Saint George Catholic Voluntary Aided College Southampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 116507 Inspection date 27 February 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 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 1991. She lives with her husband and grown-up daughter in a bungalow on a farm in Wooburn Moor, near High Wycombe. All areas of the premises are used for childminding except some bedrooms. 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 9 children all of whom attend on a part-time. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools and nurseries. She attends the local toddler groups on a regular basis and takes children to the local

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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 library and on outings. The family have 2 dogs, 2 cats and some guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a worthwhile range of activities which help to promote their good health. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene routines and proudly announce to the childminder when they wash their hands after visiting the toilet. The childminder has most required documentation and consents to record accidents, medication and health to ensure the children's welfare within her care. Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. They attend toddler groups, go on regular outings and have daily access to outdoor play in the garden. They have opportunities to develop their physical skills, exercise and have plenty of fresh air as they play in the garden with the apparatus, for example bikes and skateboards. Children are provided with a range of healthy snacks and lunches including sandwiches, fruit yoghurt and home made muffins, encouraging them to develop

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Helping children to be healthy

healthy eating practices. Children develop an awareness of their individual needs as they confidently ask for a drink because they are thirsty.

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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 warm and welcoming environment where they feel safe and secure. The childminder supervises younger children at all times and this allows them the freedom to move about safely within the home and outside. Appropriate safety measures are in place to ensure risks are minimised, for example fitted fire guard and safety film on porch door. Children independently access equipment and resources from the good range available and the childminder regularly checks them to ensure they are safe for the children to use. When on outings the childminder ensures children are strapped in car seats, hold hands or hold onto the buggy when walking, and learn about road safety helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe. The childminder has a good understanding of safety related issues and has in place all relevant policies and procedures to ensure children's safety. She has a good

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection issues, the signs and symptoms to look out for and the procedure to follow if she has any concerns 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 settled and very at home in the childminder’s house. They enjoy a variety of activities, which are appropriate to their ages. Children initiate their own play and confidently ask the childminder for help when required. For example, when playing with the train track, they ask the childminder to add bridges and make a tunnel. The childminder talks to the children and asks questions during their play to develop their language and thinking skills. Children enjoy the activities on offer and show an interest in what they do, have fun and enjoy themselves. Children enjoy playing in the garden with bikes and skateboards and delight when they achieve their goal of going down a small slope on the skateboard shouting to the childminder to watch them. The childminder has good relationships with the children; she enjoys

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their company and knows them well. She gives good support to the children in their play, providing them with an environment that allows them to respond with enthusiasm to new challenges. Children have opportunities to socialise with a wider group of children through attending local toddler groups and outings with other childminders and the children they are minding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and treated with respect, helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a sound understanding of equal opportunities issues and a positive attitude towards diversity, this helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. They access a range of books and resources that reflect positive images of the wider world. Children develop a good understanding of right from wrong. They behave well, are polite and respond well to the consistent praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder. Good relationships are evident between the childminder and the children. Children’s contributions are valued and as a result they are developing their own personal independence well. Children's individual needs are met well through the childminder discussing these with parents. She develops friendly but professional relationships with the parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and effective communication through daily verbal feedback ensures continuity of care for the children. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to care for children with special needs, although none currently attend.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and at home in the environment and are able to move about and play comfortably both indoors and out. This means they are confident to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder spends time talking and playing with the children, consequently they are supported in their play and making progress in their development. Procedures are in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. However, parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment is not

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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 in place. Parents receive copies of the childminder’s policies and this keeps them informed about the childminding service. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder was asked to update documentation, consents and written agreements with parents and ensure all records are readily available for inspection. This has been done with the exception of parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment, which remains a recommendation at this inspection. All other documentation, consents and children's records were presented in a folder and readily available at the inspection. The childminder was also asked to ensure toys and activities were clean, safe and promoted positive images. The childminder regularly checks and cleans toys and resources and ensures they are safe and children have access to a range of activities and resources to promote positive images. This has a positive impact on children's safety and wellbeing.

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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 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): • ensure written parental permission is in place for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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