Saint George Catholic Voluntary Aided College Southampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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116507 Unique Reference Number 06 September 2007 Inspection date Samantha Hunt 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 has been registered since 1991. She lives with her husband on a farm in Wooburn Moor, near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Children have access to the lounge, kitchen, bathroom and one bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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 10 children, of whom five are under eight years of age. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children to, and collects them, from local schools and nurseries. She attends and helps out at the local toddler group on a regular basis. The family have two dogs and two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing good independence skills as they freely take themselves off to the toilet when they need too. They know they need to wash their hands and confidentially show the childminder they have done so when they come back to the play area. The childminder

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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 reinforces good hygiene through positive discussion with the children. For example, she gives gentle reminders about flushing the toilet. Resources such as liquid soap and paper towels are easily accessible in the bathroom further promote independence. Younger children have nappies checked and changed at regular intervals throughout the day. The childminder follows effective steps to ensure that risk of cross infection is minimized by wearing gloves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to develop physical skills. There is a wide variety of toys and resources, such as bikes for all ages, climbing equipment, bats and balls available in the big outside play area. The childminder has a very positive approach to fresh air and exercise. Children access the garden on a daily basis and go on walks within the community such as to the local parks and surrounding countryside. This helps to promote and develop their health and well-being further.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has effective procedures in place to record accidents. For example, she keeps a record of accidents children have had whilst not in her care in addition to any accidents they may have had when she is caring for them. She obtains written permission from parents to seek emergency first aid treatment and administer medication. The first aid kit is stored within easy reach and regular by the childminder to ensure items are in date. This ensure she is able to act in the best interests of the child at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to a wide variety of good quality toys and resources both inside and out to aid their all round development. Many toys are stored with easy access at ground level for the children. The childminder carries out regular checks of toys, with broken ones being mended or thrown out to ensure they do not cause harm to the children. Children are supervised effectively by the childminder, as she ensures they remain in her sight or hearing at all times. She has clear procedures for outings such as obtaining written parental consent, taking emergency contact numbers and getting children to wear wristbands with her mobile number on, so that she can be contacted if they get lost.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children begin to become aware of their own safety. For example, the childminder encourages them to be careful when riding the bikes down the ramp and practices the emergency evacuation procedure with them. The childminder carries out daily informal checks of her home to ensure all areas are safe for the children to access. Safety features such as a fireguard, fire blanket, stair gate, socket covers and cupboard/door locks ensure children are unable to access items of harm. However, although there are smoke alarms on both levels of the property, the ground floor smoke alarm is not in working.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very good understanding of child protection. She is aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for and is clear about the procedures to follow if she has a concern. She holds all relevant documentation to support her and shares a written policy with parents detailing her duty to report any concerns she may have. This ensures children’s health, safety and welfare are promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to form relationships with others within the setting and through visits into the community. They relate very well towards the childminder and others.

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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 For example, children cheerfully greet the childminders husband when he pops in during the morning. The childminder shows children warmth and affection, children are comfortable to request a cuddle or reassurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children gain confidence and develop independence as they self-select from a good selection of resources within easy reach. Through discussion and interaction with the childminder, they have opportunities to reinforce number and counting skills, and learn colours. Children begin to initiate their own play well, for example playing contently with cars on the car mat and making picnics on the lounge floor. Children eagerly make a meal for the childminder asking her what she would like and if she wants any more. She extends their learning well asking them questions to make them think such as which item is a fruit or vegetable. The childminder engages children in conversation well and interacts with them positively. She praises and encourages the children for their efforts; this helps them to develop self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a flexible but balance routine throughout the day, which allows the children time to play freely, take part in structured activities and rest. She demonstrates a clear understanding of the children’s needs, and knows what they like. This helps to promote children’s well being in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a good sense of security and belonging. The childminder shows them warmth and kindness, and interacts with them positively giving praise and encouragement regularly. This helps children to feel valued and comfortable in her care. Children begin to learn about the wider world. Through positive discussion with the childminder, they learn to develop positive attitudes towards one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is good. Children co-operate well together, for example playing with and sharing the picnic resources. The childminder has a consistent approach to behaviour management, and sets clear boundaries for both children and parents. The childminder is a good role model for example, calmly asking children to wait whilst she finishes talking and then praising them for doing so.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have their individual needs valued and respected by the childminder. She liaises with their parents prior to them starting and on a daily basis to ensure she meets their individual needs. The childminder provides parents with written policies, which include sickness, equal opportunities, behaviour management, child protection and how to make a complaint. This helps to inform parents about the setting and thus promote children welfare and well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Effective organisation of the home and garden allows children to play and relax freely. Children have opportunities to explore and develop with confidence because they are able to select most toys and activities with ease. The childminder supports children well in their play and this helps them to feel secure within the setting.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation that contributes to children's welfare and safety is in place; however, some documents are not individual to the setting. For example, parents are currently asked to fill in some information on old local authority headed paper. The childminder has a

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 positive approach to her childminding. She takes effective steps to improve and keep up to date through with current practise, such as attending training and meeting up with other childminders. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to maintain a record of all medication administered and obtain parent's prior written consent. Since her last inspection the childminder has not administered any medication to children, however she is clear about the procedures she will follow. She has documentation in place to record medication should she be asked to administer it, this also include a section for parents to fill out giving their prior written consent.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • ensure all smoke alarms are regularly checked and in working order at all times • update documentation to ensure it is individual to the setting.

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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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