St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Worcester

Inspection report for early years provision

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151076 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 Inspection date Lynne Elizabeth Lewington 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her three children in a three bedroom house in Farnborough. The ground floor of the house is mainly used for play and a child's bedroom for rest. A secure rear garden is available for outdoor play. The family have a pet dog and reptile.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years. There are currently six children on role. The childminder also looks after older children. The childminder can take and collect children from local schools and playschools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good care is taken to promote children's health in this setting through clear communication with parents, simple routines, and sensible policies. Children learn the importance of simple good hygiene through well organised routines. For example, they know how to wash their hands after using the toilet, eating meals and snacks. They dry their hands on their own clean flannels

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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 preventing the spread of germs. Clear accident and medication records are maintained and shared with parents ensuring the children's health is promoted effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy meals prepared for them by the childminder, who shows a good awareness of food hygiene routines. They are offered sandwich lunches and cooked roast dinners including vegetables. The childminder talks to them about their food and encourages regular drinks to prevent dehydration. Snacks of bananas and a plain biscuit with a drink of water encourage children's healthy eating habits.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy appropriate opportunities to develop their physical skills well. They move freely around the ground floor of the property using the floor space and table top for their play. They climb on and off chairs skilfully; use tools such as spatulas to spread glue, and cutters to cut dough with increasing skill. They enjoy opportunities to develop the larger movements on visits to the park and the children's gym.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She demonstrates a very good understanding of child protection and the action she would take if concerned and provides clear information for parents on her role.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good care is taken to ensure that children develop an awareness of safe behaviour, they learn safety rules for both in the home and on outings, including how to look and listen for traffic before they cross roads. They learn how to behave safely around animals, for example asking before stroking dogs. Fire drills are practiced and smoke detectors checked regularly to ensure that they can safely leave the premises in an emergency. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of children's developing skills and the need to manage risks enabling children to develop their own awareness of danger.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is secure and provides for children's needs well as they use the whole of the ground floor, including the lounge, kitchen and down stairs toilet facilities. However the available space is limited due to the extensive range of toys, equipment and books which are stacked around the home. The current storage system does not promote safe and easy access to toys and equipment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminders care. They share a warm and trusting relationship with the childminder who demonstrates a very good understanding of children's individual needs and works hard to promote their individual development. The childminder asks children what they would like to do and ensures that the equipment is available for their play in addition to craft activities which she plans for them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children irrespective of gender enjoy role play with the dolls and push chairs. They use the computer competently and develop awareness of taking turns and sharing. Children confidently undertake craft activities, using glue and scissors with careful skill. They take pride in their finished article as they are praised for their efforts by the childminder.

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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 A wide range of activities both in the home and in the local community encourage children's all around development. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the need to enable children to experience a flexible routine where they can experience stimulating activities, enjoy regular food and drink and rest opportunities, in order for them to be happy and content.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder values all children as individuals and successfully strives to ensure their individual needs are met. Excellent communication with parents through discussion and the use of journals promotes understanding of the child's individual needs and experiences. Children learn about traditions and cultures through simple activities and outings in their local community, and they use good quality toys and resources which reflect our diverse society. Excellent care is taken to ensure that all children have opportunities to participate as the childminder adapts activities to include all. For example, she helps the youngest child to create their Christmas creation to take home, whilst the older children work independently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is managed exceptionally well. Clear guidance and rules are displayed enabling the older children to fully understand what is expected of them. Frequent use of positive reinforcement encourages the children's good behaviour. A clear behaviour policy supports the childminders work and ensures parents are well informed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Comprehensive policies and records are maintained and updated regularly enabling parents to have a very clear understanding of the childminders role. A regular newsletter is offered to parents, in addition to the daily face to face personal contact. The childminder clearly aims to work in a positive partnership with parents for the benefit of the children in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She strives to provide very good quality child care. She demonstrates a committed and enthusiastic approach to her work, building good relationships with children and providing warm nurturing care for them. Through training opportunities the childminder keeps up to date with current child care practice and constantly works to make improvements to her service. The childminder maintains comprehensive records of her work to meet regulatory requirements and to keep parents fully informed of her work.

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Organisation

Children experience excellent opportunities to develop the abilities to make a positive contribution to society as they learn to behave appropriately and show care and consideration for others. Very good care is taken to promote children's health and awareness of safety. However, the premises are so well stocked with toys and equipment that the current method of storage limits the children's play space, abilities to make independent choices and their safety.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were made to obtain consents for emergency medical advice and treatment and the administration of medication. These are now in place providing a clear record of consultation with parents.

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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

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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. 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 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): • develop the storage and organisation of toys and resources to promote safety and children's access.

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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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