Pope Paul Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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117496 Unique Reference Number 27 March 2008 Inspection date Sara Jane Frost 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 outstanding. 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 1999. She lives with her husband in a semi-detached home in the St Budeaux area of Plymouth. The ground floor of the home is mainly used for childminding although children use the toilet on the first floor and one bedroom is available for children to sleep or rest in.

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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 five children under five part time and one child under eight before and after school. In addition, the childminder cares for three children over eight, before and after school and during the school holidays. The childminder takes and collects children to and from local pre-schools and primary schools. Her husband helps her with collecting children from school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health and welfare is highly promoted by the childminders excellent health and hygiene practices. Children play in an extremely clean and well organised environment. They

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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 take off their shoes when playing indoors; this helps to maintain the cleanliness of the floors for crawling babies. She develops the children's awareness and promotes their independence in their personal care in everyday routines. The risk of cross infection is minimised as children have their own individual hand towels. Children's welfare is further promoted as the childminder maintains clear and accurate records for accidents and administration of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder helps children to understand the benefits of healthy eating and physical exercise as part of carefully planned activities. This is reinforced by the childminder providing healthy snacks and encouraging parents to review packed lunch provisions. The childminder ensures she has a very clear knowledge of children's dietary requirements by working closely with parents. Children are well hydrated as drinks are provided throughout the day. The childminder's commitment to following routines ensures good consistency is maintained for every child.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the benefits of fresh air on a daily basis; as they walk to and from school. Their physical skills and co-ordination are further developed through careful planning and varying activities both indoors and outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides a lovely welcoming environment that helps children to feel very much at home. The house is child focussed providing them with a stimulating and secure environment to play in. The childminder uses the space both indoors and outside to provide interesting activities to promote children's all round development. Children can access their own resources, which many are stored within easy reach; younger children know what they want to play with and will confidently lead the childminder to any resources they cannot reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The activities planned are carefully given consideration so that they learn to keep themselves safe. For example, using stop, look and listen helps children to understand safety aspects when crossing roads. Clear fire safety precautions are in place. Fire equipment is regularly checked and exit doors are clearly marked, by each identified emergency exit the childminder has a small emergency bag enabling her to have vital information close at hand. Children regularly practise the evacuation procedure, therefore, are aware of processes to follow should there ever be a real emergency. This further promotes children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected as the childminder has a very good level of understanding in safeguarding children. She attends relevant training, which helps to ensure her knowledge and practice is kept up-to-date. The notice board displays good information for parents of the childminder's responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children clearly enjoy coming to the childminder's as they eagerly enter her home, pausing briefly only to remove their outdoor clothing. The relationship which has developed between the childminder and the children shows children are very happy and comfortable in her care. The childminder ensures children are well supported in their play; she plays and interacts with them on the floor at their level.

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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 Children benefit from the childminder's thorough understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and Foundation Stage. Good planning promotes children's development, for example, some resources provided at the time of inspection are used to help children develop their colour awareness. The childminder enables babies to become skilful communicators as she engages eye contact, mimics sounds that they make, and constantly talks and sings to them. Younger children's imaginary play is encouraged as resources are found to further enhance their play. Children greatly enjoyed playing with the building blocks, waiting in anticipation for the precarious placed blocks to tumble down; laughing with great enjoyment when they did and eager to rebuild again and again. By the childminder asking children appropriate questions

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

during this activity she skilfully extends their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder promotes children's enjoyment as they go on outings to parks, such as, hunting for natural treasures in a park. Children's socialisation and physical skills are further developed as they regularly attend parent and toddler sessions and sure start groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a varied range of activities which children greatly enjoy and promotes their development in all areas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are very well met by the childminder. The settling in process allows children to feel secure and allay any concerns the parents may have. She uses the information gained from parents and her own observations to ensure appropriate and consistent care is given. By maintaining consistency the childminder enables the child to gain a sense of belonging. The childminder has a good range of resources which reflect different cultures and numerous books which promote positive images. Her planning incorporates children's awareness of the wider world, as they take part in various celebrations, such as, America's Independence Day, Chinese New Year and Easter.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a friendly disposition; she has a very calm and caring attitude. Children greatly enjoy their time with her. They learn about right from wrong and the need for having some ground rules. They are consistently praised, therefore, the childminder fosters their self esteem very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has established a very good working relationship with parents. They are provided with a very good range of information on all aspects of childcare on the notice board in the entrance area. Good systems are in place to exchange information which keeps both parents and childminder fully informed particularly around children's routines. This ensures the consistency of any child's care is fostered well.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children thrive as the childminder is highly skilled, qualified and provides excellent care. She has a very good knowledge of the National Standards. Her attitude and commitment to the families she supports demonstrates her passion to provide a very good childcare service. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards improving her practice. For example, by incorporating ideas gained from training courses it enables the childminder to expand her knowledge and to further develop children's play opportunities. The childminder uses the 'Birth

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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 to three framework' and Foundation Stage curriculum to support her planning, she regularly reviews her planning and changes concepts to maintain her very good practice.

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Organisation

The childminder is very well organised, her paperwork and documentation is extremely clear. Clear policies and procedures are in place to promote all aspects of children's care and underpins the smooth running of her childcare provision. All records and documentation are fully maintained which consistently contributes to the children's health and welfare. 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 previous inspection only one recommendation was made, to ensure medication records contain sufficient detail. Since then the childminder has improved her practice to ensure all records are fully completed, therefore, children's welfare and safety are very well met.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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