St Teresa's Catholic Primary School, Colchester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 138311 Inspection date 09 January 2006 Inspector Ann Field

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 registered in 1996. She lives with her family including 2 children aged 6 and 17 years in Hillingdon, Middlesex. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with rest facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is currently minding 3 children under 5 during the day on a part time basis and 4 children over 5 before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local parent and toddler groups. The family do not have any pets.

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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 satisfactory. Children feel secure and part of the family. They are cared for in an environment that is warm and clean, but having the front window blinds drawn restricts the natural light in the room. Children are active and walking is part of their daily routine. They have access to a range of outside play equipment and regularly visit the local park. Through good daily routines, discussions and appropriate support the children are learning the importance of personal hygiene and are becoming independent in their own personal care. They have easy access to the toilet and tissues are available for them to wipe their noses. Children increase their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as they freely access their drinks. Children’s choices and the parent’s wishes are accounted for in the nutritious meals and snacks provided; these appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children are developing their social skills through eating

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Helping children to be healthy

snacks and meals together. There are procedures in place to deal with any medical emergencies to children. However, the childminder has not kept her first aid qualification current.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around the home safely and independently. The childminder has all the necessary safety equipment to minimise risk to children and has a fully enclosed garden for them to use. Although she was able to state how children use the newly acquired trampoline safely, the procedures are not written down and parents have only given verbal consent for their children to use it. The childminder has a basic knowledge of child protection issues. She recognises signs of abuse and discusses existing injuries with parents, but does not record. Children have easy access to a wide range of equipment. They freely help themselves to toys that are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder follows safe practice when taking children out. She uses a double buggy, insists the younger ones hold hands when they walk and helps children learn how to cross roads safely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are at ease with the childminder, they are well settled and very confident. The children enjoy each other’s company and have great fun together. The childminder offers good support to the children, answering their questions, suggesting ideas and listening attentively when they talk to her. Children are stimulated by a wide range of resources that the childminder provides, she

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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 encourages them to be imaginative. For example, the children pretend to be policemen and the doctors set features prominently, with heart beats being listened to through the stethoscope. Children experience a variety of outings that help to develop their confidence and social skills, these include regular visits to toddler groups, the local library and shops. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys and activities. Children access books from the shelf and take them to the childminder, she reads them spontaneously and they talk about the pictures and often burst into a familiar song.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world and its diversity because the childminder provides a range of activities and resources to promote positive images. The children enjoy playing a globe trotting game that the childminder has adapted to meet the ages and ability of the children that are taking part. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder promotes a positive, anti-discriminatory environment and aims to include all children in activities, discouraging any anti–social behaviour. The little boys have a wonderful time playing with the dolls, they dress them ready to go out and take them shopping in the doll’s car seat. Children show care and concern for each other. They have clear and consistent guidelines to follow with explanations that are appropriate for their age and understanding. They are learning to play harmoniously with others and behave well. The childminder has good procedures in place, to verbally share with parents,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information about the children’s daily routine and their development. This ensures continuity of care for the children. The children enjoy attending and parents say how pleased they are with the care provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and confident within the setting and benefit from the quality time the childminder spends with them. She organises areas within the home to meet children’s needs, providing separate areas for them to sleep undisturbed and eat their meals together. The childminder has acceptable levels of paperwork completed on each child. However, some documentation is stored haphazardly with pages falling out and confidentiality not fully maintained within the accident book. The childminder records children’s daily attendance but different books are used; this results in it being difficult to identify the numbers of children attending. The childminder has completed contracts with all parents that they review regularly. Daily verbal feedback ensures good continuity of care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has improved safety for children by replacing the broken fence in the back garden. She has also extended her range of toys and older children can chose from a wide selection of appropriate resources.

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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): • ensure record of attendance is accurate and available in one book • provide evidence of how you ensure the safety of children while using the trampoline and playing in the area where it is sited and obtain written parental consent for children to use the trampoline • ensure that first aid qualification remains current and all accidents are recorded securely with regard given to maintaining confidentiality • ensure the most is made of any natural light

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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