Holy Rood Catholic Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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117486 Unique Reference Number 14 May 2008 Inspection date Sally Hall 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 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 1992. She lives with her husband and one of her adult children. They live in the St Budeaux area of Plymouth, within walking distance of shops, school, parks and the train station. All the ground floor of the home is used for childminding and an enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play. She is registered to care for six children under eight years of age and is currently caring for four children at various times during the week. The childminder takes children to local groups and on outings.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family keep salt-water tropical fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean environment. The childminder ensures all areas of the home are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. Good procedures are followed to minimise risks of infection with children. They learn from a young age the importance of washing their hands after going to the toilet and before meals and use hand gel after drying them. This has

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 become a routine that they are all familiar with and they have easy access to the downstairs cloakroom enabling them to be independent. They ask for tissues to wipe their nose and remind each other that they need a tissue. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and documentation to record accidents and consents are obtained to administer medication. However, parental consents are not in place to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are known and recorded. The childminder provides meals and encourages healthy eating; children have snacks of fruit and have regular drinks. Children have fresh air daily, and regular physical exercise. They walk to school, visit local parks, play outside and attend local groups such as Jump.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are minded downstairs and have use of a secure patio area for sand and water play, and ball games. Sensible safety precautions have been taken in the home to ensure a safe environment for children to play. For example, locks are fitted on drawers and cupboards in the kitchen preventing children gaining access to sharp knives or chemicals. Fire safety equipment is in place and fire drills practised with the children to ensure they are familiar with the procedure and recorded. Children's safety is given high priority as the childminder ensures they are supervised well at all times. Good procedures are taken when out with the children, reins are used for the younger children and they learn about keeping themselves safe as they walk to school, and to local amenities. Children have a broad range of toys and resources to select which are all in good condition and suitable for their ages and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected by the childminder's secure knowledge of what to do in the event of a child protection concern. She is aware of the importance of recording existing injuries to children and has information to refer to should the need arise and useful telephone numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and secure. They are confident to introduce themselves and interact well with each other and the childminder. Younger children's language is encouraged well. They learn to share and take turns and enjoy card games and problem solving when making puzzles. They recognise colours, shapes and count confidently to 10. Children are encouraged to look at books and have a range of craft activities. They are reminded of the importance to value the toys and to help to tidy up. They are keen to show what they are growing, for example, sunflowers in pots in the garden, and watercress that they have planted in egg shells and painted faces on. Children laugh with delight as they play and enjoy cuddles with the childminder. They have the opportunity to socialise with other children on a daily basis attending various groups during the week. They visit the library and have regular outings travelling to Teignmouth

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

on the train, ferry trips, visits to the Zoo, Living Coast and nature walks to feed the ducks. Children talk about places they have visited and show pictures they have made following their trips. Children minded after school have the opportunity to choose whether they wish to join in activities or sit quietly.

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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 learn about diversity in a positive way through using books, dolls with costumes from around the world, games that reflect disabilities and celebrate festivals throughout the year. They learn about their local community and take part in sponsored walks. Children behave well and they are familiar with the boundaries in the home and when out walking with the childminder. They learn to be kind and thoughtful to each other and to share and take their turn. They listen well to instructions, learn good social skills, and receive praise and encouragement, which effectively promotes their self-esteem. The childminder has a sensitive understanding of supporting children with learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's parents are kept well informed on a daily basis how their child has been and what they have been doing. They have week books with photographs showing their child playing, which the children are keen to look at with you saying what they were doing. The childminder is aware to record if a parent has a concern, however, has only received compliments and has letters of appreciation from parents for the care she provides. Information is displayed on a notice board for parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by an experienced childminder who is confident in meeting the needs of the children. She plans the day well to give them a range of play opportunities, attending groups, visiting places of interest, participating in free play and ensures individual routines for rest periods are met. Good attention is given to children's safety and wellbeing.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended various training workshops including Every Child Matters to increase her knowledge. She is confident in meeting the National Standards. Documentation is overall in place to meet the needs of the children; contracts are completed with parents and regularly reviewed so there is a clear arrangement in place for their child's care. Children's daily attendance is recorded and the registration and insurance certificates are displayed.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, two recommendations were made to ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand drying. Children now follow very good routines. A further recommendation was made to obtain information regarding child protection. The childminder has information in which to refer in the event of a concern.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

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Complaints 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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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 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): • obtain parental consent to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency.

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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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