St Bede's Inter-Church School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 137924 Inspection date 17 October 2005 Inspector Lindsay Ann Farenden

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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 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 1997. She lives with 1 adult child and 2 children aged 13 and 9 years. They live in a house in a quiet road, within walking distance of parks, local shops and a bus route. The ground floor and a bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children who attend on a part-time basis.

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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 good. The childminder cares for the children in a clean and warm house, where she teaches them good hygiene practice, such as washing their hands before meals. The childminder demonstrates good hygiene awareness when preparing food and when changing nappies, in order to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that the children are provided with food, which meets their dietary needs. She gives the children nutritious snacks and meals that help them develop good eating habits from a young age. She gives them fruit every day, for example, and encourages healthy eating. She also provides them with drinks at meal and snack times, and whenever they ask for one, in order to keep them hydrated. She regularly asks them if they want a drink. Children enjoy activities which improve their health. They have opportunities to run, for example, and use the climbing frame in the garden. At toddler group they are able

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Helping children to be healthy

to peddle bikes, climb frames and use slides, which help them develop control of their bodies. Children benefit from regularly visiting parks, where they go for walks, play ball games, use swings and large play equipment. They also go to the adventure playgrounds, which offer more challenge to older children. These help develop the children’s physical skills and ensure that they receive plenty of fresh air. The childminder records accidents and medication given, and shares information with parents. This ensures that the children’s health needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has taken action to minimise risks and make hazardous items inaccessible. Children, therefore, are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder supervises the children well throughout the day. She ensures that the areas used for childminding are appropriately organised. The childminder's knowledge of child protection issues, and of the procedures to follow if she has concerns, is suitable. In order to protect the children further, she has devised a child protection policy, which she shows to parents. The childminder conscientiously ensures that the children are safe during outings, thus reducing outdoor risks. She ensures, for example, that she uses appropriate car-seats and restraints for the children when they travel in the vehicle. She holds their hands when crossing the road. When possible, she and the children cross "at the green man". She also talks to them about road danger.

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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 To ensure the children’s safety, all fire equipment is fitted appropriately. The smoke alarms are in working order and the childminder has emergency evacuation procedures, which are written down and which she has practised with the children. The children, therefore, learn how to leave the premises quickly and safely in an emergency situation. The childminder has attended a first aid course and intends to update her knowledge in order to protect the children's health and welfare. Parental consent allowing the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment, or advice, in the case of a medical emergency, has been requested. Children benefit from a good range of clean toys and resources, which are appropriate for their age and stage of development, which are set out in a way that

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

facilitates free access, and which are rotated so that the children have a variety of play activities throughout the day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that she continues the children's daily routines and that she knows of their dietary needs. The children are settled and confident inside the childminder's home. The childminder plays with the children and shows them warmth and affection, in order to make them feel a sense of belonging. The children, therefore, relate well to her. Play materials are organised to meet the children’s individual needs and interests, which is beneficial for the children. Children, therefore, spend their time purposefully and are motivated to play, choosing from a variety of appealing toys, books and equipment. Children use their imagination well when, for example, they play with the doll's house or when they play different roles. They enjoy making crayon marks, sticking, painting and doing puzzles, activities which develop their fine motor skills. They also enjoy looking at books and listening to short stories. The childminder encourages them to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

read. This increases their interest in books and develops their communication skills further. Children benefit from outings to parks and places of interest. They visit Kew Gardens and Richmond Park, for example, and learn historical facts through visiting places such as Windsor Castle. Children gain social skills from attending toddler groups and the one o’clock club, where they meet other children and adults and where they can access more art and craft activities, stories and singing sessions. This extends their enjoyment and creativity, and enhances their all-round development.

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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 The provision is good. The childminder values and respects the children as individuals. The childminder obtains details of the children’s individual likes, dislikes, needs and routines from the parents. This is done before the children start attending the setting. She follows the children's routines as discussed with the parents. The childminder shares information, about the children's day and about their dietary needs, with parents on a daily basis. She has compiled an information folder for the parents about her service, policies and procedures. The children gain knowledge of the local community and the wider world through regularly visiting parks, places of historic interest and toddler groups. They increase their awareness of diversity through a sufficient range of toys and books, which

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Helping children make a positive contribution

reflect positive images of culture, disability and gender. However, children do not learn about others through activities relating to cultural events and celebrations. The childminder's use of praise, to reinforce positive behaviour and to acknowledge efforts and achievements, contributes towards the children’s high level of self-esteem. They play and behave well, and are encouraged to share toys, take turns and show consideration for each other. Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children with special needs, she demonstrated an awareness of how to do so.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and secure in a well-organised home, which helps them to gain confidence and be independent. The childminder dedicates her time to the children and gives them her full attention. Space is utilised in a way that maximises the children’s play opportunities and safety. The childminder makes appropriate use of contacts to initiate discussions with parents about the children's needs. She uses policies and procedures effectively to promote their welfare and care. The childminder keeps all required records. This contributes to the children’s health, safety and well being. A photographic record is kept of the time that the children spend in the childminder's care. Information is regularly shared with parents to keep them informed about the service provided and about the children’s activities. This contributes to the children's continuity in care. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

There have been no complaints to Ofsted 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 by Ofsred.

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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): • provide opportunities for children to develop a positive view of others, by providing activities which promote equality of opportunity

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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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