Cardinal Newman Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

125237 Unique Reference Number 27 November 2006 Inspection date Stephanie Graves Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 17 in Kemsing, Kent. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

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 six children under eight years of age. She drives to schools and nurseries to take and collect children and attends the local toddler groups.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children take part in experiences which help them to learn about good health issues. For example, they are encouraged to wash their hands regularly, following appropriate hand washing procedures. The childminder has effective measures in place to help protect children from cross infection. These include the use of antibacterial spray to ensure surfaces are hygienically clean, providing children with individual flannels and towels and ensuring that children with infectious ailments do not attend. Children's health needs are addressed because the childminder ensures accident and medication records are well maintained and written consent to seek emergency advice or treatment is obtained from parents. Children have plenty of opportunities to be active as they enjoy outdoor pursuits, such as walking, visits to the park and 'working out' to action songs. They also have opportunities to rest in comfortable surroundings.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to make healthy choices regarding the food they eat. For example, they are heard to comment that they would like a 'fork and a little spoon' to eat their chosen lunch of roasted meat with vegetables. Drinks are provided frequently and children talk about their favourite foods, such as, 'peanut butter' sandwiches. A sample menu includes a range of healthy, appealing options with fruit and yoghurt encouraged for snacks. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are met.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe, secure environment where any risks are identified and reduced. For example, the childminder undertakes a daily risk assessment and children are supervised closely at all times. There is plenty of space for them to move around and play freely within safe boundaries. The childminder checks the toys and equipment regularly, to ensure they are safe and appropriate for the needs of the children attending. She has an effective health and safety policy and ensures any hazardous equipment or materials are inaccessible. Written consents from parents help to keep children safe and include those for outings and transporting children in a vehicle. Children are learning how to help keep themselves safe, because the childminder offers clear explanations about why certain procedures are necessary. For instance, they know that it is important to sit properly on chairs to avoid falling and hurting themselves.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective procedures promote children's welfare and safety at all times. For example, the childminder has an emergency plan, which includes calling upon the support of another registered childminder in the event of an urgent situation. She has a written emergency evacuation procedure and a lost or missing child policy. She has a sound understanding of child protection issues, although these have not been updated to reflect current requirements.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure and comfortable in the childminder's home. They enjoy and achieve because she provides good support and a stimulating range of toys, resources and activities. These include puzzles, books, interactive toys, art and craft activities, games and role play resources. Children are involved in their play and enjoy good relationships with the childminder. Favourite activities currently include making creations for Christmas. The childminder is imaginative and uses natural resources, such as, autumn leaves for children to use as antlers for the reindeer they are making. Children concentrate on their chosen activities and enjoy the childminder's input. They are not afraid to seek support, for example, as they make Christmas stockings and ask 'can we do this?' as they try to work out where to place the resources they are using. The childminder asks frequent questions to help children think and make their own decisions,

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

including 'which side do you want to put this shape?'. The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental learning needs of all children. She has regard to the 'Birth to three matters' framework and adapts play opportunities to meet the needs of any babies or young children in her care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children concentrate on their chosen activities and become engrossed in concepts. For instance, they explore the texture of shaving foam and make marks and patterns using their fingers. They use language, such as 'disgusting' to describe the smell and creatively suggest 'let's make a cake' with the foam instead. Children enjoy stories and are quick to complete sentences started by the childminder as they follow familiar story lines. They talk readily about their home lives and interests and the childminder spends most of her time playing and talking with the children in her care. She provides the necessary experiences to ensure their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities are well promoted.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed, acknowledged and affirmed equally by the childminder. She treats children with equal concern and according to their individual needs. Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging because the childminder is attentive and spends quality time engaging them and supporting their learning and play experiences. Toys and resources promote positive images of diversity and children have regular opportunities to learn about the similarities between themselves and others. This is because the childminder takes them on frequent outings, including visits to local toddler groups where they meet and interact with other children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and learn right from wrong because the childminder is a good role model. She encourages children as they play and praises them regularly, which helps to promote their confidence and self-esteem. A list of house rules helps children to understand what is expected of them, including being polite, using good manners and not hurting one another. Children benefit from consistency of care because the childminder works closely with parents to meet their needs. She uses contact notes and regular verbal feedback to ensure parents are kept up to date about children's progress. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and at ease with the childminder within a very well organised environment. They feel secure and confident as they move around and select their favourite toys and activities. The childminder keeps up to date with current practice requirements and takes positive steps to improve her practice. A range of informative documentation is available, which enhances the service provided. The registration certificate is displayed and children's records are kept professionally and shared with parents. These include daily attendance records showing clear arrival and departure times for the children and details of any absences. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted well due to the range of policies and procedures which underpin the childminder's professional practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was left with one recommendation. This was to implement any new skills to further improve the provision. The childminder has updated her first aid training and keeps up to date with current practice requirements through the National Childminding Association and other organisations.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken positive steps towards improving the service provided and ensuring children are safe and well cared for at all times.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • safeguard children by updating knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures to current requirements.

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6