St Bede's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 116380 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Margaret Moffat

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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 satisfactory. 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 1990. She lives with her husband and 3 school aged children in the Oakridge area of High Wycombe. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder's registration is to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and she is currently minding 7 children who attend on a part-time or full-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She runs the local toddler group and attends others on a regular basis. The family have a hamster.

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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 and has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities, which contributes to their good health. This includes visits to local park, toddler groups and outdoor play in the garden. Children have the opportunity to walk, develop their physical skills and have plenty of fresh air on a daily basis. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows satisfactory health and hygiene routines. However, the childminder does not encourage the children to wash hands at appropriate times. Children play in a warm, clean environment where they have time to be active or rest as suitable. Meal and snack times are sociable occasions as children sit at the table with the childminder and enjoy conversations. Children benefit from a healthy diet, which includes vegetables and fruits. The childminder takes into consideration the children's likes and dislikes through discussion with them and their parents. However, children's

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Helping children to be healthy

individual dietary needs are not always recorded. Drinks of juice and water are available, as the children need them, they ask. Therefore, the children are developing an understanding of their own needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a spacious home were risks have been identified and minimised. A variety of safety measures are in place to safeguard the children. For example, window locks and socket covers. Space within the home is well-organised and this means children are able to move round safely, freely and independently. Children can easily access toys and resources that are checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that can harm them. The range of toys and activities available are appropriate and suitable for the ages and abilities of children attending. Children develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about road safety, holding hands and staying within sight when out walking. However, they do not practice the emergency evacuation procedure to contribute further to their safety within the childminder's home. The childminder has the required documentation and a current first aid certificate to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensure children's safety and welfare within her home. She has an appropriate understanding of child protection issues and is aware of the procedure to follow if concerned about a child.

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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 The provision is good. Children are well settled and feel at home in the childminder's house. As they arrive home from outings, they make themselves comfortable and confidently choose toys and activities from the selection available. They enjoy each other's company and have fun together. Children are becoming independent and gaining self-esteem through making choices in a positive environment, where they are happy and content. Children enjoy the activities on offer and show an interest in what they do as they proudly show the childminder their efforts in making patterns with pegboards and using the building bricks. They have access to a variety of activities, such as creative and messy play and they enjoy looking at photographs and recalling what they have been doing and naming other children taking part. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

develops warm and affectionate relationships with the children making them feel comfortable and valued. Children receive good support from the childminder who spends time talking and playing with them and encouraging their language skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a range of resources that promote a positive image of the wider world such as books and small world. The childminder treats children as individuals and ensures she is aware of their personal needs and interests. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to care for children with special needs, although none currently attend. Children develop a sense of belonging and learn about the local environment through walks to the park and outings, such as visits to a model village. Relationships with parents are professional but friendly. They receive information about their children through verbal daily feedback and through these discussions, their children's individual needs are met, although they are not always recorded. Children behave well, are polite and respond to the childminder's requests to tidy up. They receive praise and encouragement for their positive behaviour and efforts,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which further develops their self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel confident and secure in their surroundings. They benefit from the good use made of available space and the support they receive from the childminder who knows them well. Although all regulatory documentation and policies are in place the childminder does not always record children's individual needs or accurately maintain consents for medication. The childminder continues her professional development through regular training courses to further improve services to the children and their parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to keep clear records of accidents, incidents and medication administered and ensure a fire blanket is readily accessible in the kitchen. These recommendations have been addressed to improve the safety and welfare of the children.

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Complaints 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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 satisfactory. 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 good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring the emergency evacuation procedure is practiced with the children • ensure that all records relating to childminding activities contain relevant information and are maintained accurately.

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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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