English Martyrs Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 141595 Inspection date 05 July 2005 Inspector Maxine Coulson

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1997. She lives in a semi detached house on a residential road in the village of Olney with her husband and one child aged seven years. Her home is within walking distance of local parks, library, pre-school and schools. Childminding takes place on the whole of the ground floor with one bedroom used upstairs for sleep purposes only. There is a fully enclosed garden available for children's outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children. She is currently caring for seven children who attend for various days and sessions and of

p.2

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 these, three are over the age of eight years. She is not registered to provide overnight care. The family have one dog.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There are regular outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example riding on wheeled toys, use of balls and walks. Regular visits to local parks improve children’s physical skills such as climbing steps on slides or using climbing frames. Children flourish in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand why they must wash their hands after going to the toilet and have use of their own flannels and towels, helping to reduce the risk of infection. Children benefit from a well-balanced and healthy diet. They have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children through vigilance and the use of different safety measures, for example socket covers and fire guard. This means children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are safe at all times when off the premises through the childminder ensuring there is constant supervision and helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. However, she does not explain to all ages of children about evacuation procedures when on the premises. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder, through careful supervision, ensures toys and equipment are safe and appropriate for children's age and stages of development. The childminder effectively safeguards and promotes children’s welfare through a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures, and shares this

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

information through discussion with parents.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate well to the childminder and are confident in their surroundings. They

p.3

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 are able to easily access and choose from a good variety of toys, equipment and resources helping them to develop their independence. Children are beginning to develop social skills by having opportunities to play with other children through attending local toddler groups. Children have access to a variety of activities to encourage them to progress in all areas of development, including imaginative and creative play. They have opportunities to develop their existing knowledge, for example learning numbers. During a threading activity, children count to the number they know and the childminder encourages them to count further. Children have access to a good amount of room to be able to move around freely and take part in spontaneous play. They choose from an interesting range of toys

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and equipment that they clearly enjoy playing with, helping them to learn and progress through their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are active, enjoy and eagerly participate in a variety of different types of play, which means they behave well. They have discussions with the childminder to help them be aware of their actions and to understand when their behaviour is acceptable and when it is not. They are beginning to develop their independence through making their own choices of toys and activities. They have opportunities to learn about their local community through visits to parks, libraries and local farms. Children have good access to toys and resources that help them learn about diversity and different lifestyles. The childminder has discussions with parents and carers to ensure she meets children's individual needs and routines, helping children feel confident and secure. She gathers this information and keeps it within the children’s records to help meet their needs on a daily basis. Children receive good support and appropriate care

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

through the childminder's good practices that contribute to their welfare.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home within a relaxing and comfortable environment that contributes to their sense of belonging. They have good adult support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting. Children have access to a good amount of space that the childminder organises well, allowing them to move around easily and to be able to express their ideas during free play. The childminder has all the necessary documentation and parental permissions in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She regularly shares information with parents, which contributes to continuity of the children’s care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge of child protection issues and procedures and documentation to improve the organisation of children's welfare and care. The childminder has now attended a workshop on child protection and has a good understanding of how to protect children. She obtains parental permission to administer medication, records existing injuries and any incidents involving children and records children's attendance times daily to ensure children’s safety and welfare.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 children of all ages are familiar with the emergency evacuation procedures

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5