St Augustine's Priory

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 101946 Inspection date 21 September 2005 Inspector Clare Stone

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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 has been registered since 2000. She lives with her partner and two children in a four bedroom house in Ashford, Kent The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are shops, parks, schools and pre-schools within walking distance. At present the childminder has one child on roll. She is a member of National childminding association.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. The children benefit from having healthy snacks throughout the day. They are offered drinks frequently. This teaches children about healthy eating options and to remain hydrated. The children have the opportunity to expand on their physical skills and confidence, with regular visits to the park and a good range of outdoor toys. Children learn about hygiene practices and how to incorporate these into their daily routines, assisting in a healthy lifestyle. The childminder ensures the welfare of the children in her care by clear procedures not to mind children if they are unwell.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is warm and welcoming, allowing children to feel secure and build on their self-esteem. There is plenty of space for the children to move around freely, allowing them to expand their gross motor skills and face challenges in a safe environment. Children's safety is promoted through regular risk assessments and the evaluation of these practises. The children are safeguarded from possible harm due to the childminder's knowledge of child protection issues. All resources and equipment are well maintained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a broad range of fun and stimulating activities, this allows them to make decisions, explore and investigate. When children arrive at the childminders there are no activities arranged. This can lead to children feeling frustrated. Activities are set at the child's individual developmental level and interests. This is important so children can achieve new challenges and enjoy learning. The children feel secure and comfortable in the childminder's presence as she gives them regular praise and affection. The children are talked to in a kind reassuring manner allowing them to be themselves and express their likes and dislikes. The childminder is aware of the Foundation stage curriculum and Birth to Three Matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children that attend the childminder are treated as individuals and feel a sense of belonging. They are taught to think of other people and respect their feelings. The childminder is consistent with her approach to behaviour management, and keeps parent's informed of any behaviour issues. This ensures that children know their boundaries and are confident in their surroundings. Although the childminder has no children on roll with special needs , she has a good understanding on how to support and assist parents.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from the clear systems in place for working with parents. Although all the documentation is up to date it is some what disorganised. These records are paramount in order to promote the welfare and safety of the children in the childminders care. And as a result the childminder cannot access information easily. The childminder has a positive attitude to expanding and improving the care she offers by attending relevant childcare courses. Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since inspection

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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): • arrange activities for children to access on arrival • ensure all documentation is organised

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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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