St Richard's VC Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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141649 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2007 Inspection date Sylvia Crawford 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 registered in 1981. She lives on a well established estate close to central Milton Keynes and within walking distance of local shops, pre-school and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses the whole house for childminding which includes rest and toilet facilities. There is a garden available for children's outside play. The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends a toddler group on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children. She currently has one child on roll. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for within a very well maintained and hygienic environment. The childminder employs stringent and thorough hygiene routines and procedures, which ensure children are kept healthy. Effective written policies support the excellent practice. Extremely good procedures

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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 are in place in relation to the personal hygiene and hand washing of the childminder and minded children. Consequently, children are learning the importance of good personal hygiene practices.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an excellent policy in relation to sick children which protects other children from the risk of infection, and that ensures that children who are ill receive the best care. For example, children who are infectious are not allowed to attend in order to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she is confident in the event of an accident. Records include all required details and as a result, children's health is very well fostered in line with parents' wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy an excellent range of activities and experiences indoors, outdoors and away from the childminding setting which actively contribute to their very good health and well-being. They have the opportunity for fresh air and exercise as they cycle from school, play at the local park and when they go for walks. Children enjoy going with the childminder on organised trips and outings in the school holidays. At home children develop their small physical skills, for example, doing puzzles and using construction sets supports the development of hand/eye coordination and finger control.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy, varied and nutritious diet, with all meals and snacks taking account of the children's individual dietary needs. For example, the childminder takes a snack for the cycle journey home after school so that children can take a break and have something to eat. Children enjoy a relaxed and sociable time while eating. The childminder uses herself as a good role model and encourages good manners, for example, saying 'please' and 'thank you'. Comprehensive and imaginative menus are devised by the childminder in consultation with the older children so that they can experience all types of food. Children are able to access drinks on a regular basis throughout the day and they are confident to ask for snacks and drinks when feeling hungry or thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment where any risks are identified and minimised. This is because the childminder is extremely vigilant and carries out a regular risk assessment to reduce potential hazards. Appropriate safety precautions are in place such as stair gates in place and dangerous substances stored out of child reach. Effective practices ensure that children can move around safely, freely and with some independence. Children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe, for example, they take part in regular fire drills so they know what to do in the event of an emergency. The childminder keeps an 'emergency bag' near the front door, which contains items they may need after evacuating and information such as emergency contact numbers. The childminder has an agreement with other registered childminders who would offer support in the event of an unforeseen emergency. The childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is also vigilant about children's safety when on outings and when they are cycling, for example, she always carries a first aid kit and contact details. The children learn about road safety when out and how to keep themselves safe when crossing the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children foster their independence skills as they choose for themselves from an exceptional range of toys, play materials and equipment. These include items to promote children’s development in all areas. The range of resources is of a very high quality and they are imaginatively and attractively presented. Consequently, children are interested and excited by what is on offer. The childminder does a regular check of toys and resources, to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm children.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and understands her role in safeguarding children. The childminder keeps up to date with child protection information through relevant literature. Consequently, she is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. The childminder ensures that parents understand her responsibilities through her well-written and clear child protection policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have an excellent relationship with the childminder and are confident and happy in her care. They enjoy the welcoming, child-orientated environment and this contributes towards their sense of belonging. The childminder knows the children very well and she often cares for children for several years. The childminder has a lot of experience in caring for children and a sound knowledge of child development. The childminder is very clear about her role and responsibility in providing a high quality service to the children and their family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's self-esteem is given high priority as they are offered praise and acknowledgment for their efforts and achievements. This helps to promote children's confidence and make them feel valued. Children benefit from the childminder's highly skilled ability to balance her time, interacting with children effectively and at times allowing them to play alone. This enables children to explore and develop their own skills. Children's independence is fostered as they make their own choices and decisions, for example, the childminder offers a choice of activities and children choose what they want to do next. The childminder is skilled at engaging children in conversations to extend and promote their communications skills. She listens to children and answers their questions honestly and openly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are motivated, eager and actively participate in the activities and experiences offered to them. For example, one child enjoys opening and exploring some new resources the childminder has bought. They spend time together building with the construction kits. The childminder supports and encourages the child to copy pictures in the instruction booklet. This causes lots of fun and laughter and once completed correctly lots of pride and confidence in their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder provides activities and experiences that help children reach their full potential and she treats them with equal concern. However, the next step for children is not always identified to ensure that she provides consistent challenges for children. The children learn about their own community through cycle rides and walks in the locality. They are supported to understand the wider world and diversity through a very good range of resources, by celebrating festivals and meaningful discussion with the childminder. The childminder knows that some children may need additional support to achieve their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-confidence is evident and is very well promoted by the childminder as they receive lots of positive praise and encouragement. This results in children developing a high sense of self-esteem. The childminder is clear about the need to promote children's positive behaviour and she does this through appropriate behaviour management strategies. Children

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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 are beginning to develop a good understanding of what is right and wrong through the childminder's positive role model.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that she has sufficient information from parents to meet children's individual needs and their routines. She is flexible in her approach and works with parents to carry out their wishes. This helps children to feel confident and secure. The childminder ensures that she gives verbal feedback to parents each day about the children's achievements and their activities. This contributes to the children's wellbeing and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the child-orientated environment and they have good adult support to help them feel confident and secure. Space is organised well to enable children to play appropriately and have free access to the very good range of resources available. They benefit from well-organised daily routine that the childminder shares and discusses with parents.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and the updates. She has an interest in updating her training by attending courses. She has the necessary documentation and parental permissions in place for childminding and shares her comprehensive written policies and procedures with parents. The childminder maintains confidentiality and all paperwork is well organised into files and kept secure. This helps to keep children safe and promote their care and learning. 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 recommended to establish a written procedure for assessing children's progress which can be shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has started using printed tracker books for each child to record their achievements and progress, she shares this book with parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • continue to plan for the next step in individual children's learning and development

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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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