St Matthew's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

122313 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2007 Inspection date Debbie Molly O'Callaghan 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 has been registered since 1987. She lives with her daughter in a house on the outskirts of Bletchingley, near Redhill, Surrey. Within the local area there are shops, schools and parks. The childminder uses the lounge, dining room, and area adjacent to the kitchen for minding. Sleeping and toileting facilities are also downstairs. She is registered to care for six children under eight years. At present she has five children on roll. She has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and / or disabilities. The childminder is a Surrey Network Community Childminder. The family have no pets.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a worthwhile range of activities which help to promote their good health. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating.

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 Meal and snack times are sociable; children sit at the table with the childminder. Children are provided with a range of healthy snacks including fruit and bread sticks, encouraging them to develop healthy eating practices. While parents currently provide some of the meals for the children, the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices. She has a written menu and encourages the children to make healthy eating choices. Drinks are provided throughout the day and this ensures children do not become thirsty.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their physical and social development such as walks to the school, fields and shops. Children are encouraged to play cooperatively at parent and child groups on a regular basis.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good knowledge of minded children's emotional needs and supports their development well.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming child friendly home where children feel safe and secure.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a professional approach to safety and attends relevant training and meetings to extend her knowledge to protect children further. Due to renovation work in the garden, measures are currently in place to ensure children do not use the garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good fire safety precautions in place to minimise the risk to children being exposed to fire. The childminder has produced a written risk assessment and some of the children have practised a fire drill, so they will be able to act quickly in the event of an emergency.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have independent access to a range of safe and suitable resources and toys. For example, toys are rotated regularly according to the age of the children attending. The childminder ensures that suitable equipment is available for the children, such as high chairs, car seats and buggies. Children's safety and welfare is maintained when on outings. For example, the childminder gives clear guidance on road safety and ensures suitable arrangements have been made to escort children safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through her good knowledge and training in child protection issues the childminder ensures children's welfare is safeguarded.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle quickly into the childminder's home. Good relationships have been established and children relate well to each other. They meet others through regular attendance at local parent and toddler groups. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities planned by the childminder to stimulate imagination.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy their day and the many activities the childminders plans for them, including art and craft, free play and going to the local market to buy fruit and vegetables. The children make Halloween pictures with sequins and other materials and the childminder talks to the

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 children constantly about what they are doing offering encouragement and praise. Children respond well to the childminder. She interacts very positively with all children and develops strong and trusting relationships.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's developmental needs are consistently met. The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of child development, enabling her to plan suitably challenging activities and play opportunities to encourage children to reach appropriate milestones. For example, non-mobile babies are gently encouraged to gain the muscle development to crawl, stand unsupported and take steps unaided, using the appropriate play materials to encourage movement.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are consistently treated fairly and equally as the childminder demonstrates total commitment to promoting anti-discriminatory practice in all areas of her childminding. She teaches children about diversity and enables children to see positive images of culture, gender, age, disability, custom and religion in books and reflected in their toys and resources. The childminder has a substantial knowledge of caring for children with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities. Close liaison with parents and outside agencies ensures all children's needs are well planned for and met. She is extremely committed to meeting all children's individual personal needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and patiently using a range of age appropriate strategies, which encourages children to play very well together.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s development is greatly enhanced by the childminder’s excellent partnership with parents. Information is regularly shared through a flexible settling in period and consistent feedback to ensure continuity in the care of children to meet their developing needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed to offering good quality childcare, she ensures the wellbeing of minded children through her attendance at training courses and her consistent supervision of children. Flexible routines ensure that children's needs are met.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder is well organised and plans routines around the individual needs of each child. She ensures each day is varied and interesting for children.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder demonstrates good understanding of the National Standards for childminding, however, relevant checks have not been completed on all household members.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has a businesslike approach to her childminding and maintains her records well, promoting the children's welfare, care and learning. Parent's are kept well informed of their child's achievements with the childminder discussing all aspects of the children's care with them. This means the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the back garden is safe and in good order for children to access. The childminder has had works completed on the exterior walls and plans to have steps built leading into the garden. The garden is still in need of general maintenance, as a result children do not currently use this area.

p.5

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): • ensure the garden is free from hazards with particular reference to the steps leading to the garden • ensure relevant checks are completed on all household members.

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