St Charle's RC First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 130085 Inspection date 30 January 2006 Inspector Julie Whitelaw

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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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her partner, adult daughter and son aged 12 years in South Oxhey, Watford, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years and is currently minding two children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has 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 pet dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities that contribute to their good health. They regularly visit the park, play outside in the garden and so enjoy the benefits of fresh air. They develop control of their bodies as they play on the swings and climb the slide. Their physical development is promoted as they walk to school and when they dance to music with the childminder. Children benefit from a clean and warm home. Their health is promoted through the childminder's cleaning routine, storage and preparation of food. Appropriate procedures are followed when nappy changing that ensure children stay healthy. Children's understanding of good hygiene and independence in their personal care is developed as they are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. Their health is promoted as the childminder follows the policy that is in place to exclude sick children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy nutritious snacks such as fruit, which parents supply. Through discussion they learn about healthy eating. Drinks are always available which ensure children stay hydrated. Information regarding dietary requirements is recorded on the contracts. This enables the childminder to meet the children's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment. This is because the childminder has identified and minimised risks within her home. Children are able to move freely indoors because it has been made safe through the use of socket covers, drawer catches and stair gates. The childminder places high importance on security of the environment. The garden has been made safe, there is a strong cover across the pond and an area of safety matting where children can play on the slide. This enables children to play safely and independently. Children can freely access an adequate range of resources. These are organised in a storage unit and regularly checked to ensure they are clean, safe and appropriate for the children who attend. Children are kept safe because the childminder has a sound understanding of the importance of supervision. Children talk about road safety when walking to the park, this promotes their understanding of how to keep

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves safe. Children are kept safe through the childminder's sound knowledge of first aid. They are protected because she has an adequate understanding of the procedure she would follow if she suspects a child is being abused. This could be further improved by developing her knowledge of this subject.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children participate in a satisfactory range of activities and learning experiences that promote their development. They show interest in what they do and persevere at a task. Their learning is reinforced as they are encouraged and allowed time to repeat an activity. Children's confidence and self-esteem is promoted through praise and encouragement. The childminder claps as the child fits four books into a box. The child smiles and also claps, she appears happy with her achievements. Children's learning is extended as the childminder counts the number of bricks that are put in the box as they tidy up. Young children's physical development is promoted as they have room to practise walking. They develop confidence as they successfully negotiate the step from the living room into the conservatory, closely supervised by the childminder. Their learning is promoted as the childminder sings 'Round and Round the Garden' and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

teaches children the actions to the song. Children have formed a close relationship with the childminder, they smile happily when cuddled and seek support when required. They respond positively to the clear consistent boundaries set by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and treated as individuals. They benefit from the attention the childminder gives them. Their understanding of the wider world is developed through a satisfactory range of resources such as books, dolls and musical instruments. Discussion with the childminder also extends their learning of the wider world. Children with special needs are supported within the setting because the childminder has a clear understanding of how to meet their individual needs. She appreciates that some children may require additional support or resources to enable them to reach their potential. Children benefit from the trusting partnership that has developed between the childminder and parents, where information is exchanged verbally each day. Children develop self-control and manners through the clear, consistent boundaries the childminder sets. Their self-esteem is promoted through the use of positive methods

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Helping children make a positive contribution

such as praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the training the childminder has completed and her willingness to update her knowledge further. They make progress because of the individual attention the childminder gives them.

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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 Children are protected because the childminder ensures that persons living at the address or visiting the premises are suitable to do so and that children are never out of her sight. Ratios are always maintained. The required documentation is in place and well organised. The daily exchange of information keeps parents informed and involved in their child's learning. Up to date policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to attend an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and to develop her knowledge of child protection issues. The childminder updated her knowledge of first aid by attending training during February 2004. She is now clear about what action she should take if a child has an accident. This has therefore promoted the safety of the children in her care. Her knowledge of child protection is adequate but is an area that could be further improved and will therefore remain a recommendation.

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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): • further develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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