St Gabriel's CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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101129 Unique Reference Number 12 November 2007 Inspection date Amy Skilton 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 has been registered since 1989 and may care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently cares for two children under five, on a part-time basis. The childminder supports children with special needs. She does not provide overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband, four year old child and one adult son, in the Cashes Green area, on the outskirts of Stroud. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom are available for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden with grass and decking areas for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds relevant childcare qualifications. She has completed the Gloucestershire Childminding Association Professional Childcare and Quality Development courses, and first aid and child protection training. The childminder attends the local parent-and-toddler group on a weekly basis. She travels to local schools to take and collect children. There are play parks, shops, a soft-play area, a library and primary schools within the locality. She is a member of the Cashes Green Childminding Support group.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of good health and hygiene, as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands before eating, after arts and craft activities and after going to the toilet. They use liquid anti-bacterial soap and separate hand towels, to prevent the risk of cross infection. The childminder is a positive role model, as, for example, she routinely cleans work surfaces and the toys with anti-bacterial spray. If children are unwell or injured, they receive consistent care from a caring childminder. However, there is no sickness exclusion policy in place to help prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has attended first aid training and there is a first aid box with contents that are kept updated. The childminder operates a comprehensive record of medication administered and accidents that occur, which are counter-signed and dated by parents, as well as permission forms for emergency treatment to

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive regular physical exercise and fresh air, as they play in a large garden with a lawn and decked area. Resources available to them include bikes, scooters, a trampoline enclosed with nets and bats and balls. They also enjoy going for outings, including regular walks to the local park and attending toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to eat a healthy diet, as the childminder prepares nutritious meals, using fresh vegetables, according to children's individual preferences and their parents' wishes. Their dietary requirements, including any allergies, are catered for, as the childminder discusses these with parents on induction, to ensure that all children's health, preferences and cultural needs are met. They eat fruit snacks and have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day, to ensure that they are hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is clean, warm, welcoming and child-friendly. It is well ventilated, whilst also being at an appropriate temperature. All parents and children are greeted at the door and children quickly settle into the routine of the day. All children have ample space to move around safely, as they play in a large lounge in the house, with well laid out resources. They also regularly go out to the large enclosed garden area. Children have access to toys and equipment that are suitable for their age and stage of development. They are in good condition, posing no safety risk to them. The childminder has put appropriate precautions in place to minimise safety risks to children. For example, a fire blanket and smoke alarm are in place in case of an emergency, and dangerous substances are stored out of children's reach. The childminder uses her car to transport children. She has all of the necessary documentation in place. When children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

go out walking with the childminder, they are kept safe, as the childminder talks to them about road safety awareness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children from harm. She knows the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child or receives allegations against herself. She has attended a relevant training course and is committed to attending further courses to keep up to date with current practice.

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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 the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. The resources and activities are accessible to them. They include construction, small world, creative arts, puzzles and role play items. Activities observed during the inspection include a game of matching pairs, reading books and imaginative play. The childminder has a good selection of books, which children were observed to read to one another and with the childminder. They have the opportunity to explore their environment, for example, they go on walks in the woods and collect natural resources to make collages with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good interactions take place between the children and childminder. The childminder takes time to listen to the children and the children welcome her involvement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder enables all children's individuality and diversity to be respected. They are nurtured in a loving environment, where they are settled and content. They enjoy warm relationships with the childminder and respond to her gentle manner and copious praise for all their efforts. They play well together in a calm atmosphere, as they learn about right and wrong, responding well to directions from the childminder. She clearly explains to them how they should share toys and take turns with resources. The children respond positively, showing understanding of the childminder's clear routines and high expectations of their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to value individual and cultural differences, as they use resources, such as books about feelings, race or disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are included in their children's development, as the childminder provides them with daily verbal feedback, including activities that their children have participated in, meals they have had and rest time. Parents questions and comments are welcomed within an environment of open communication. The childminder has experience of working with children with learning difficulties. As such, good systems are in place to allow all children to be included and supported.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a qualified and experienced childminder, who is committed to constantly improving her practice, by attending relevant training courses. Children's care is underpinned by most of the required documentation being in place, which are shared effectively with parents, to ensure that children's care is always consistent. 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 agreed to ensure the attendance record is accurate and includes actual times of children's arrival and departure. She also agreed to increase knowledge and awareness of child protection procedures.

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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 Accurate times of children's attendance is recorded in a diary. The childminder will be attending refresher training in child protection. She is aware of the signs and indicators of abuse, as well as the procedure to follow.

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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 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): • ensure that an appropriate sickness exclusion policy is in place.

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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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