St Benedict's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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111308 Unique Reference Number 22 March 2007 Inspection date Susan Mann 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 1999. She is registered to care for six children aged under eight years of age. She currently cares for a total of six children. Of these three attend on a part time basis. The childminder is currently undertaking a Diploma in Home-based Childcare and has recently completed Quality First, a quality assurance scheme.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder operates from her home, and minded children use the downstairs of the house and garden area only. Children benefit from regular outings and walks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Andover Childminding Association.

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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's well-being is promoted by a range of procedures and routines that foster their good health. The childminder encourages children to wash their hands before they eat and they use paper towels to limit the spread of germs. Children are protected from the spread of infection because the childminder is consistent in her practice. For example, when changing children's nappies, she uses disposable gloves and carefully cleans the changing mat with anti-bacterial wipes. She has effective procedures in place to provide care should a child become unwell or have an accident whilst in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have healthy snacks to eat which helps them to be well nourished. Drinks are readily available throughout the day. The childminder discusses dietary requirements, likes and dislikes and any allergies with parents before the child starts. Parents provide other meals and these are stored appropriately in the refrigerator to ensure that they stay fresh. Children get lots of fresh air and exercise which allows them to develop their physical well-being. They enjoy daily outings to a variety of exciting places, such as the park, the farm, and indoor soft play areas. Before going for the first time, the childminder carries out an initial check to make sure it is suitable and safe for the children to go.

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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 clean and secure environment. The childminder is vigilant to make sure that children are safe. Children are unable to leave the premises unaccompanied because both the front and back doors are kept locked. In addition, the front door is alarmed to draw attention when it is opened. The childminder carries out regular assessments of potential dangers within the home and is very careful to take action to make it safe. For example, the childminder has identified possible hazards in the garden, and so does not allow children to use it until these are remedied.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When on outings, the childminder helps children to understand the dangers of traffic, through talking about road safety. Younger children are suitably restrained in a buggy or with reigns to maintain their safety. The home is well-organised so that children can have lots of space to play. They enjoy using a wide range of suitable toys and resources that are clean and well-maintained. Sleeping children are checked regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect because the childminder has a clear understanding of how to safeguard children and of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. Parents are made aware of her responsibilities with regard to child protection because she shares the relevant policy with them.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and settled in the childminder's comfortable home. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children develop and learn through play. Children enjoy a wide range of activities such as cookery, painting, gluing and imaginative play. The childminder adapts these to suit the ability of each child, which allows them to benefit from the activity and to feel satisfied. Children relate very well to the childminder, who is enthusiastic and attentive to their needs. These experiences are enhanced by opportunities outside the home, when children go on outings. Children have frequent opportunities to enjoy the company of other children through attending weekly toddler and tumble clubs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their language skills because the childminder initiates conversations and encourages them to talk. She gently extends the vocabulary of the younger children, helping them to learn new words and improve their speech. Children demonstrate a high level of curiosity in things around them. For example, a child is fascinated by hand puppet of a rabbit that also has a number of mini beast toys with it. He is unsure about the mini beasts, but keeps going back to them, looking at them and touching them. The childminder encourages him to explore them, making up a little game where they fly around, and this helps him to become more confident. Children develop a high level of self esteem because the childminder allows them lots of opportunities to choose activities which develops their self confidence. She gives them a great deal of praise and encouragement as they play, which makes them feel valued and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and well-cared for in this warm and welcoming home. They demonstrate great affection for one another, and for the childminder. For example, a young child comes over to her, throws his arms around her and gives her a kiss. She responds by asking him if he would like a cuddle and he climbs onto her knee and snuggles up to her. Children have the opportunity to learn about a range of cultures and beliefs through talking about a range of different festivals throughout the year. The childminder plans activities for children to develop their understanding, and she often builds on topics that have interested children when at school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved in this calm and stimulating environment. The childminder has a clear behaviour management policy which she shares with parents. In the past, the childminder has given good support to children who have English as an additional language. She did this through close liaison with the family, and using books and play to help the child learn words and phrases.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership with parents and carers that is fostered by the childminder. She provides parents with information about her provision and encourages them to visit her home a few times before the child starts. This provides valuable opportunities for the sharing of useful information, as well as giving both child and parent time to adjust to the new surroundings. Documentation is well maintained. However, the complaints procedure shows an obsolete address for the registering body, Ofsted. This could prevent parents from

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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 making an effective complaint if they wished to do so. Parents and carers are able to find out about their child's day through daily discussions with the childminder. In the case of younger children, the childminder completes a daily diary which details what the child has played with, sleeps, what was eaten, and other relevant information. This provides parents with a valuable insight into their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the efficiency of the childminder. She maintains clear records and all required documentation is in place. This good organisation provides a successful framework for children's care and it allows the childminder to spend time engaging with the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to further development of her skills and knowledge, and is currently attending training to complete the Diploma in Home-based Childcare. She keeps up to date with her practice through regular liaison with other childminders and an advisor from the National Childminding Association.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure that parental consent was obtained to enable her to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for all children if required. This issue has been satisfactorily addressed, and the childminder now requests that all parents provide this consent.

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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 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):

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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 • update complaints procedure to display the current address for Ofsted.

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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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