St. Theresa's RC Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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136825 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2007 Inspection date Elizabeth Ellen Mackey 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 1999. She lives with her husband and their three children, aged 18, 14 and 12 years. The family live in a house in a residential area, close to public transport, shops, schools, parks and pre-school facilities. The downstairs of the home is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding three children under five years on a part time basis. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. High standards of hygiene are maintained throughout the home and equipment is clean and well maintained. Children are developing good personal hygiene routines because the childminder talks to them about the importance of washing their hands. Children's medical needs are

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 discussed with parents and up-to-date records are maintained to ensure consistency of care, which benefits the children's well-being. There is a system in place to document accidents and the childminder has a written emergency medical procedure and written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy meals and regular drinks throughout the day. A varied menu of home cooked food ensures they have healthy choices. A wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables are included in meals and snacks. The childminder agrees provision with parents and caters for children's individual needs. This ensures children's nutritional needs are well met. Children are encouraged to try new foods and parents compliment the childminder for working with their child's special dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the benefits of outdoor play. The childminder makes use of her garden and takes the children on local walks to the local toddler groups, park and the library.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a child centred and well organised home. The childminder has risked assessed her home and garden and put measures in place for children to play safely both indoors and outdoors. The garden boundaries are not totally secure because the back gate is not locked, therefore a recommendation is made for improved security in the garden. The childminder supervises children closely and frequently checks on children while they sleep.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures all equipment is safe, for example resources are organised to ensure they are age appropriate. Polices and procedures underpin the childminders good practice to keep children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s overall well-being is safeguarded because the childminder understands child protection procedures and how to implement these when necessary. She is clear about her responsibility to protect children and has recently attended child protection training with the NSPCC which has increased her knowledge of safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the home, because they have an excellent relationship and rapport with the childminder. The home is organised effectively and children are able to select from a varied range of age appropriate resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the children's developmental needs and provides suitable activities to occupy and challenge them. Toys and play materials are easily accessible and equipment for babies is placed beside them on the floor so they are able to help themselves. The childminder has attended Birth to three training and implements this in her practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is very supportive and attentive to the children's needs. Their individual care routines are maintained, which enables them to settle and feel secure. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder and welcome her input in their play. The childminder balances their needs of the children well and incorporates one to one time within their day. Children enjoy going on local outings and twice weekly attend local toddler groups, where they can mix with their peers.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder creates an inclusive environment, building children's confidence and self esteem. The childminder has a good knowledge of equal opportunities. She demonstrates a very positive attitude towards inclusion and has attended training with Bromley Mencap to increase her knowledge and skills. Children have access to a very good range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and the wider world. This builds on their awareness and underpins the childminders inclusive practice. Children are well behaved and respond well to the childminder's positive attitude towards behaviour management, such as use of reward strategies and by putting clear boundaries in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds good relationships with parents, this contributes to children's well-being and helps consistency of care. There is a good flexible induction period that enables both parents and children to settle within their own time. Children's individual needs are met and their welfare promoted, because the childminder works in close partnership with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares information at the end of the day so parents are aware of what their children have been doing throughout the day. The childminder has a complaints procedure, however she does not have a record of complaints to show to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's effective organisation. She organises her time, home and the resources, to ensure children's individual needs are catered for. For example children's individual routines are adhered to and activities are organised to fit in with them. The childminder has updated her knowledge through attending training courses and is committed to further training to enhance her practice.

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Organisation

Most records and documents are well organised and used to support the care of the children and to comply with regulations. The childminder has a complaints procedure for parents, however she has not made available a complaint record. This is a regulation and is required to ensure parents are informed of any written complaints the childminder has received.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are well thought out and are shared with parents. Agreements are used to identify children's individual needs. The childminder's registration certificate is on display for parents to see. Outings to local facilities ensure minded children socialise with other adults and children in a safe environment.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her resources. This has greatly improved the play and activities for children enabling them to enjoy and achieve. The childminder has also improved her emergency procedures, ensuring that there are agreed contingency plans in in place with parents.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, Ofsted received one complaint relating to several National Standards, including National Standard 1: Suitable Person. This involved family members having sole care of children without prior parental agreement. National Standard 3: Care Learning and Play. This involved a lack of stimulation and a lack of creative activities. Ofsted made an unannounced visit to establish whether the Provider remained suitable for registration. Actions were set under National Standards 1,3 and 14. The provider responded to the actions made. Ofsted was satisfied that by taking these steps the provider met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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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): • ensure boundaries are secure so children can play safely in the garden • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and maintain a record of all complaints, ensuring appropriate information from that record is shared with parents on request.

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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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