St Andrew the Apostle Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 104470 Inspection date 24 August 2005 Inspector Leoarna Mathias

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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 a registered for eleven years. She lives in a thatched cottage in the village of Abbotskerswell, not far from the market town of Newton Abbot in Devon. She lives with her husband and four children, aged between 18 months and 12 years. The family have a dog and four cats. There are currently nine children on roll, attending for a variety of hours. Children with special educational needs can be supported. The children mainly use the ground floor, although they can have use of the childminder's own children’s bedrooms where toys are stored. Children have use of a den which is mainly used for craft

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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 activities, and there is an enclosed rear garden with trampoline which children can use with written permission from parents. There are also local parks and limited shops nearby. The childminder has attended a one-day Devon Childminding Association pre registration course and has an up to date first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before meals, and are encouraged to sit together at the table at meal times. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious home cooked food and regular drinks, and is also well able to support children with special dietary needs. Children enjoy regular access to outdoor play, accessing a good range of equipment, such as balls and trikes, that promotes their physical skills. Children's health is also well promoted, as the childminder keeps up to date with first aid training and records any medical issues or accidents clearly.

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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 spacious home where risks are identified and minimised; for example, the recently acquired trampoline has been risk assessed and its use discussed with parents. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently, while accessing a wide range of good quality toys and resources. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place in order to ensure children are safeguarded, including parental consents for a range of activities. She is aware of the appropriate procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child, and remains vigilant about the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. As a result, children's welfare is effectively promoted while in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children make themselves at home and are confident and settled, because the childminder makes sure that she is familiar with each child's home life. The childminder's secure knowledge of children's preferences and interests means that children access a range of activities that they enjoy and that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. For example a three year old who is fond of drawing is given resources and encouragement, while the childminder appropriately assesses the progress she is making. The childminder readily gives meaningful praise to children for their achievements, and is skilled in promoting children's co-operative

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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 skills; as a result, children relate well to each other during their time at the childminder's house. Children are also encouraged to socialise with others through their attendance of local groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals. They behave well, observing the sensible boundaries established by the childminder at all times, and responding well to praise. The childminder encourages children to be respectful of difference and gives them the opportunity to learn about their community through outings and routines, such as attending local groups. Children with special educational needs are appropriately supported, while the childminder remains mindful of meeting the needs of all children in her care. Parent's wishes are also respected, as the childminder and parents work together to support children at different stages of development, such as when toilet training, and good amounts of information are readily exchanged through a newsletter and regular discussions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her practice effectively, keeping records and documents safe and paying heed to the need for confidentiality. Documentation that is required in order to safeguard children's welfare is in largely good order, though on occasion, registers are completed retrospectively. However, the childminder does collect appropriate amounts of information about each child from parents in order to care for them well. She also has a good understanding of the regulatory requirements within which she must operate as laid down by the National Standards, and as such keeps Ofsted informed of any significant events. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to increase her supervision of children while at play in the garden, and to ensure that all parents had an opportunity to give her consent for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment. The childminder has now revised her approach to the supervision of children while playing outside, to ensure that all are visible, and all minded children's parents have now given their consent for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment.

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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): • ensure that registers are promptly completed to accurately reflect children's attendance.

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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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