St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, Stanley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 114245 Inspection date 03 August 2005 Inspector Karin Lane

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1995. She lives with her 3 children aged 2, 12 and 14 years, in Ashington, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children under 5 part-time and 2 children over 5 years after school. The childminder drives to collect children from school. Children over the age of 8 years are also cared for.

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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 The family have two dogs and a horse; the latter is not kept at the family home.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted in a clean environment. There are suitable procedures in place for medicines and dealing with accidents, although the childminder has not sought written permission for emergency treatment from parents. There are good arrangements for the hygienic care of pets. Children experience regular vigorous exercise during outings to local woods and when playing in the garden. Consistency of care is provided as children's sleep routines from home are followed. Children's dietary needs, including allergies, are respected; parents provide most food, which is stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Water is freely available for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe as the childminder has identified potential hazards in her well maintained home, making sure, for example, that gates and doors are secure. She ensures children are well supervised at all times, including when travelling by car or on outings. Suitable emergency arrangements are in place. Children can choose from a wide range of clean, good quality toys and equipment for both indoor and outdoor play. Toys are readily accessible to children, stored in open topped boxes and on low shelving, which promotes their independence. The childminder understands her responsibilities regarding child protection and has sound knowledge of the procedures to follow in order to promote children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit as the childminder plans her day with respect to their routines, such as when they need to sleep. There are plenty of opportunities for children to play outside in sand or on the slide and to experience adventurous play when in the playhouse. Children play with dough, exploring its properties and attempting to make shapes and patterns with plastic tools. They can make marks on chalkboards. These experiences help children learn and indicate that the childminder has an understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and realistic expectations about what children can do. Children enjoy their play and become engrossed in it, playing alongside one another and talking about what they are doing. The childminder devotes her time to the children. She has built a warm, friendly relationship with children, resulting in them being well-settled and happy.

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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. Children's individual needs and routines are met, based on written information from parents. There are good settling in procedures and parents are encouraged to visit with their children on a number of occasions, so they can all get to know one another. Although a concern raised did not directly impact on the care of children, the childminder has not maintained a complaints log to share with parents. There are sufficient plans in place if children with special needs are to be cared for. Children learn about a wider society as the childminder discusses issues and answers their questions honestly at their level of understanding. However, readily available resources to promote diversity are limited. Children behave well, as the childminder uses positive behaviour management techniques based on a child's level of understanding. Children play harmoniously together and show awareness of others'

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs by, for example, comforting an upset child by cuddling them spontaneously.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home and time well to meet children's needs. Routines are respected and plenty of available toys make a welcoming environment for children. Children have plenty of stimulating activities provided for them. The care of children has been enhanced as the childminder has attended training for first aid and child protection. All required documentation is held. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children cared for well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection a recommendation was made for the childminder to complete an appropriate first aid course. The childminder has attended an approved first aid course and holds a current certificate. Children's well-being is increased as the childminder has up-to-date training.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 Ofsted has received two complaints, both relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person and National Standard 12: Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers. These concerns were investigated by Ofsted. The provider continues to remain qualified for registration.

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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 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): • ensure a complaint log is maintained and available for parents to read • ensure written permission for emergency treatment is sought from parents

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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