St Martin de Porres Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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109639 Unique Reference Number 13 December 2006 Inspection date Dinah Round 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 registered to care for children in 1999. She lives with her partner, his 17 year old daughter and her own two children aged nine and 11 years. They live in a house on a residential estate in Broadstone, Dorset. Childminding is carried out mainly on the ground floor, with sleep provision provided on the first floor. Children have access to a rear enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have two cats, which children have access to under supervision.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She currently cares for seven children on both a full and part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, the local childminding network and the local childminding group. She has a Certificate in Childminding Practice qualification.

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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 are cared for in a clean and well maintained family home. They are protected from the risk of cross-infection due to the effective practices followed by the childminder. This includes the use of disposable gloves, provision of liquid soap and individual character towels and flannels for each child. Children are taught the importance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet, which helps them learn about keeping healthy. The childminder shares with parents her child illness policy which details the exclusion periods for children who have infectious illness. This helps to reduce the risk of spreading illnesses. Clear accident and medication records are maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy relaxed sociable mealtimes where they sit together and chat to each other. Parents generally provide all food for children which the childminder ensures is stored and heated safely. They are encouraged to eat healthy options in their packed lunches first before any treats. Children have access to regular drinks during the day which makes sure that they do not get thirsty. Occasional snacks of fruit are provided by the childminder in agreement with parents. Information about children's individual dietary needs is recorded and these are followed to ensure children remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to take part in physical activities through frequent use of the garden and regular outings. This provides children with plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children enjoy trips to the local parks and places such as, 'Ollie's' adventure world, where they can explore large play equipment. This provides fun experiences and promotes children's physical development and co-ordination skills. In the warm weather the childminder makes sure that children have sun cream on and wear sun hats when outside so they are protected from the sun.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure family home. This is due to the good safety measures put in place by the childminder to minimise risks to children. This includes provision of locks on low cupboards with hazardous substances, safety sockets and a safety gate at the bottom of the stairs. Children learn to keep themselves safe through the childminder's gentle reminders, such as, asking a two-year-old to sit on his bottom on the chair when eating his lunch. Children are able to move around freely and safely as they independently choose their toys and activities. They have access to a wide selection of clean, good quality age appropriate toys and resources. The childminder makes use of the local toy library to extend her play provision such as, providing different baby toys for the younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A clear emergency plan and fire drill procedure is in place. Children are involved in regular discussion and practices to ensure they know what to do in an emergency situation within the home. Children develop an awareness of keeping safe when on outings through the effective practices and procedures followed by the childminder. For example, the use of age appropriate

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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 car seats, teaching children road safety, and the 'rule' that she always needs to be able to see them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures and her responsibilities to safeguard children. However, on occasions her childminding practices fail to ensure that children are not left unsupervised with household members who have not been vetted. Her child protection policy is shared with parents to inform them of her role.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content and have a warm relationship with the childminder. They benefit from lots of positive interaction from the childminder as she supports them in their activities. Children's learning and development is successfully promoted, as the childminder talks with them about what they are doing, using language about numbers and colours as she joins in their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with a variety of interesting and stimulating activities and play experiences. These include construction, books, small world toys, role play, music and creative activities. Children get involved in making Christmas decorations and enjoy using the glue and choosing the sparkly shapes. The childminder is skilful in suggesting different activities to make sure that children are kept occupied and interested. Children are developing good independence as they make choices from the range of age appropriate toys easily accessible. For example, they are fascinated by the box of multi-cultural musical instruments and enjoy exploring the different sounds. The childminder makes some use of 'tracker books' to monitor children's progress, although, records are not necessarily kept up-to-date. Activities are organised to allow flexibility for children's routines, however, there is no clear planning or effective use of the 'Birth to three

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

matters' framework to fully extend the learning outcomes for the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy regular experiences outside the home such as, taking part in the 'Bounce and rhyme' sessions, parent and toddler groups and music sessions with the local childminding group. This encourages socialising and helps develops children's confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected as individuals. The childminder gets to know each child's needs through on-going communication with parents ensuring their individual routines are followed within the day. Children receive equal attention from the childminder as she makes sure that they are all able to participate in the activities. For example, all children sit up at the table to join in making Christmas decorations with the activity effectively adapted for the younger children. This helps children feel settled and secure. The children's individual achievements are acknowledged which makes them feel good about themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's clear understanding of their age and stage of development when dealing with behaviour issues. Effective use of distraction and close supervision by the childminder makes sure children are kept well occupied and prevents any

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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 squabbles. Children are helped to learn to share and think of others. For example, following a gentle reminder from the childminder a younger child happily passes the stethoscope to the older child when he has finished, so he can have a turn. The childminder acts as a good role model, encouraging good manners and a kind and caring attitude.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are continually discussed with parents. The daily opportunities to exchange information ensures that any additional requirements are addressed and parent's wishes followed. Diaries are used for the younger children to share details about a child's sleep times, food eaten and nappy changes. This means all parents are kept successfully informed about their child and contributes to the children's care and well being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are settled and confident to explore within the well organised environment. The space allows children to play freely and safely, with separate areas provided for them to eat, rest and play. Children's independence is effectively encouraged due to well-positioned resources around the home and use of a step for the toilet and hand basin. Children enjoy regular outings within the local community. However, there is little planning of play experiences and activities to maximise learning outcomes for children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to developing her role. She has recently completed training to successfully obtain the Certificate in Childminding Practice. This contributes towards the children's care and well being.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised and up to date. Individual contracts are formulated with parents which include clear written parental consents. The childminder is aware of the need for household members to complete necessary checks, however, these are not always completed promptly to fully safe guard children. Clear policies and procedures are in place to support the childminder's practices. These are shared with parents to make sure they are kept informed about the provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain written permission from parents before administering Calpol medication to children. She now has clear written permission from parents in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 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): • develop planning and make use of the Birth to three matters framework, to further enhance the learning outcomes for children • make sure that children are never left unsupervised with household members who have not had the necessary checks completed

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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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