St Philip Neri Catholic Primary School, Dunston

Inspection report for early years provision

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148810 Unique Reference Number 28 January 2008 Inspection date Aileen Ewins 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 April 2001. She lives with her husband and children aged seven and nine. The family live in a three bedroom house in the village of Holyport, on the outskirts of Maidenhead. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with toilet and sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and children visit local parks and amenities. The childminder holds a current relevant first aid certificate and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered for five children and currently has eight children on roll under eight years on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about healthy routines whilst in the care of the childminder. Children are provided with liquid soap to wash hands, a rack which contains their names on tags, along with individual

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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 flannels, towels, hairbrush and toothbrush. Children are watched over as they wash their hands before eating, after messy play and after using the toilet. The childminder has good routines for nappy changes in place and lets parents know of any concerns she may have. Potty/toilet training is carried out along with parent's wishes and children are offered lots of encouragement. Sleeping children use individual bedding in two separate travel cots. Children are checked often as they sleep. Children have many opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children walk to and from the school, have picnics and feed the ducks at lunchtimes. Children also go to parent/carer/toddler groups and visit soft play centres.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder cares for the children well and has completed her first aid paediatric training. The childminder is aware to document any accidents in full and to gain parental signature as acknowledgement. Children are rarely given medication by the childminder, but if it is necessary she is aware to follow correct procedures. A sickness policy is in place and parents are aware to keep children at home if they have a contagious disease, sickness or diarrhoea.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has completed a food hygiene course and provides healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for children over two. These include sandwiches, fruit and the occasional biscuit for lunch for example, and a hot meal if needed in the evening. For children under two the childminder asks parents to supply foods for the day. The childminder does not however, keep a written record of children's dietary needs and any allergies. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use the downstairs of the childminder's home at most times. Children do sleep upstairs and use the bathroom but are accompanied on these occasions. The childminder's home is light and airy and is welcoming to children. Children have access to the lounge/dining room, kitchen under supervision and the garden. Children can easily access their resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe whilst in the childminder's care. The front and back doors and windows are kept locked with keys readily at hand. Cleaning materials are kept in a kitchen cupboard with child proof latch; knives are stored in a knife block out of children's reach; any low level glass is toughened and conforms to British Safety Standards; heating is controlled thermostatically; socket covers are in place and a stair gate fitted to the bottom of the stairs and across the kitchen door.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further kept safe as a fire/emergency evacuation plan is in place; a fire blanket is in the kitchen and smoke detectors fitted upstairs and downstairs. The childminder checks these on a weekly basis. Children playing in the garden are supervised at all times; the garden is secured by chain link and wooden fencing; bolts are fitted to gates. The childminder makes checks to ensure no poisonous plants grow in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When out and about children walk together and hold hands. Children start to understand about safe crossing places and the childminder tries to ensure that she uses the safest routes when out. Children's emergency contacts are to hand when they are out and about both in the childminder's mobile phone and in written form. Children use appropriate car seats when out in the car and the childminder is insured as legally required.

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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 The childminder is aware to safeguard the children in her care. Children are kept safe as the childminder has attended appropriate child protection courses and makes parents aware of her policy. The childminder is also aware to protect herself from false allegations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have fun with the childminder who is caring in her approach. Children can access their toys and resources easily. Children play with sit on toys, musical toys, a keyboard, dolls, Lego, construction toys, small houses and small world people, a workmate, a cooker, shape sorters, pop up toys and a wooden castle for example. The childminder ensures that toys are rotated which helps children to develop an awareness for different types of resources. Children also have opportunities to take part in messy play outside in the garden with a covered sand pit, art and craft materials, water play, play dough and painting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are taken on special trips out to places such as Boulters Lock, Legoland and California Country Park. Children are also taken to the park and have picnics when the weather allows, as well as feeding the ducks. Children are taken on regular trips to toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder cares for a large number of children at different times throughout the day. Children are however treated as individuals and the childminder has a strong knowledge of their individual needs. Children spend a lot of time talking with the childminder, which in turn develops their self esteem and confidence. Children are taken to various toddler groups and experience a range of activities which include an awareness of culture. Children have recently had chances to try Indian foods for example. However, resources relating to diversity are limited. Children therefore do not have many opportunities to learn about positive images of society and the wider environment in which they live, in regard to age, gender, disability, culture and religion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. Children are given lots of praise for kind and good acts. Children are encouraged to say please and thank you. A behaviour management policy is in place which is discussed with parents. The childminder tries to intervene if there is any inappropriate behaviour using diversion techniques, but if needed does give a short 'time out' period and explains why this is necessary to the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has strong relationships with the parents of the children she cares for. New parents and children visit and have settling in time. A trial period is also in place. Verbal feedback is given to parents about the well-being of their child at the end of the day and a weekly diary for each child is also in place. The childminder is aware of confidentiality and would work with parents if a child had particular needs to ensure that all children were treated with equal respect.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children develop well in the childminder's care. Children are happy and settle well. Children form strong relationships with one another and are confident to approach the childminder. The childminder is organised in her approach; she has completed training in food hygiene, paediatric first aid and child protection for example. The childminder cares for a range of children

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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 throughout the week but is aware of their individual needs, which in turn helps children to feel valued.

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Organisation

The childminder has policies and procedures in place, relating to nappy changes, hygiene, food, sickness, behaviour and outings for instance. Children are kept safe in her care as personal information is correctly in place and stored confidentially; accidents are detailed and acknowledged by parents and records kept as needed for the administration of medicine. Written parental permissions are in place for such consents as transporting in a vehicle, seeking emergency treatment/advice and playing outside. The childminder has in place risk assessments for outings, the home and garden. A record of visitors is maintained and fire drills practised regularly.

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Organisation

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 was set three recommendations. These were; firstly, to discuss with parents behaviour management strategies. The childminder has addressed this recommendation in that she maintains a detailed form for behaviour management and has set in place a behaviour policy. The childminder explained that she feels behaviour management has improved and strategies set in place have helped. Children behave well at the childminder's home and are therefore developing a strong understanding of right and wrong. Parents are made aware of policies relating to the provision and the childminder speaks with parents at the end of each session.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Secondly, to develop knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures and appropriate contact numbers. The childminder has completed child protection training recently. Parents sign to acknowledge any mark/bruise/bump children may arrive with. The childminder also keeps all necessary social services numbers on file. Children are safeguarded in the childminder's care through the good procedures that have been set in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Thirdly, to organise toys and equipment so that children can make choices and select them easily. Children can readily access their toys and resources. Since the last inspection the childminder has re-arranged the storage of her toys to enable this good practice. Children therefore make the most of their time through play.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required Ofsted or the provider 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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Complaints 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

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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 written documentation is maintained from parents relating to children's allergies • develop children's awareness of positive images of society through toys and resources relating to culture, gender, age and disability.

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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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