St Clement's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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111320 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 Inspection date Coral Hales 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 in 1997. She lives with her husband and one adult and two teenage children in the village of Hedge End near Southampton in Hampshire. The whole of the house is available for childminding however, childminding takes place on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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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. She is currently minding three children under five during the day and one over five before and after school. She walks or drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the Southampton Childminding Association. The family has a cat, two rabbits and two guinea pigs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming family home, which offers them an interesting environment in which to play and learn. They are helped to understand that washing their

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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 hands after using the toilet, after touching pets and generally before meals helps to keep them healthy. Suitable nappy changing arrangements minimise the spread of infection and meet the younger children's needs. Correct procedures are in place to ensure that sick children are well cared for and emergency advice/treatment consent is maintained. Children are able to rest and play as part of their daily routine and this aids healthy growth and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and receive a nutritious diet because the parents provide for all their needs. The childminder has a suitable understanding of healthy eating and liaises with parents to discuss any individual dietary needs. Children begin to understand about different foods as they take part in cookery activities and help to make their own sandwiches. Drinks are made available to all children whenever needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of physical exercise and they use the garden frequently using the good variety of equipment to develop new skills. They crawl in and out of the tunnel, play in the tent and ride around in the sit and ride cars and enjoy themselves playing together in the fresh air. Children have opportunities to go on trips to the local park, the library and recently enjoyed a picnic in the ground of Winchester Cathedral following a concert they attended.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe as a result of the childminder's good awareness of health and safety issues. All reasonable steps are taken to maintain their safety and children play in safe and secure premises. For example, stair gates are used appropriately and effective fire safety procedures are in place. Children are becoming aware of how to take care of themselves and others. For example, they are careful not to leave small items around in case the younger children pick them up. Suitable and safe systems are in place to ensure young children are kept safe when in the car and when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a good range of play materials, resources and toys which are well-maintained and suitably stored to allow children easy access to those that are suitable for their age. Further resources are safely stored for the older children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder is aware of her responsibilities for their well-being. She understands her role in child protection and she has up-to-date knowledge of local guidance and is able to put appropriate procedures in place if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed environment that allows them to feel secure and they benefit from the good relationships they have with the childminder. The environment for the children is fun and they are keen to take part in all activities. For example, they enjoy planting runner beans and observe as the cress they planted in small bowls continues to grow. Children's imagination is stimulated as they, for example, use a large box to make a boat and they giggle at each other as they put on elephant masks to play the doughnut ring game. They enjoy using the aeroplane, the small world village and roadway and they use equipment with increasing confidence and control. The childminder interacts well with the children and extends their learning for example, during a game they count and recognise colours and shapes together. She has knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework, however does not currently use

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

this to assist her to develop new ideas to support and stimulate the learning of children under

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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 three. The garden is used effectively to maximise play opportunities and children use bats and balls and walk around on step stilts and watch the rabbit and guinea pigs in their enclosures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed and the childminder ensures that she is aware of all their individual needs. They become aware of themselves as individuals and are helped to understand the needs of others. Children are praised regularly as they complete tasks and this promotes confidence, independence and helps to develop their self esteem. An adequate selection of resources to promote positive images of diversity are available to the children for example, play figures. The childminder further builds their knowledge through discussion and effective use of books. Although the childminder has no experience of providing care for children having identified special needs, she is aware of children's developmental stages. Consequently, she feels able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress and obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave generally well and begin to accept the boundaries set by the childminder who manages their behaviour well. She gives sensitive support to help them begin to manage their own behaviour and to develop their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is good. Effective and friendly relationships have been established and good communication helps them to ensure children's needs are met and their wishes followed. A complaints system is in place, however the childminder does not have a sound knowledge of the new guidance. Parents are given an information pack and this ensures that they are kept informed about the childminding service offered. Written agreements are in place and required consents are maintained. Parents have confirmed in writing that the childminder is extremely welcoming and a competent practitioner.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are organised to meet the needs of the children both indoors and outdoors. They benefit from the separate playroom which is well stocked with toys and resources to support their learning. Children are settled and move around safely, with independence and effective supervision. The childminder has a generally good understanding of the documentation and records to be kept. Children have opportunities for free play with their friends and to participate in activities and outings as planned by the childminder.

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Organisation

Children's welfare and care is promoted generally well because the childminder has a good knowledge of the documentation and records to be kept. Daily discussions with parents take place to ensure information is exchanged to ensure their wishes are followed. This helps to ensure continuity of care is provided. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has maintained a daily register which includes children's times of arrival and departure and has practised regular emergency evacuations with the children. This has improved children's safety and well-being in her care and ensures all required documentation is completed.

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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 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): • develop knowledge of the new complaints procedures and ensure parents are informed

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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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