Wardour Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 126430 Inspection date 14 July 2005 Inspector Jane Wakelen

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and three children aged eleven, nine and six years in Aylesford. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years during term time only and one child over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools and attends the local toddler group.

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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 one dog, two cats, two gerbils and fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and hygiene procedures are promoted well. Children learn hygiene routines, such as washing hands after playing with the animals and before eating. They use antibacterial soap and kitchen towel to prevent the risk of cross-infection, gaining an understanding of the importance of daily hygiene routines through constant reminders. Children are protected from illness through the childminder's good understanding of health issues and clear, concise paperwork, including policies, that are available to the parents. Healthy eating is promoted through careful choices that the childminder makes available; therefore children are able to make informed choices and learn the value of healthy eating through discussion. The childminder uses information from parents to ensure children's dietary needs are met, including any allergies or food preferences. She has a good understanding of stages of development and works with the parents

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Helping children to be healthy

from the weaning stage through to normal solids, to ensure children receive a healthy, nutritional diet. Physical exercise is promoted on a daily basis; children develop skills, such as throwing and climbing. They learn how their bodies work and improve their co-ordination during walks in the woods and whilst visiting local parks and playgrounds. The childminder encourages children to be active and to understand the importance of exercise to promote their well-being.

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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 safe, secure environment where risks are identified and recorded and measures are put in place to minimise potential hazards. Children are able to move around freely and independently, whilst learning about hazards through clear explanations from the childminder. They use a variety of equipment which is safe, meets the British safety standard and is suitable for their age and stage of development. Children are encouraged to use play equipment outside and learn about keeping themselves safe when using large play equipment in the garden and when on outings. They gain an understanding about potential hazards and learn to help younger children develop an awareness of danger, both indoors and outdoors. The childminder has a good written portfolio which informs parents about all safety aspects of her care, including a fire evacuation plan. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understands the course to follow if she had any concerns. She has relevant phone

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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 numbers available, together with written information from the relevant authorities, to ensure children's wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children feel welcome in an inviting environment. They experience a good range of activities, both inside and outside, which the childminder plans in order to extend children's skills, interest and development. She adapts activities for the different ages of the children, to enable all children to participate. Toys are rotated, to ensure that children's interest is engaged and that children are able to make choices in order to meet their own particular interests. Children are encouraged to become involved in art and craft activities, such as junk modelling and cooking, on a regular basis. The childminder uses these activities to develop children's language and mathematical skills, as well as extending their creativity and imagination. Children are offered a challenge using large play equipment in the garden, and local walks to the park and woods invite questions regarding the natural world. They learn to become independent and develop

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

self-confidence through working with other children, and by praise and encouragement from the childminder. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the Birth to three matters framework, as she provides activities that all children can participate in and use their senses to experiment and explore. Strong links between home and her provision ensure children's needs are provided for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment where they develop a sense of belonging and self-esteem, due to the care and attention received from the childminder. She is respectful of all children's needs, and values them as individuals, helping children's understanding of the diverse society they live in; she gives clear explanations to children's questions regarding colour or disability. Children are encouraged to make choices and to become independent. They learn to care for each other, and gain an understanding of their own and others' needs, whilst working together in small groups. Children behave well, understanding the childminder's expectations and simple house rules. They show respect for her judgement and co-operate with the boundaries set and with each other. Partnership with parents is very good. Parents are given clear information informing them about the care their child receives, through a contact book for the younger

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children and verbal feedback for the school age children. All relevant information regarding the child is obtained, to ensure their individual needs are met, and accurate data is kept on a daily basis regarding any medication or treatment needed.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and settled in a welcoming environment. They experience a good range of activities, both indoors and outdoors, and their individual routines are catered for within the plans for the day. The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure that the children's needs are met and that they receive continuity of care. The childminder is aware of 'Birth to three matters' framework. She uses her knowledge of child development, and previous nursing training, to provide stimulating activities and experiences, in order to enhance the knowledge and development of the children in her care. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role and ensures all her paperwork is up to date and completed on a regular basis, which ensures parents are kept informed about their children. However, written consent for photographs and sun cream has not been obtained, although a verbal agreement is in place. Overall, the

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Organisation

setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to write some sample menus for parents to see. These have now been written and are included in the childminder's portfolio.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents for photographs and application of suncream • implement a system for recording visitors to maintain children's safety at all

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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 times

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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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