St John's Catholic Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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131029 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2007 Inspection date Teresa Colburn 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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and four children aged two, four, six and eight years old in Worthing, West Sussex. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the local library and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years on a part time basis and four children over five years on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean environment where they learn to follow good hygiene practices. For example, they wash their hands before meals, after using the bathroom and have individual towels and flannels. Children who are infectious do not attend which helps prevent the spread

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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 of contagious diseases. Parents give prior written consent to administer mediation that ensure children receive the correct dosage according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a clear knowledge of nutrition and plans a varied menu for the children, which is both healthy and nutritious. For example, spaghetti Bolognese, chilli, curry, pasta, chicken, potatoes and vegetables. Children are routinely offered fresh drinking water to ensure they are sufficiently hydrated. The childminder follows babies individual routines for feeding and sleeping. This ensures continuity of care and contributes to their physical well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular physical activities during walks to and from school, trips to the park, toddler groups, visits to the local library and playing in the garden. The childminder recognises signs of tiredness in the children and they are able to rest and to sleep in accordance with their home routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and learn in a secure environment where they can move around safety. They have access to a range of toys and resources appropriate for their age. The childminder makes regular checks to ensure the resources remain clean, in good condition and age and stage appropriate for the children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a good range of safety measures; for example, kitchen cleaning products have been made inaccessible, stair gates restricts access to unsuitable areas and three smoke detectors have been installed. The premises are secure and there are procedures in place to prevent unwanted visitors gaining access. A visitors log is maintained. Clear fire evacuation procedures are displayed around the childminder's home to ensure children, parents and visitors are familiar with the procedure so they can leave the premises quickly and safely. There are clear procedures for outings that ensure children's safety and enjoyment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should a concern arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is warm and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. She enjoys their company and knows them well. She spends lots of time talking and playing with them. Babies' care is consistent as the childminder follows their home routines and liaises with parents to ensure continuity of care. Babies' enjoy cuddles and babbling during feeds, the childminder holds them correctly, ensuring their bodies are well supported at all times. They enjoy interactive play after feeds and enjoy babbling with the childminders own children. The childminder recognises when upset babies' are tired, she gently rocks and speaks to them until they are placed in their buggy for a rest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes children to a variety of carer and toddler groups where they enjoy adventure play and socialising with other children. They enjoy informal outings in the local area, for example, soft play areas, Goring Gap, Paradise Park, library and local beach. Children enjoy monthly planned and organised activities, which incorporated the wider world and celebrations. Younger children's development is supported by the childminder's use and

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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 awareness of the Birth to three Matters framework. Children's art work is displayed in the dining room, therefore valuing their creatively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder recognises children's developmental stages and offers activities and resources to help promote this. As a result of these aspects, children are able to enjoy and achieve whilst in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children gain an understanding of the wider world through activities and looking at different festivals. For example, Diwali, Christmas, Universal Children's Day and Anti-bullying week. Children's artwork in relation to Universal Children's Day and maps of the world are predominately displayed in the dining room. A range of resources develops children's understanding of diversity. Constant praise and encouragement helps children develop a positive self-image.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are effective systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities. Close liaison with parents and outside agencies ensures all children's needs are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware all children are individuals, develop at different stages and have differing needs. She uses appropriate strategies, according to their age and stage of development, helping children understand right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has friendly but professional relationships with parents. She discusses the children's needs thoroughly with the parents ensuring their individual needs are well met. Detailed information in the childminder's portfolio, written procedures and informal discussions enable parents to be well informed about the childminder and the service she provides. Parents are informed daily of information about what their child has been doing and how they have been. Written care diaries for younger children ensure continuity of care. A good partnership with parents contributes to children's well-being while at the childminder's home.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are supported at all times, ensuring they are protected from unvetted persons and kept safe. The childminder has attended a first aid course that includes training in first aid for babies and young children. She attends additional training whenever she can. This ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own games. Consequently, children enjoy being in her care, and learning to develop warm and positive relationships. However, on one recent occasion the childminder was in breach of a regulation, by not adhering to her registration numbers.

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Organisation

Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice, and these are regularly updated to ensure current practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. All required mandatory documentation is in place, well maintained and stored effectively and confidently. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was set two recommendations. The recommendations regarding ensuring all persons over the age of sixteen years living at the premises or regularly staying at the premises complete relevant clearance has been adequately met. In addition, the childminder provides parents with written documentation informing them of her safeguarding and complaints procedures. This ensures the childminder has all required documentation in place.

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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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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 satisfactory. 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): • comply with the conditions of registration with regards to adhering to registration numbers.

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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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