Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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149126 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2006 Inspection date Suzanne Joyce Stedman 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 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?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children, an adult daughter and a daughter aged 14 in Westcliff on Sea, Essex. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding eight children including three over eight. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a cat, dog and tortoise.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminders works with her husband who is also a registered childminder.

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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 good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. For example, they walk to and from school every day and use the climbing apparatus in the garden which improves children's physical skills. They are becoming aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Well established hygiene routines and clear explanations increase children's understanding of the importance of washing their hands to help maintain good health. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate to ensure accidents are treated appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They can help themselves to drinking water from accessible cups throughout the time they are at the childminders. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. She encourages children to make healthy eating choices as they decide what fruit they would like with their snack. Older children are offered opportunities to be involved in the preparation of their food.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an extremely safe and secure home where hazards are minimised and various precautions are in place to protect them. For example, frequent risk assessments are carried out. Children are therefore, able to move around the environment safely and freely. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. She talks to children about road safety and the importance of using pedestrian crossings whenever possible. Children are beginning to learn the importance of fire drills and how to leave the premises quickly and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment in the playroom, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an extensive range of procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and very at home in the childminder's house. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. Children are motivated and interested in a good range of purposeful activities which provide stimulating levels of challenge appropriate

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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 to their age and stage of development for example, they enjoy drawing around their hands and decorating them. Outings are currently limited due to the hours of children attending therefore they have insufficient opportunities to develop physical skills within the wider environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Musical activities include disco dancing and playing with musical instruments. They learn about life cycles of plants as they grow sunflowers and cress with which they make sandwiches. Children are helped with their reading on a regular bases.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good knowledge of child development. She provides very good support to children in their play and learning, providing an environment that allows children to respond with enthusiasm to new challenges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain a good understanding of diversity as they share books which reflect different cultures, beliefs and disability. For example they all helped made a dragon to celebrate Chinese New Year. They learn about their local community through walking to and from school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the childminder. She knows the children well and ensures they are included fully in the life of the setting. Children's individual needs are well met and each child is valued. They develop confidence and self-esteem as they make choices and decisions about their play. Children have time to relax as well as be active. They understand behaviour boundaries and learn right from wrong because the childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. For example, children are encouraged to show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. Children behave well and are developing good manners in response to the childminder's clear and consistent boundaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a very positive partnership with parents. The childminder welcomes parents and keeps them well informed about daily activities, routines and meals. Parents are provided with good quality information about the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is extremely enhanced by a well organised home which is welcoming and inviting to children and their families. Indoor and outdoor play space is used effectively to maximise play opportunities for the children. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children and she organises and plans her time to ensure children are positively supported in their care, learning and play.

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Organisation

The childminder frequently reads information relating to childcare issues to keep herself up-to-date with current legislation. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being are in place. Policies and procedures are used effectively to protect children, promote their well-being and support all, to develop their potential.

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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 Parents are kept well informed of their children's progress with information shared on a regular basis including hand over books for younger children. Children benefit from a childminder who is knowledgeable, trained and experienced in providing childcare.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to include in the written statement made available to parents, the Ofsted contact details regarding the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. Also to make sure written permission from parents, includes permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The provider has complied with these recommendations, therefore children are safer as the provider is able to seek advice or treatment in an emergency and parents are better informed if they wish to make a complaint.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • further develop activities to ensure children have opportunities to develop physical skills within the wider environment.

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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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