to promote their understanding of healthy eating. For example, children explore fruits identifying those which they prefer through the use of their senses. Meals are prepared in a hygienic kitchen. The childminder gives clear explanations to the children when preparing food, such as why she washes the grapes after a fly has been on them before giving them to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder's comprehensive understanding and knowledge of procedures ensures that children are safe and protected from harm. Required documentation, such as accident records, are accurate and additional procedures, such as emergency arrangements, support children and parents effectively. Children are closely supervised by a vigilant childminder who actively ensures children are protected from potential risks and hazards through consistently high monitoring of the provision. For example, the premises are secure to prevent children leaving unsupervised and safety precautions, such as socket covers, are used effectively. Thorough systems for the arrival, registration and collection of children are in place to ensure children's well-being is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a spacious, clean environment which enables them to move freely and safely. They have access to an abundant range of age appropriate, safe toys and resources. For example, harnesses in the buggy and on car seats are checked regularly to ensure the fastenings are secure and an appropriate fit. Through clear explanations from the childminder children are aware of risks when on outings. For instance, children wear safety bracelets with emergency contact numbers and are made aware of road safety whilst walking to the toddler group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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's well-being is fostered well due to the childminder's excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, such as the possible signs of child abuse, confidential recording of incidents and existing injuries and the procedure to follow. Parents are fully informed of her responsibilities through her written child protection policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very confident within the well organised homely environment. They enjoy their time and achieve well because the childminder positively supports their developing needs. Children are engrossed in planned activities, such as mark-making and collage, which show the childminder's excellent knowledge of how children develop and her understanding of the Birth to three matters framework. The dynamic learning environment, which has an abundant range of easily accessible, age appropriate toys and resources, encourages children to be independent and to make decisions about their play for instance, completing a Dora the explorer jigsaw.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder engages the children in meaningful conversations. For example, whilst colouring a picture of a train the child is encouraged to talk about what colours she is using and whether they are dark or light shades and reliving her experience of travelling under the sea on a train to Disneyland, Paris. Children are very sociable which is supported well through their attendance at regular toddler groups. Children are stimulated by the childminder's good story telling as she frequently asks the children questions about the pictures and their own experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are settled, confident and happy in the well organised, homely environment. Children are positively supported by a caring childminder who has good knowledge of their interests and needs. Close relationships have been established with the children, working closely with parents to allow each child to settle in their own time. Established routines help children develop a sense of time for example, children keenly wait to get their cushion out ready for story time. Children's work is displayed effectively to encourage children to have a sense of belonging and good self esteem. Children's behaviour is exemplary through the use of effective strategies, such as positive reinforcement and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The local environment is used well to encourage children to look at the wider community. For example, children benefit from regular visits to the library and local toddler groups. Children have access to a good range of resources to promote the diversity in our society, for instance books and figures for the doll's house. The childminder provides a fully inclusive environment where excellent support ensures that activities can be adapted to include all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive a wealth of information and good relationships have been established to ensure the regular exchange of information for instance, through the use of a daily diary. The childminder uses a questionnaire to involve parents in her childminding and to improve her good minding practices. There is a good exchange of information at collection which includes the children. For example, when the childminder is asked how a child has been that day she

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 encourages the child to be involved in the sharing of her achievements to which she responds, ' I've had a very busy day'..

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder uses her good knowledge and understanding of early years to plan and organise an exciting play environment. Space and resources are organised exceptionally well to encourage children's independence within the setting enabling them to move freely within a safe environment. The local environment is used effectively to provide children with a wide variety of stimulating play opportunities.

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Organisation

The childminder's effective use of comprehensive and relevant policies and procedures ensures children's health, safety and learning. An accurate attendance record ensures high ratios positively support children's care. Children are closely supervised to ensure they are independent, safe and healthy learners. The childminder shares all documentation in confidence with parents and ensures all records are stored securely.

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Organisation

The childminder meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was raised relating to behaviour.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This has been addressed as the childminder has established an appropriate incident record which records existing injuries and patterns of unacceptable behaviour to share confidentially with parents.

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Complaints 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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