St Vincent De Paul Catholic Primary School

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 101144 Inspection date 23/09/2008 Inspector Ruth Tharme

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has been a childminder since 1997. She lives with her husband and their two children, aged eleven and fourteen years. Her husband works alongside her and is also a registered childminder. They live in a semi-detached house in the Arle area of Cheltenham, within walking distance of local shops and amenities. The whole house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is an accredited member of the Cheltenham Childminding network and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She offers full or part-time care and an after-school collection service from local schools. There are currently nine children on roll, aged between nine months and ten years, who attend for a variety of sessions throughout the week. Minded children attend a local parent-and-toddler group and are taken on regular outings to the library, wildlife park and playgroup.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

A very clear knowledge of children's individual needs means that the childminder promotes children's learning and welfare effectively. A high priority is given to maintaining children's safety and the comprehensive policies and procedures in place actively promote the efficient running of the provision. The childminder works closely with parents and other professionals, which ensures that children receive the consistent approach and support they need. Consequently, their needs are well met and they make good progress in their learning and development. Effective strategies for self-evaluation mean that priorities for future development are readily identified and addressed.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 continue to develop the planning cycle to clearly identify what individual children are expected to achieve  further develop strategies to involve parents in children's learning and encourage them to contribute to the assessment of their children's progress.  keep a record of the times of attendance of all adults working on the premises

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provision

The childminder has a clear focus on helping children to make good progress in their learning and development. She has a good relationship with her co-worker which means that children benefit from their effective partnership. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Systems for self-evaluation are well developed and take account of the views of parents, which means that strengths and weaknesses in the provision are readily identified and addressed, leading to ongoing improvement. Good progress has been made since the last inspection when a recommendation was made with regard to safety. This has been effectively addressed, removing a potential hazard.

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provision

The setting runs smoothly as the provision is well organised throughout. An effective operational plan supports children's progress, promoting their safety and well-being. Procedures ensure that parents are well informed and children benefit from the two-way flow of information. Strong links with local charities and development workers means that children receive the specific and individual support they need.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress whilst in the childminder's care. They have a positive attitude to learning, enthusiastically joining in with activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, having attended a significant amount of training. This means that she is confident in providing children with a wide range of valuable activities and experiences, both in and out of doors. Plans are well considered and organised so each child takes part in a good variety of activities which meet their individual needs. However, planning is not yet sufficiently developed to clearly identify what individual children are expected to achieve from specific activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn healthy practices through everyday routines such as hand-washing. Regular outdoor activity and a healthy, balanced diet promote their general well- being. Children with specific needs are particularly well supported, including those who speak English as an additional language. The childminder has very strong links with parents and other professionals and works in partnership to ensure children receive good quality care. She is proactive in seeking advice and training which actively benefits the children she cares for.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A thorough and very effective system of risk assessment is used to highlight and address potential hazards to children. Strategies such as regularly practised fire drills and a clear policy on the administration of medication help to keep children safe. Security is given a high priority as procedures to ensure the safe collection of children and that only authorised adults gain access are well established. The management of children's behaviour is consistent and clear which means that children behave particularly well. They are aware of the boundaries and respond positively to praise and effective role modelling.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Arrangements ensure that children at risk are readily identified and are supported appropriately. The written child protection policy is clear and well considered.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Documentation is of a high standard. Records are clear and accurate. The daily This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 register is up-to-date and shows when children are present. However, there is no attendance record for the adults working with the children so it is not clear when each individual is present.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Arrangements for keeping parents informed, by e-mail, text messaging and newsletters, ensure that valuable information is available to them at all times. Parents speak highly of the provision and are actively encouraged to share their views. However, there are no formal strategies in place that encourage parents to contribute to the assessment of their children's progress, or to help them to be actively involved in their child's learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Outstanding The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Outstanding How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Outstanding

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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