St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Barnard Castle

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 149058 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Karen Molloy

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and their three children aged 7, 10 and 12 years in the village of Wheathampsted, Hertfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. One of the upstairs bedrooms may be used for children to have undisturbed sleep. The childminder is close to local schools, parks and shops. She regularly visits the local library, village and outdoor areas.

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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 registered for four children under eight years at any one time and is currently childminding four children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder has a puppy 'Wiemaramer' dog. The childminder has previously completed some short courses in road safety and helping children to read. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet. Their independence is encouraged as they are given their own cups, which they learn to recognise at an early age. Children's likes and dislikes are considered and any other specific dietary requirements taken into account. Currently, babies enjoy milk and food provided by their parents which is stored and prepared appropriately by the childminder. Children's' individual needs are sensitively managed, for example, a young child is helped to master lumpy food. A sample menu is shared with new parents and children are offered a selection of drinks which are replenished throughout the day. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Young children go to bed happily and sleep undisturbed, upstairs, in a travel cot. Their own routines and comforters are discussed with parents and organised in conjunction with

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Helping children to be healthy

all the children. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health and help develop their physical skills. They walk everywhere, to a nearby dyke, the village, local park and to and from school. Children regularly use the garden with its slide and take the dog for daily walks. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and comfortable home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their independence is encouraged as older children manage their own toileting needs, whilst the childminder monitors their safety. A step helps younger children to wash their own hands with support from the childminder. Children who are unwell do not attend, although any child becoming unwell would be well cared for until they are collected. Medication information is in place and used as necessary.

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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 environment where any risks are identified and addressed. Appropriate safety precautions are in place, for example, safety gates, socket covers and dangerous substances are inaccessible. Children play an active part in fire safety drills and a fire policy supports this practice.

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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 Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe, as stay on the path and walk in front of the childminder, when they are out and about. Children may also go in a buggy or walk, holding hands. Children are given increasing independence as they show they can listen. They are beginning to understand road safety issues as they look at a road safety book and discuss the pictures with the childminder. Older children can independently select activities and resources from a range of safe and suitable equipment. These are tidied away daily and monitored to ensure they are safe, well maintained and appropriate. Children can play with smaller items at a table or when young children are sleeping. Babies and young children have toys stored separately. This enables all children's needs to be met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted with relevant documentation in place. Children are cared for by a childminder who has some knowledge of child protection policies and procedures and has identified this as an area for further development. The childminder holds a current First Aid certificate and maintains appropriate accident records.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They form positive relationships with the childminder who responds promptly and appropriately to their needs. Cuddles and reassurance are given readily and children approach the childminder with confidence. Children's confidence and self esteem is fostered as the childminder encourages and praises them. When trying to acquire new skills, such as, using the potty, the children are told how clever they are. Children's development is extended and their thinking encouraged, for example, as a child talks on the toy telephone, the childminder asks questions and helps to develop a conversation. Their language development is promoted as s/he continues to 'chat' whilst playing. Children are able to develop their understanding of the real world as they are given opportunities to role play; a child cuddles a baby doll, rocks it and attempts to change its clothes. Time in the garden to wash dolls and their clothes and make a washing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

line provides a further opportunity to promote children's imaginative development. Children have the chance to take part in a range of activities and play opportunities. They show an interest in what they do and are able to access many of the resources independently. Children's creativity is encouraged through themed activities, organised according to seasons or time of year, for example, Easter or Mothers Day. They are also able to paint, hand print and use play dough, allowing them to do so freely and too much structure. However, they are supported when necessary. Children's individual needs are acknowledged when planning or organising activities;

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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 their different strengths and their age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected and valued as individuals. Children's differing needs, routine or mood may determine the activity at a particular time or day. Activities are repeated to enable all children to have an opportunity to take part if they choose to. Information about children's likes, dislikes and routine is gathered before they start. Families benefit from time invested, in regularly sharing information on all aspects of the children's care. This may be done verbally or through recorded communication. A flexible and honest approach enables both parties to establish a good partnership early on and any issues to be discussed. Children behave well and are aware of the ground rules early on. Children act as positive role models for other children and follow their practice. Children are removed from the situation if challenging behaviour persists and older children receive more explanation. Managing behaviour is discussed with parents to find out how they deal

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with situations. Children receive plenty of praise and acknowledgment of good behaviour, that helps to develop their confidence and self esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at ease within their environment. This means they are able to initiate their own play, yet still approach the childminder for support or comfort. Children settle well to sleep and are regularly checked. More resources are now accessible to the children and the childminder may also initiate activities for younger children. The childminder has previously completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP) and holds a relevant First Aid certificate. She has the 'Birth to three matters' framework for young children and is keen to look at this in more detail. All the relevant documentation is in place and the childminder has developed some additional literature and polices, that are shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has made more resources accessible to the children. These have been moved downstairs to a low cupboard that children can choose from.

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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 There are no complaints to report.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues

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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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