St Chad's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 142731 Inspection date 03 November 2005 Inspector Brenda Joan Flewitt

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and their two adult children, and two younger children aged 14 and 11 years, in Yeovil, Somerset. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding which includes a lounge, play room, conservatory and dining room. Sleep and toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under 5 years and five school aged children, on a part time basis. The childminder also cares for children over the age of 8 years.

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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 qualified primary teacher. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, the TRIO quality assurance network and the local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's healthy lifestyle is promoted well. Children are cared for in a clean, tidy family home where children develop independence in managing their own personal hygiene. They learn to wash their hands when using the toilet or after messy activities, through discussion and example provided by the childminder. However, they do not always have clean hands before eating. The childminder's procedures protect children from the spread of infection. For example, children use individual paper towels to dry their hands and there is a clear policy shared with parents about children not attending if they are ill. There is a well stocked first aid box which is easily accessible and the childminder has attended suitable training to ensure children's accidents are attended to appropriately. Children have constant access to drinks throughout the day. The childminder makes sure that children's individual cups are within their reach. Children make choices from

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Helping children to be healthy

food they bring from home. The childminder serves meals and snacks attractively to encourage children to eat well. She supplies healthy snacks such as cheese, crackers or bread sticks for children when they come in from school, in agreement with parents. Children respond well to a semi-structured routine which includes a good balance of physical activity, times to be outside and opportunities for rest and sleep. They are in fresh air on a daily basis as they walk from school and regularly enjoy activities that promote physical development. These include playing in the garden and visits to the park where they swing, slide, climb and play ball games. The younger children often visit an indoor soft play area which helps them develop skills in balancing, going through tunnels and gaining confidence in moving their bodies in a safe environment.

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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 safe and secure, well maintained spacious property where hazards and risks are identified and minimised. The good security system helps protect children from un-invited visitors and ensures that they cannot leave unsupervised. The childminder puts measures in place to help prevent accidents. These include socket covers, safety gates to prevent access to the stairs and safe storage of hazardous substances. Children confidently move between the various rooms in safety, while choosing their activities. They use a range of well maintained equipment to keep them safe while eating, sleeping and travelling. Children are kept safe on outings through the childminder's safe procedures which

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 include using appropriate car seats and restraints and taking first aid equipment with her. Children learn to cross the road safely through daily routine and good example provided by the childminder. They learn what is expected if they need to leave the home in an emergency as they are involved in regular practises. The childminder's sound understanding of child protection issues and the Area Child Protection Committee procedures contribute towards the children's safety and welfare. Parents are made aware of the childminder's responsibility through discussion and by the written policy supplied to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure in the care of the childminder who provides a welcoming environment which is calm, organised and fun. Children enjoy their time there, they make good relationships with their childminder, her family and each other. For example, all the children exchange friendly greetings with the childminder's children. They enjoy playing together in games they have made up for themselves or activities organised by the childminder. Children develop confidence in making their needs known, as they can be sure of a friendly response. They develop independence skills both in their play and self care. Children are involved in a wide range of activities that promote learning in all areas of development. These include art and craft, construction, miniature world, books, TV, dough, water, sand, cooking and role play. Children use their imagination well. They like to act out real life situations like 'being at school' or making 'dinner' for their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder, as they make good use of the wide selection of role play resources. From an early age they use their senses to explore and be creative. For example, the youngest child is fascinated by the marks she makes on black paper with chalks as the others make a 'firework picture', which they take home to show with pride. Children easily access an extensive range of well maintained play equipment and resources, which are organised effectively to allow children to make spontaneous choices. For instance, a toddler selects a book from the low shelving and enjoys turning the pages to look at the pictures. Children's days include a variety of visits outside the home where they investigate their local environment, meet other people and have opportunities to use alternative equipment. They enjoy regular visits to a local toddler group and other childminders' houses where they develop their social skills and get to know and trust other adults.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Trips to venues such as, 'Crealy', 'Cool Play' and the beach gives children experiences to learn about nature and enjoy a sense of challenge and adventure in a safe environment. As a result, children develop a positive attitude to the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 are respected as individuals. The childminder gets to know each child well through positive interaction when supporting their activities and effective communication with parents. Children develop a sense of belonging. They are made to feel included, and part of the family home. Some of their work is displayed which promotes self esteem. The childminder completes a photo album for the youngest children which provides a pictorial diary of their time spent with their childminder. Children develop an open attitude to a diverse society as they see many positive images within their play equipment. One child is delighted to be able to wear dressing up clothes that look like the uniform her mother wears at work. Children behave very well. They are always occupied in positive play and respond favourably to the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder's praise and encouragement for effort and achievement. Children gain from the childminder's open relationships with parents. The childminder promotes good communication between herself and parents. This includes clear information about the setting in the form of a port-folio which contains certificates, as well as written policies and procedures. There are daily opportunities for verbal discussion, supported by written diaries for babies. This contributes to the children's individual needs being met effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's experience and commitment to developing her role in child care. She is a member of a quality assurance scheme which helps monitor the provision she offers. She attends training courses to increase her knowledge of various aspects of caring for children. The effective organisation of the premises, time and resources leads to children being active and learning in a safe environment, resting as required and their independence skills being promoted. The regular activities organised with other childminders means that children gain confidence with other familiar adults. Therefore, in the event of the childminder being unavailable, such as for holiday or sickness, the children settle more easily with an alternative childminder they already know. Records and documentation are well organised and up to date. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the

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Organisation

children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that advice was sought from the fire officer about fire precautions on the top floor. Although she does not use the second floor for childminding, the childminder contacted the fire officer and complies with recommendations. There is a smoke detector on each floor as required, which contributes towards children's safety in an

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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 emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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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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): • make sure children consistently wash their hands before eating.

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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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