St Mary's Community Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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110955 Unique Reference Number 30 August 2007 Inspection date Alison Jane Kaplonek 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 1999. She lives with her partner and their two children in the Chineham area of Basingstoke, Hampshire. She is registered to care for five children under the age of eight and presently cares for six children on a part time basis. The minded children have access to all rooms in the flat. There is a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the property. The family have pet cats, rabbits and some fish. The childminder is happy to collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is assured in the welcoming family environment. Areas and surfaces used by children are regularly cleaned or disinfected. Children play an active part in keeping themselves healthy, such as independently taking themselves to the toilets and washing their hands, although they are not fully protected from the spread of infection when drying their hands on the communal towel. Children are provided with healthy snacks and can help themselves to the range of fruit available. They have regular access to drinking water. Older

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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 children can request drinks, whilst younger children have their own drinks containers within reach. Parents are effectively involved. They are consulted about their child’s health and dietary needs and encouraged to provide healthy lunch boxes each day, the contents of which are safely stored in the fridge.

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Helping children to be healthy

Older children enjoy a good variety of indoor play and garden games which develop their physical balance and co-ordination, for example, swinging, sliding and ball games. Babies are given regular opportunities to practise their walking or crawling skills, both within the home and also when they attend toddler groups or visit soft play areas. These along with visits to the local park and regular walks to school, enhance children's physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well protected as they play in secure surroundings. They are cared for in a safe environment where access is monitored and equipment and resources are in a good condition. They are protected from any harmful substances, medicines or equipment by the use of appropriate safety measures such as stair gates, smoke alarms and cupboard locks. Children are actively involved in keeping themselves safe. They talk about road safety as they walk to and from school and know how to evacuate the flat in the case of an emergency. Children are supervised as they enter the flat and younger children are always accompanied when playing in the garden area. However, older children cannot always be seen when playing outside. Good records are kept of any accidents or medication administered and these are shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and knows who to contact for support or to report any issues which may arise. She has a good child protection policy which clearly states that she has a duty to report any concerns she may have about the children in her care, and this is shared with all parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have easy access to a good range of interesting activities and resources both inside the house and outside in the garden. They are able to make independent choices and influence their own learning and enjoyment. The childminder arranges different activities, depending on the ages and interests of the children attending each day. For example, some children are particularly interested in cooking or dressing-up, while younger children very much enjoy their trips to the music group or toddlers. Children take part in many creative activities. These are adapted to ensure younger children can also participate. Older children enjoy role play and use their imaginations well. For example, they play camping in the garden or go on treasure hunts in the local area. Children get on well together and are learning to share and take turns. They are kind and considerate towards each other and the older children look after the younger

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ones. Babies settle well and form a good relationship with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are all looked after in a caring, family environment where their needs are well met. They are all included in the life and routines of the provision, often helping to make decisions about what they want to do or where to go. They are provided with a good range of resources

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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 and activities which help them understand their own needs and those of other children, for example, books and dressing up clothes. They talk about the cultures and festivals of others and older children talk about activities they have taken part in at school. Children behave well. They are effectively supported by clear house rules, such as being kind to each other, listening and sharing. Consistent behaviour management strategies are in place and shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. Parents are kept well informed of their children's routines each day, as they talk to the childminder when they collect their children. They are provided with a full range of policies and procedures that supports the childminder's good practice. They are informed of how to make a complaint and these can be logged appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled in the safe and organised environment. They are never left alone with an un-vetted adult and clear arrangements are in place in the case of an emergency. Children benefit from the comprehensive range of health and safety policies and emergency procedures which are effectively implemented and shared with parents. The childminder keeps good records, such as a record of accidents, a register and details of any religious or dietary needs. She has a wide range of written agreements with parents which include contracts and permission slips. She deploys her time well, ensuring that the children all receive the attention they need. She is able to identify her training needs and ensures that her first aid qualification is kept up to date. She is also keen to improve her knowledge and is at present working towards the Diploma in Home Based Childcare. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure the accident and medication records are always completed and that a record of any existing injuries to children is maintained. The childminder maintains these records.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to update her knowledge of local area child protection committee procedures and contact details. She now has a clear child protection policy which includes the contact numbers for social services, the National Childminding Association and Ofsted.

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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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Complaints 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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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 that children are protected from the spread of infection when drying their hands. • ensure that children are supervised when playing in the back garden.

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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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