St Mary's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 102425 Inspection date 20 June 2005 Inspector Anne-Marie Moyse

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been a registered since 1993. She lives with her husband and their two school age daughters. The childminder's mother-in-law also lives in the house. They live in a detached house situated in the village of Downderry, near to Looe on the south east coast of Cornwall. Local shops, pre-school and primary school are within walking distance. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor, except for one bedroom, with toilet and sleeping facilities in this area. The lower ground floor is inaccessible to minded children. There is a fully enclosed garden.

p.2

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 There are no pets in the house, although there is a guinea pig in a secure hutch in the garden. The childminder is able to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years, at any one time. Currently she has ten children on roll. Of these children, eight are aged under five years, and two are aged over eight years. They all attend on a part-time arrangement. The childminder is a member of the Kernow CCMA Childminding Network and the National Childminding Association. She has gained a level three Certificate in Childminding and NVQ 3 in care and education. Children are taken out regularly to the beach in Downderry, local walks, parks and woodlands. The childminder takes children to and collects them from Downderry pre-school and primary school, and Carclew Nursery at Bethany.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The children are cared for in warm, clean home where excellent hygiene routines contributes to children's understanding of good health and personal hygiene. The childminder is very diligent in ensuring children wash their hands thoroughly after toileting and before eating, to prevent cross infection and establish life long hygiene skills. Children's nappies are change appropriately and frequently to ensure children are comfortable. Consistent methods and rewards are in place to help children progress from nappies to toileting effectively. Children enjoy an excellent range of activities, which promotes good health. The children regularly walk around their local environment, including visit to the beach ensuring they have regular exercise to aid physical development. The childminder has an extensive range of outdoor equipment, of various sizes, so that all children can enjoy swinging, sliding and develop control of their bodies. During poor weather

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

she ensures that children still have opportunity for physical play by organising indoor games, such as obstacle courses and dancing games, helping to extend children's skills and range of movement. The childminder’s clear understanding of child development allows her to provide activities suitable for each child's development stage and confidence. Babies have appropriate equipment and support from the childminder to ensure that they are able to safely explore their environment and develop physical skills. Children are beginning to have a very clear understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder regularly offers fresh drinks to all the children, including babies, especially in warm weather and after physical play raising their awareness of the need to drink. Food offered to children is of very high quality, nutritious, well balanced, and appealing to the children. Mealtimes are exceptionally well organised,

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

a relaxed and social time. Adults and children all sit and eat together, promoting good social skills, and an opportunity for children to discuss likes and dislikes and social

p.3

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 events. Attractively served food meets each child's individual dietary needs, it allows children to try various foods and make healthy choices.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a spacious and well organised home where hazards are minimised to ensure children are not at risk from harm. They are able to move confidently and securely in the home and in the enclosed garden, developing their independence. The childminder is vigilant and promotes children's safety through discussion and careful planning, clearly explaining why actions may cause harm to themselves or others. On outings the childminder places a high priority on safety, using various safety aids and procedures, explaining to children how to cross roads and be aware of the passing cars. A good range of toys and equipment are readily available and easily accessible to children. Children of all ages are able to enjoy using the extensive range of outdoor equipment suitable to their ability. The toys and equipment are of good quality and clean so children are not at risk from any dangers. The childminder has a clear

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection procedures, has written policies, and appropriate documentation, which she shares with parents. This ensures children's welfare and safety is promoted. However, the childminder does not make records of any concerns or daily events which might have an impact on the future care of children.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children clearly enjoy being at the childminder's home. On arrival, they are confident and happy to make themselves at home, quickly settle and access the toys and resources made available to them. Children of various ages relate well to each other. Older children independently help to find toys for the younger children, sitting and looking at books together, or finding an interesting toy for the baby. All children enjoy sitting and listening to stories and work with the childminder to make jigsaw puzzles, developing their concentration and language skills. Activities such as water play, baking and craft are planned and available for the children on a routine basis so they can develop and explore a range of sensory experiences helping to develop their creativity. The childminder promotes children’s learning through excellent questions and conversations, ensuring all children are included in language development regardless

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of their age and ability. Children talk freely about their home life and recent experiences. Babies respond well to the childminder's facial expressions and gentle chatter, which aids their communication development.

p.4

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 Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are developing independence and confidence through the routine and secure environment. Children's routines are discussed with parents and consistent practices are followed by the childminder, meeting children's individual needs well. Children behave very well and enjoy each other’s company, playing games and laughing together. They show concern and help each other in their play and routine activities. The good role models of the adults in the home help children to be respectful and learn good social skills. All children are involved in purposeful activities, regardless of their age and ability through the childminders knowledge and skill of adapting activities to meet children's individual needs and abilities. Children are developing an awareness of the wider world through

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

walks around their local community and talking about holidays and places they have visited. They are beginning to recognise their own personal needs and ask for help when needed, such as lunchtime. However the childminder does not keep written records on incidents or of baby's food intakes and nappies to share with parents.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is extremely well organised and confident in her care for the children. She has clear and effective routines for the children, which helps them feel secure and confident. The home is thoughtfully organised so children can freely access the facilities and resources, allowing them to become independent. Most documentation is meticulously completed and stored confidentially. Written policies are available and shared with parents ensuring the care and welfare of the children is a priority. The childminder plans effectively and is well prepared to meet the individual needs of all the children attending the setting, therefore the provision meets the needs of the range of children attending.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder agreed to improve her provision by obtaining written agreement from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, and to improve the range of resources that reflected positive images of equal opportunity. The childminder has obtained consent from all parents on the arrangement for her to seek advice or administer first aid. This ensures the in the event of an accident or medical emergency the children's needs are the priority. The childminder has also reviewed her resources reflecting positive images of equal opportunity and has extended her range of books and resources available to the children. Children now enjoy reading stories and looking at pictures that help them to understand the diversity of our society.

p.5

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:

p.5

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.

p.6

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): • improve documentation to include maintaining a record of any concerns, incidents or significant events in the child’s day or development, and to keep parents informed of baby’s food intakes and nappies.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6