St. Theresa's RC Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 136825 Inspection date 19 October 2005 Inspector Claire Jean Douglas

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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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and 3 children ages 10,12 and 16 in the London borough of Bromley. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with the exception of the front room lounge, which is only used for children to sleep in. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local shops, parks and toddler groups. There are currently 2 children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, she supports children who do not have English as their mother tongue.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are given varied opportunities to develop their physical health and well-being, through a range of indoor and outdoor activities. For example, children frequently experience climbing ladders on slides and riding on wheeled toys, which in turn helps to keep children healthy by improving their physical skills and strength. The children increase their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as they access freely available drinks and are positively encouraged to eat a very healthy balanced diet where dietary requirements are respected. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through a well-established daily hygiene routine. Risks of cross-contamination are minimised through the good use of a sickness procedure and excellent hygiene practices. All legally required documentation, which

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Helping children to be healthy

contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being, is in place and regularly reviewed. The childminder is fully aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and adapts activities to suit the ages of the children she cares for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure and safe environment. The childminder is proactive in identifying and minimising risks for children in the home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder is efficient in helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, children are beginning to develop an understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a fire because these are regularly practiced. The childminder gives optimum priority to ensuring that children are well supervised both in the home and when on outings, which contributes to the children's safety. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children’s welfare, by having the required procedures and documentation in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They relate well to the

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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 childminder and each other. They confidently approach the childminder for support, indicating that trusting relationships are built. The children are able to socialise with others, within the setting, as well as through attendance at local toddler groups. Children become independent, as they choose between a balance of toys, books and activities. These contribute to their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. The resources available are appropriate for the ages of children currently being cared for, however these need to be improved to meet the needs of all children. The children join in enthusiastically with stories and learn about the meaning of words through hearing expressive reading. They use books, toys and equipment purposefully. The childminder adapts activities to be age and stage appropriate,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

listening to and valuing what children say, she talks with them about what they are doing and has high expectations of what they can achieve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The daily routine acknowledges and mirrors their home routine. Parent’s views are sought and the childminder takes on board any concerns they have and adapts the care provided to meet their wishes and the child's needs. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities. Children are beginning to learn about their local community through play, walks and discussions. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children behave well and play together harmoniously. The childminder uses age-appropriate strategies to deal with negative behaviour. Children's self-esteem is raised by good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. They feel at home and at ease within the well-organised environment. The childminder dedicates her time and attention fully to the children when they are present. Required documentation is held and the childminder understands and complies with regulatory requirements. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for the children. The childminder is proactive in attending relevant training. This ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved children's safety by making glass hazards

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Improvements 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 inaccessible to children, by furthering her knowledge of child protection procedures and by obtaining business motor insurance for taking minded children in her car. Consents, which are, now in place, for transporting children in the car and for obtaining emergency medical treatment, have improved the partnerships with parents, enabling the children to make positive contributions to the provision.

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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): • Improve the selection of toys and resources to meet the needs of all children.

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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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