St Vincent's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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148289 Unique Reference Number 07 January 2008 Inspection date Christine Coram 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 1991. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 13 years in a residential area of Earley, Reading. The whole of the childminder’s house can be used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day. The childminder meets with other childminders for outings and activities. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted through suitable procedures and routines. If children need medication, clear and detailed records are kept to ensure that they receive the correct dose and that there is clear communication with their parents. In the event of an accident, children are protected because there is an accessible first aid kit that is regularly checked. However, the childminder is not fully promoting their health because her first aid certificate has expired.

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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 Children's hygiene is promoted well and they learn suitable routines to follow independently. For example, a pre-school child is encouraged to wash their hands before meals and do so by themselves. Younger children are supported in cleaning their hands and faces with wipes. However, there is a risk of cross infection, as all children share the family hand towel.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat healthily and learn about nutrition because the childminder has a good understanding of, and commitment to healthy eating. They have plenty of fluids that are readily available and the childminder frequently reminds them to drink. Their health is further protected because food provided by their parents is carefully and appropriately stored.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and suitable environment. The rooms are child-orientated and used creatively. Children use the kitchen to eat meals, and for craft activities and messy play. The dining table in the living room provides a safe place for older children to undertake intricate activities, whilst the floor space is utilised for larger items and floor toys. All the children can easily and safely access a range of suitable and well maintained play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are warm, clean and well maintained. Children are protected from possible hazards as the childminder identifies and minimises them. They can move safely about the ground floor of the home and the childminder supervises them very well as they play. They are protected from possible abuse and harm because the childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's development and learning is promoted well through the opportunities and support that they are offered. A range of interesting and challenging activities is arranged and children have many opportunities to choose resources for themselves. The activities help them to progress in all areas of development and learning such as the development of muscle control in construction play, mathematics and science as they cook, and pre-reading and writing skills as they make marks and look at books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are fully occupied and enthusiastic about their play and experiences. They are stimulated and confident, following the suggestions of the childminder, or selecting equipment and toys for themselves. Their play is enhanced and expanded by the childminder's attentive support and interaction. They learn to think for themselves as she asks challenging questions and consolidates the learning at pre-school as she takes a keen interest in how they are taught to read, for example.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met and equality is promoted well. The childminder is very aware of the personalities, preferences and stages of development of each of the children and their care is tailored to meet these needs. The children are provided with activities that support their individual development needs and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure this. The images that they see, help them to have a broad view of society, and develop open and accepting attitudes.

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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 Children behave extremely well and respond to the childminder's firm but very gently tone. They benefit from consistent and very positive behaviour management techniques, and plenty of praise and encouragement. These methods are discussed with parents, along with all issues relating to the children's care. Written and verbal agreements are in place and the childminder values good communication with the parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Procedures and routines are in place to promote the welfare of children effectively. However, the procedures for hygiene are not sufficient to prevent fully the spread of infection. The required documentation is in place, although the childminder's first aid certificate has lapsed.

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Organisation

The care is well organised and all the required equipment is prepared in advance and easily available. The space in the home and the resources are well used and there is a clear routine to give security and pattern to the children's day.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder agreed to make sure that an accurate record is kept of children's attendance, and that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A clear record is now kept that shows the times that each child arrived and left the childminder's care. Children have opportunities to expand their understanding and develop a broad view of society through an increased range of images.

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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): • make sure that a valid first aid certificate is always in place

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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 • review hygiene procedures to further reduce the risk of cross infection

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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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