St Joseph's Catholic Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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125726 Unique Reference Number 15 February 2008 Inspection date Melissa Turner 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 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 was registered in 1991. She lives with her husband and adult son in High Brooms, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The whole of the ground floor and a bedroom on the first floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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, three under five and two over the age of five. Her husband is registered as her assistant. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association.

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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 are developing a sound awareness of keeping themselves healthy. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating and the childminder talks to them about how to wash their hands properly. Individual hand towels and antibacterial soap are used. These aspects help avoid the spread of infection. Children are provided with healthy home cooked food and snacks, they enjoy apple and grapes. A sample menu informs parents of the range of foods provided. Children remain hydrated because their drinks are set out so they can help themselves. Children take part in regular physical activity; they walk on a daily basis to and from school or playgroup, enjoy outdoor play in better weather and visit an indoor activity centre once a month. These aspects help promote positive enjoyment of physical activity. All required medical and health documentation is in place and the childminder has a valid first aid certificate. These

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Helping children to be healthy

aspects ensure she is suitably equipped to deal with emergencies, accidents or illnesses.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a suitably safe home environment. They have access to a basic range of age appropriate toys; these are not stored accessibly, which limits children's independence, the childminder promotes and maintains safety with children appropriately. For example, safety equipment is in place around the home such as locked cupboards in the kitchen and bathroom, and smoke alarms sited appropriately. This helps to keep children safe whilst in her care. The childminder has suitable systems in place for ensuring children's safety when on outings and playing in the garden. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of child protection issues which helps her to safeguard children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and established in the childminder's care. A basic range of age appropriate activities and toys are available for children; however these are not stored to encourage children to help themselves or make independent choices. Children enjoy playing with the play dough, supported by the childminder at floor level, as they discuss the different colours, and resources they have such as rolling pins and cutters. They also enjoy the 'magic painting', stampers and hand printing. The childminder supports them as they select books from a book bag; talking with them about the pictures they can see in the book and joining them in singing nursery rhymes. Children appreciate interaction and support from the childminder when playing; they appear generally engaged and happy in their activities. Their routines are followed by the childminder which include time for lunch and snacks, outings and a planned creative activity

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

most days. Children appear to be happy and confident. As a result they are able to enjoy and achieve in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated and cared for appropriately as individuals; their needs are met. This helps them feel settled and supported. They have access to a satisfactory range of resources; however insufficient resources reflect the differences in society which means children are unable to

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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 begin to learn about diversity. Children are encouraged to behave well; they are offered praise and encouragement and told how well they are doing, for example for the hand print pictures they produce. Good manners are encouraged. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of behaviour management. As a result, children are beginning to learn about good behaviour. There are appropriate methods used to work with parents. Parents are offered daily verbal feedback. The childminder also keeps a complaints, compliments and suggestions book to encourage feedback from parents and a portfolio containing a range of policies for parents' information. This helps ensure children's needs can be met and parents are able to receive information about their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder works from a suitably organised home environment which meets children's needs. She has most documentation in place; which includes a range of policies and procedures. However currently written agreements are not in place for all children. In addition, the childminder has not notified Ofsted when her son turned 16 and required checks to be completed; this is a legal requirement. The childminder has completed the required first aid course and a behaviour management course, but has attended limited other training to help develop her knowledge of child development. 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 in December 2004, the childminder was set five recommendations. She has now implemented a policy on the exclusion of ill or infectious children, and children are provided with nutritional snacks, promoting good health. The range of toys and resources promoting diversity has not been increased, and consequently this has been set as a recommendation again at this inspection. Parents are well informed of the policies and procedures as a copy is made available to them. Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues is now satisfactory; contributing to enabling the childminder to help keep children safe.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2005 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 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 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): • consider further developing the range of toys and resources available to children and making them more accessible • further develop the range of toys and resources reflecting the diversity of our society • ensure written agreements are in place for all children • ensure any adults over the age of 16 complete relevant checks

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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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