Holy Rosary Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 104373 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Sally Hall

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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 lives with her husband and one daughter in a semi-detached bungalow in Marldon on the outskirts of Paignton. Children have use of all areas within the home except the daughter's bedroom. There is a secure patio area to the rear of the house and an enclosed front garden. She has been registered as a childminder since 1993 and offers a flexible service. She is currently caring for eleven children at various times across the week including before and after school.

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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 Children with special needs would be welcomed into the setting, as would children with English as an additional language. The only pet is a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and hygiene awareness is encouraged through the childminder's good routines within the home and with the children. For example, children are reminded of the importance to wash hands, have their individual towels, and take their shoes off before entering the lounge to ensure crawling babies have a clean environment. Children are protected well from the sun. Particular attention is given to sleeping babies who are checked regularly and have their individual cot sheets. Children's dietary needs are met well. Meals are provided by the parents, and the childminder respects their wishes and will supplement meals as necessary. Children's individual dietary requirements and routines are closely followed. For example, children who are vegetarian or only have organic food are catered for. Children enjoy a healthy diet at the childminder's, with parents supplying fruit for

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Helping children to be healthy

snack time. Younger children are supported well and the childminder is using the Birth to three matters framework to support their placement. Children's physical development is encouraged with regular visits to the park and play opportunities within the garden.

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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 very caring environment and have a good rapport with each other and the childminder to give them security and confidence. Overall children's safety is ensured by the good precautions taken within the home and garden. However, there are some hazards that could pose a risk to older children, for example, sharp knives accessible in the kitchen. Children are supervised well at all times and reminded to ask before stroking the dog of a neighbour walking past the front gate. Children have a range of well-presented resources to play with, which are rotated, and provide children with a variety of play opportunities to play together. For example, the role-play equipment is set up by the children in the garden as a restaurant, shop, and home corner. Children's welfare is well-supported through the childminder's commitment to updating her knowledge of child protection and first aid.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a good range of play opportunities to stimulate them and encourage their development. They enjoy role-play, and the childminder takes an active role in this. For example, choosing from the menu with them and cooking, with children saying we are 'childminders'. Children are confident to ask for more resources or change the resources and enjoy having the opportunity to play indoors and outside. Children receive praise and encouragement and clearly enjoy being together and with the childminder. Children's development is supported by the training completed by the childminder in 'Inclusive play'. For example, sharing of resources, taking turns and older children are being thoughtful to the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children respond extremely well to each other and the childminder. They are very caring and reminded of the importance to share and take turns. Children are listened to by the childminder and are confident, very well behaved, and happy. The older children are consistently encouraged to help the younger children. For example, to help put on their shoes before going to school, and to wait for each other to finish at meal times. Children have a warm rapport with neighbours who enjoy talking to the children and are involved in the local community and local activities and events, for example, at the local church. Children are all treated equally and children with special needs have been minded previously. Children's parents are kept exceptionally well informed of their child's day and progress and they clearly value the care given by the childminder. For example, children being placed on recommendation from other parents. Some children have

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Helping children make a positive contribution

been with the childminder since babies and she now minds their siblings, ensuring continuity of care. Children build excellent relationships and attend each other's birthday parties. Parents demonstrate their appreciation strongly to the childminder and value the care she gives to the children and how they are involved in the local community.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's routines are followed well by the childminder who regularly liaises well with parents to ensure consistency of care. The day is organised to give children a range of play and rest periods depending on their age.

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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 Children's records are maintained to ensure the childminder has all relevant information to support them. Documentation is shared with parents. The childminder keeps individual folders for each of the outcomes for children, to support her in meeting them. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was recommended to add children's surnames to the register. This has been completed and shows clearly which children are in attendance.

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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): • assess the risks to children of different ages within the home and garden and take action to minimise these.

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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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