St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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104667 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2007 Inspection date Judith Harris 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 satisfactory. 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 1997. She lives with her partner and three children in the North Devon town of Bideford. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local groups and takes children to the local parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has experience of supporting and caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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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 one over five before and after school. No children were present at the inspection

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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 satisfactory. The childminder describes the suitable range of hygiene routines she uses with children and demonstrates how she follows good health guidelines. Children are supported to learn simple hygiene practice; they wash hands before eating, after toileting and when they come in from play or nursery. The childminder changes nappies on a mat and she uses anti-bacterial wipes for the mat and other surfaces. To maintain hygiene routines on outings the childminder and takes wipes so that children can clean their hands and faces. The childminder has current first aid certificate, she has medication records that are shared with parents as appropriate. The childminder's sick child policy ensures that she excludes sick children to help prevent the spread of infection wherever possible. Children's sleep or rest needs can be adequately met within the daily routines which are discussed and agreed with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to access a suitable range of physical play to support them to develop a broad range of physical skills and to take part in daily exercise. The children play in the garden and go to the park or local groups where they can play with a wider range of equipment. Children with disabilities are clearly being well supported to develop their skills. The childminder ensures that all children have time to walk at least some of the way to school to extend their opportunities to exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents supply meals for children and the childminder works with the parents to ensure children are supplied with a balanced, healthy diet. The childminder provides snacks and drinks that are available at all times. Children are encouraged to develop suitable levels of independence by beginning to feed themselves and to use different types of cups for drinks. If children have dietary restrictions the childminder asks parents about these and she is aware of different allergies and food intolerances that may affect a child's diet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has very carefully risk assessed her home and written a report to show the steps she has taken to minimise any risks. Children have a clean well organised environment to play in. They have use of the sitting room where there is lots of clear floor space for play. The toilet is next to kitchen which also gives access to a small fully enclosed garden. The childminder sets out activities, toys and equipment for the children daily. In the kitchen the childminder explains how she supervises the children to ensure they do not have access to any hazardous materials and items. There is a safety gate on the stairs, socket covers in all unused sockets and smoke alarms on both floors. The childminder has drawn up a detailed plan for emergency evacuation procedures which shows escape plans. The childminder reports that children are constantly supervised to support safety. Children are kept safe on outings by the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

use of buggies and holding hands when walking and the use of good road crossing practise. Each child has a wrist bands for identity to wear on outings. Accident records are present and shared with parents.

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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 Childminder has a wide range of toys and equipment which she checks on regular basis to ensure they are safe and clean. The toys are stored to allow age appropriate equipment and resources to be directly accessible to the children so that they can freely and safely choose from the range provided. The childminder closely monitors the children's choice to ensure they are safe and suitably used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has made herself familiar with the paperwork and procedures for recording and reporting child protection issues; she has downloaded information from the internet and has booked a course. The childminder has a written policy which shows a clear understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and procedures to follow if an allegation is made against her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has records and plans that show that she works closely with parents and other professionals to plan and provide an effective range of activities to support children's learning and development. The childminder is teaching the children about shape and colour. She explains that she uses puzzles and sponge painting with different shapes and colours as well as shape sorters. The childminder is able to communicate with children in different ways. She uses Makaton signs and a range of picture cards as well as spoken language to develop and extend children's communication skills. Children go to the park and local groups to extend the range of activities which are provided. The childminder demonstrates that she is creative about how she organises the day so that it is flexible enough to meet each child's needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework which she uses alongside other frameworks that support the children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works towards ensuring all children have equal access to all activities. She encourages children to play with all toys and to be involved in play. Children with learning difficulties and disabilities take part fully in all activities. The childminder works with parents and other professional to ensure that activities are adapted to ensure inclusion. There are activities that help children to look at different countries and animals but activities that extend children's understanding of the wider world are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a well written behaviour management policy and children are encouraged to treat others as they would like to be treated. The childminder uses sign language, picture cards and spoken language to improve communication. Childminder clearly describes the ways in which she helps to prevent children from becoming frustrated and upset. She uses pictures of a clock and of the daily events to explain the structure of the day to help the children feel secure within the routines. The childminder encourages sharing and plays games with the children that encourage them to wait and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has daily talks with parents to share progress and any concerns. She uses a settling in period to enable her to get to know the children well. The childminder works closely

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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 with everyone involved in the care of a child to ensure plans are shared. Parents have complaints details and a log is kept of any complaints

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has well organised records that contain information on any medical conditions, allergies or dietary restrictions. Children's details, emergency contact numbers and a daily register. The childminder has a number of written policies and procedures. No children were present at this inspection

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Organisation

The childminder has completed a teaching assistant course in encouraging English, maths and reading and writing skills. She is currently studying for a degree in psychology. The childminder is pro-active about organising her service she has downloaded documents from the Ofsted site and uses National Childminder Association contracts completed and signed.

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Organisation

Childminder is aware of her responsibility to ensure that minded children are not left unsupervised with any unchecked person.

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Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made suitable improvements she has a written policy that details steps to be taken if child protection allegations are made against her. Accidents records are present and shared with parents who sign them. The childminder shows that she knows what events she must inform Ofsted of. There is a complaints log and details of how to make a complaint available for parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

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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 records 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 satisfactory. 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 activities that extend children's understanding of the wider world.

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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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