Sacred Heart High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 137935 Inspection date 22 February 2006 Inspector Christine Stimson

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and five in New Malden. They live in a house in a quiet road within walking distance of parks, local shops and a train station. All areas of the property, apart from the main bedroom, are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding five part time children. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a parent toddler group on a

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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 regular basis and the family have two cats and a rabbit as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children become aware of their own health issues as they are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Younger children have this done for them. However, children's health is compromised as they share the same towel to wipe their hands on. The childminder keeps accident and medication records in a confidential manner and these are shared with parents at the end of each day. The first aid box is well stocked, but the childminder has not maintained her first aid qualification, and this compromises children's health and well being. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks and meals whilst in the childminder's care. This enables them to enjoy good food and develop an awareness of health eating. Children enjoy physical play activities that contribute to their health. They play outside in the garden using a climbing frame, balls and sit and ride toys. They

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Helping children to be healthy

regularly go to the park to run off energy. Children's fine motor skills are encouraged as they have opportunities to use crayons, chalks, glue sticks and cutlery.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to a through lounge and a conservatory playroom where they enjoy free play, with all resources kept at child height for easy access. The childminder has taken steps to ensure her home is kept at a comfortable temperature for children to play in and her gas central heating is maintained annually as part of her safety check on the premises. All areas of the home are well maintained and clean. Steps have been taken by the childminder to ensure her home is hazard free, but the she has not practised an emergency escape plan with the children and has not put her fire blanket in an accessible place. This compromises children's safety. Children play with a wide range of toys and equipment which are suitable for their age and stage of development and all the resources are maintained in a clean and safe condition. The childminder has an understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

demonstrated that she would know what to do if she suspected a child was at risk

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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 from harm. This ensures that children's welfare is always given priority to ensure their safety and well being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play in an environment where they have a large choice of resources that both stimulate their imaginations and provide a challenge. The childminder plans activities so that children always have something different to play with. For example, one week the focus will be on imaginative play using a shop as an area of interest and another week children will focus on art and craft activities. Children spend their time purposefully whilst exploring a range of activities such as listening to music, playing instruments, drawing and cooking. This contributes to children's creativity skills. The childminder knows the children well and ensures their individual needs are met. She has a warm and loving relationship with the children who freely go to her for a cuddle and some comfort. Children are encouraged to be independent from a young age. They help the childminder put toys away and set the table for meals. Younger children are given a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

spoon to hold when they are being fed to encourage them to feed themselves when they are ready.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play with resources and have experiences, both within the setting and on outings, that promote and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, children play with toy figures depicting people with disabilities and people from different cultures. They attend local toddler groups where they mix with people from all different backgrounds. The childminder ensures she meets all the children's individual needs and has some experience in caring for children with special needs. Children are well behaved, kind and considerate. The childminder encourages them to care for one another and children enjoy helping to set the table or assisting a younger child in completing a puzzle. Behaviour management strategies are appropriate and help children to understand right from wrong. A good partnership with parents contributes to children's well being and parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

share information about their child with the childminder at the beginning and end of each day. This ensures continuity of care. Information on how to make a complaint is displayed for parents to see, but the childminder has not maintained a record of complaints or concerns, which is a requirement under the National Standards.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is experienced in caring for children across the age range and has attended childcare courses, although not in recent years. Children play in well laid out rooms that support them in their play and learning. They have a conservatory area that is used as a playroom and they also play in the through lounge area, where it is cosier in the winter months. The day is well planned allowing children time for quiet and active play. For example, children go on outings to toddler groups and activity centres and also have time indoors choosing free play activities for themselves. All regulatory documentation for the effective management and care of children is in place, with the exception of a complaints/concerns record book. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to address a safety issue relating to the bathroom lock. Since then the lock has been moved and younger children are not able to lock themselves into the bathroom anymore. This supports children's safety and well being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made 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 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

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 improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. • ensure the fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen and practise an evacuation plan to ensure the children know how to leave the premises quickly and safely • maintain a record of complaints and concerns

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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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