St Oswald's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

111369 Unique Reference Number 12 September 2007 Inspection date Gill Ogden 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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and 14-year-old son in a village on the northern outskirts of Lincoln city. All areas of the home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden suitable for outdoor play. Some amenities, such as a park, are within walking distance and the childminder also uses public transport and a car, on occasions, to access others.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children when working alone and seven when working with an assistant. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is actively involved with the local childminding group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a home that is very clean and where every effort is made to minimise the opportunities for cross-infection. The childminder carries out regular daily routines to maintain a hygienic environment and ensures children learn good personal hygiene habits, such

p.2

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 as appropriate hand washing, to keep themselves healthy. There is a list of common infectious illnesses that both the childminder and parents can use to identify the necessary exclusion periods. Close attention is paid to good nappy changing procedures and the immediate disposal of soiled nappies. Children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise by playing in the nearby park and going for walks. There is plenty of room in the garden for them to run around freely. Babies and children who need to sleep can do so comfortably and safely according to their needs.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are assured of being provided with a balanced, healthy diet by the childminder if their parents wish it. She is very aware of the importance of individual dietary needs and preferences and maintains an ongoing discussion with parents about these. Most children bring their own packed lunches and the childminder stores them safely. They have free access to fresh drinking water at all times as well as any other drink they may enjoy, including milk. Snacks are mainly fresh seasonal fruit, such as strawberries at this time of year, biscuits and cheese.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in safe and suitable premises. The childminder's home and garden are secured well and risk assessments are ongoing according to the needs of the children being cared for at any one time. The play room is very child-friendly with posters and photographs on the walls. All the necessary safety equipment is in place such as stair gates, smoke alarms and socket covers. New car safety seats have recently been purchased according to the most recent legislation. The childminder has several first aid kits for use in a variety of situations, such as when going on outings. Children learn to keep themselves safe well through, for example, following road safety procedures and learning safety rules in the home. Older children are taught how to use the 999 emergency system. All toys and play equipment are in good repair and are regularly cleaned and checked for their ongoing suitability.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further safeguarded well because the childminder has a solid understanding of her child protection responsibilities and has recently attended training regarding the latest local procedures. She is confident about working with parents around child protection issues. Vigilant procedures are in place regarding who is allowed to pick children up from the childminder.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They have a warm and caring relationship with her which provides a strong base for their care and development. Children enjoy a range of activities and use a variety of play resources that support their physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. Activities children enjoy include painting, play dough, junk modelling, dressing up, role play, stories, music and rhymes. Domestic activities, such as gardening, cooking and sorting washing, are everyday ways that children develop, for example, an understanding of the world around them and pre-mathematical skills. Children are encouraged to observe and concentrate through activities such as watching birds build their nests. Children easily access a variety of play resources because they are stored where they can reach them without difficulty. They are offered ideas for activities and the childminder also supports them

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies' physical needs, such as teething difficulties and tiredness, take priority in the plans for their day. The childminder has a solid understanding that if these basic needs are not met then

p.3

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 babies are not able to enjoy and achieve in other ways. Younger children's progress is recorded in a 'tracker' if parents wish it. The childminder has just got a copy of the Early Years foundation Stage document which she is eager to get to grips with. Children generally experience a day that has a balance of activities, but the childminder has not yet fully thought through the best ways to take into account what children have been doing when they are not with her, in order to plan for the rest of their day.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made welcome by the childminder. She is very alert to their individual and changing needs, especially those of the youngest children. Good use is made of community amenities, such as a toddler group and the library, so children soon feel a sense of belonging in the local area. Children are supported appropriately to gain an understanding of their own and differing cultures through discussions and activities such as trying a variety of food. A satisfactory range of resources are available for children to use as part of their everyday play, which helps them develop respect for all members of society. Children behave well because they know what the house rules are and gradually understand why they should not, for example, hit others or damage things. They have a good role model in the childminder who always treats them politely.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents and carers are very pleased with the care and attention the childminder gives to their children. They are especially appreciative of the extra support they receive around, for example, the anxieties of being a first time parent. The childminder is very sensitive to parents needs and happily offers them a choice of, for example, how they want to be informed about their children's day. Some prefer verbal information whilst others like to have things written down in a variety of different ways.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very experienced in caring for children and working closely with parents. She is very excited about the increased training that is now available to help her improve her practice and has already attended two workshops in the short time she has been in her new home. All the required checks have been carried out on household members and her husband provides ongoing support, whenever necessary, in his role as her assistant. The childminder has organised her home effectively for the care of children, with the key areas used being the playroom, kitchen/diner and the downstairs toilet. There is easy access to the garden and children are able to move around freely and safely all the time.

p.4

Organisation

All the required documentation is in place and records are maintained accurately and with enough detail. Extra documentation such as written polices and procedures, help to clarify the service offered for parents and provide a basis for the childminder to regularly review her provision. Overall, children's needs are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of recommendations made at the last inspection the childminder now has written parental permissions in place to allow her to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and to transport children in private or public vehicles. This ensures that there is a safer framework

p.4

Improvements 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 in place for the care of children. The childminder now has more resources in place that help children to understand better about differing cultures and abilities.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

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): • continue to develop understanding of planning and providing children with a balanced day to meet their development and learning needs.

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