St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Langley Moor

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 149060 Inspection date 03 October 2005 Inspector Anneliese Fox-Jones

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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 registered in 2001. She lives in a three bedroom semi-detached house in the village of Wheathampstead with her husband and two children aged thirteen and eleven years. The childminder is registered for a maximum of four children under eight years. She is currently minding two children under five years. The childminder uses all of the downstairs of her home including a lounge/diner, kitchen, playroom and toilet. The upstairs of the home is only used if children need a sleep. The children have regular use of a spacious garden. The family have a cat, a budgie, a fish and a dog.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder does not provide overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well-nourished because healthy eating is actively promoted. Children make sensible choices about what they want to eat from a broad range of healthy choices. They have access to drinks at all times. Children purposefully learn about healthy living through daily health and care routines. Children are happy to try new foods, such as curries and different fruit or vegetables. They help to prepare their fruit at snack time and can confidently cut their own banana. Children develop their independence using a good range of suitable equipment for eating and drinking, they are enthusiastic and proud to be drinking milk from a cup. Children enjoy physical activity. They participate in a varied range of physical activities that enhance their good health. Children skilfully play a game requiring good hand-eye co-ordination by fishing for ladybird magnets. They benefit from daily

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Helping children to be healthy

opportunities of walking the dogs or exercising in the garden or local parks. Children rest and sleep according to their needs. The childminder has effective hygiene and sickness policies and procedures to protect children from infection. Most documentation is maintained sufficiently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can safely access areas of the house and garden because hazards have been minimised. They use a good range of suitable equipment that is cleaned and checked regularly for safety. They are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder teaches them about dangers inside and out of the home. Clear boundaries are positively reinforced to ensure that children are familiar with all aspects of protecting themselves, such as the dangers of running around inside. Children are developing a good understanding of road safety because the childminder reinforces safety through an appropriate book and involves the children in discussions. Children stay safe on outings because they are closely supervised. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has clear knowledge of child protection procedures. Children would be well-managed in an emergency situation as the childminder has carefully considered an evacuation plan which is

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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 Children enjoy an interesting range of age-appropriate activities. They become independent in their play because toys and resources are easily accessible. They are absorbed in what they do because the childminder helps them remain focused and provides sufficient challenge. Children are developing the confidence to recognise colours, numbers and letters through everyday play. Children make positive relationships with the childminder because she is very attentive to their needs. They receive lots of praise and reassurance and their art work is proudly displayed. This helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Children respond well to their flexible routine which meets their individual needs. Children are happy and content within their environment. They show good levels of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

concentration and are very excited when creating pictures using roller paint sticks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are provided with a meaningful range of activities and resources that promote a positive view of the wider world and an awareness of others. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They follow their normal daily routines as discussed with parents. Children show care and concern for others and play harmoniously together. They behave very well. Children are secure in their surroundings and benefit from the individual attention they receive. They confidently choose their play and independently visit the toilet. All relevant information is gained in order for the childminder to provide appropriate care for the children. Parents are informed verbally and through the use of written daily diaries and are therefore fully aware of their child's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. The childminder uses effective practice and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity of care. Indoor and outdoor space is organised effectively to maximise play opportunities for children. They benefit from a child-friendly environment. Children play happily and are comfortable in the childminders care. The childminder organises her time well to ensure children's care needs are met and they receive high levels of attention. All records are kept secure and respect confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last care inspection, the childminder has improved her records. She

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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 maintains appropriate attendance records, parent's signatures and most parental consent forms.

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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 written parental consent is for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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