Our Lady's Catholic Primary School, Alcester

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

125704 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2005 Inspection date Beth Kingsland Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 registered since July 1997. She lives close to schools, pre-schools and parks and provides a drop-off and pick-up service for children within her care.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children on a rota basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The children are cared for on the ground floor of her home, which consists of a playroom, lounge, hall way and kitchen. The children use a downstairs and first floor toilet.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association and local childminding network. The childminder has been accredited as part of the NCMA's Quality Childminding Charter and is registered to accept funded children.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a environment that contributes effectively to their good health. There are regular visits into the local area, for example parks and playgrounds, which supports their increasing physical skills. The childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework. Children's emotional well-being is extended through activities that allow them to express and communicate their feelings freely, for example, young children responding to questions through hand movements and vocal sounds. They are encouraged to gain increasing control of their own bodies and receive good support from the childminder.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a nutritious and balanced diet, which is varied to meet their individual needs. They are encouraged to make independent food choices, for example young children are beginning to feed themselves and make decisions about their likes and dislikes. Children are regularly offered a range of drinks throughout the day.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to learn about the importance of good personnel hygiene routines. They wash their hands before meal times and independently select tissues when required. Procedures for changing nappies afford children their privacy and dignity and are completed hygienically and safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can move freely within the well-organised, inviting environment. Comprehensive risk-assessment procedures ensure children have easy and free access to a good range of well-maintained equipment, that is effectively organised to encourage the children to select independently. For example, resources are presented in sliding boxes that are organised for their stages of abilities.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are very aware of the importance of staying safe, for example, tidy away equipment before selecting others, this ensures easy access and freedom of movement. They are kept free from harm when they are away from the premises, due to close supervision and the childminders clear knowledge of health and safety procedures. However, the childminder does not always ensure children are safe while travelling, as inconsistent procedures are used to store information of individual children. Babies can sleep safely within a well-maintained comfortable environment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's welfare is not effectively safeguarded with regard to protecting them from possible child protection issues. Although the childminder was aware of the signs and symptoms, she has a limited knowledge of the procedures to follow in line with the Area Child Protection Procedures.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children experience a wide variety of purposeful and meaningful activities that are planned well to meet their differing needs and abilities. They are well-settled and are confident within the surroundings of the childminders home. They have developed good relationships together. Children play in harmony with each other using simple gestures to communicate their thoughts and feelings, for example, identifying the sounds of animals and vehicles.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children can freely select and show increasing independence as they choose and make individual choices. They benefit from activities that allow them to explore, express and use their imaginations, for example story and singing sessions. Children's work is valued and displayed sensitively within the home. The childminders sensitive use of the Birth to three matters framework results in younger children experiencing activities that allow them to explore, discover, imitate and discover.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children attend a variety of groups, for example musical sessions and trips to the local library. This allows them to socialise with other children and experience a balance of meaningful and purposeful experiences that extend their knowledge and increase their awareness of the local and wider environment. Children can select from an appropriate range of equipment that promotes positive images. This increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children gain increasing self-assurance through a strong relationship with the childminder. Their views and beliefs are valued and appreciated. They are encouraged to persevere and make personnel choices. This results in children who are well behaved and tolerant of others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's needs are further extend with the strong relationship developed between the childminder and parents and cares. Parents receive clear information about children's daily routine and are encouraged to share any concerns.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from clear routines and a well organised environment. They are supported in a warm and caring home, which supports their growing social confidence allowing them to be valued and appreciated.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has adopted clear polices and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She is aware of the importance of recording and keeping regulatory documentation and these have been maintained well to highlight children's individual needs.

p.4

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 There are clear planning systems in place to ensure effective procedures are adopted to keep children safe and enable them to make good progress. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who are cared for by the childminder

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Ofsted childcare inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge of special needs, develop clear emergency evacuation procedures and keep clear records of all household members. The childminder has made good progress in addressing the recommendations. She has attended training to improve her knowledge of supporting children with special needs and has written clear polices, which have been adopted in to her practice. Children are very familiar with the procedures for emergency evacuation and the childminder has introduced these as part of their everyday play. Clear information is now kept of all household members, including, emergency contact and information of allergies and illnesses.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have no complaints to report since the last inspection.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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.5

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): • develop knowledge of child protection issues and procedures • ensure clear and accurate information is kept of children while away from home

p.5

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

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

p.5