Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic Primary School A Voluntary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 139622 Inspection date 13 October 2005 Inspector Cheryl Walker

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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 1990. She lives with her family in a house in Carshalton, Surrey, close to local shops and community resources. All of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding. Rest and toilet facilities are available on the first floor. There is a garden available for outdoor play. The childminder has two cats. She is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children and is currently minding a total of five children on different days, all of whom attend on a part-time

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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 basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean environment where they learn to follow good hygiene practices. Effective procedures ensure that risks of cross infection are minimised, for example young children have their own bedding when they sleep, which is washed regularly and older children have their own towels to use in the bathroom. Children enjoy a healthy diet because the childminder has a clear understanding of nutritional requirements and talks to parents about any individual dietary needs. Outings to the park and the community resources give children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills. Up to date first aid training ensures the childminder can act appropriately if a child has an accident whilst in her care. Record keeping does not clearly indicate when children are administered medication.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious, well-organised environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. Regular safety checks ensure that the home and equipment children use are in good condition and well maintained. Older children learn about road safety and the importance of using pedestrian crossings whenever possible. This enhances their growing independence. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows how to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care. This supports children’s wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A good balance of indoor and outdoor play and clear, consistent routines allow children to feel secure and settled in this warm and caring environment. Babies and young children gain much from being together. They learn to communicate and develop good relationships with each other, contributing to their sense of well-being. Children independently choose from a range of activities that are easily accessible and provide stimulation. Positive interaction and support from the childminder enables children to feel confident to attempt new activities.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain good levels of self esteem because the childminder knows them well and is sensitive to their individual needs, wants and interests. They benefit form clear discussion about difference and receive information in simple, understandable terms. Children behave well and benefit from consistent praise and encouragement. Appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, help children understand right from wrong. Effective two-way communication with parents ensures continuity of care. The childminder gives daily verbal or written feedback according to parental preference.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Most documentation is in place to support the efficient management of the childminding service, however some aspects of record keeping lack sufficient detail. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make some improvements to the security of the back garden, the storage of hazardous substances and to some aspects of record keeping. Improvements have been made to the garden by securing fence panels and hazardous substances are now out of children's reach, ensuring their safety. Some aspects of record still require attention and have been raised as recommendations in this report.

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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

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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): • ensure accurate records are made and retained, which show parental permission for the administration of medicines • improve the accuracy of the attendance record by including times of arrival and departure • ensure confidentiality of the accident and incident records.

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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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