Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 120609 Inspection date 09 June 2005 Inspector Patricia Jane Daniels

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and three school-aged children in a residential area of Staines. Minding mainly takes place on the ground floor. Bedrooms are available on the first floor for sleeping children, if required. A secure rear garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is currently minding several children of varying ages on a part time basis. She is a member of the childminding network and the National Childminding

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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 Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained home. The childminder has good hygiene procedures in place to minimise possible cross infection, for example children are provided with individual towels and bedding. Children begin to learn about the importance of following good hygiene through the daily routine. The childminder seeks general advice from her health visitor regarding health issues to inform and support her care for children. She protects children from potential cross infection through a suitable sick child policy and ensures parents are fully aware of this. Children receive appropriate first aid treatment, since the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children have regular access to active outdoor play, supporting the development of their physical skills. Their feelings are expressed and acknowledged, they know how to ask for help when needed and are given opportunities to acquire independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

This helps the children develop emotional stability and resilience. The childminder's routine also ensures that children have opportunities for periods of rest, contributing to their physical well-being. The childminder provides food if needed and offers a home cooked menu that promotes healthy eating patterns and ensures that children are well nourished. Parents are informed of what their children have eaten. Children have regular drinks and are encouraged to drink more after physical activity or during hot weather, making certain that they do not become 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 welcoming, secure environment. The childminder uses the available space to good effect, meeting the children's needs for quiet areas and places for more active play. Children move around freely within the ground floor areas of the house and into the garden. The childminder uses the first floor of the house for sleeping children, giving opportunities for rest in a quiet, secure place. The children are encouraged to develop an awareness of safety when they are playing. The children are safe because the childminder recognises her responsibility to ensure safety both inside and outside the home and has taken steps to minimise potential hazards. She is currently reviewing her arrangements for keeping the premises secure. Children select from a broad, stimulating range of toys that are clean and maintained in good condition. The childminder stores toys within the children's reach, enabling

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

them to choose freely. This gives children opportunities to make choices and develop

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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 independence. The children enjoy playing with the toys they have chosen, develop their skills and build on their natural curiosity as learners. The childminder recognises her responsibilities for the children in her care and understands the child protection process well. She keeps up to date with current procedures through ongoing training. She is aware of possible signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect and the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child. This promotes the children's welfare within the provision.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are treated with kindness and receive support and encouragement from the childminder. She builds warm, positive relationships with children, which helps them to feel settled and confident. She spends her time playing with the children, encouraging them to develop new skills and enjoy themselves. All children are included at their individual level and choose what they want to play with. The childminder supports the children's conversations and relationships, helping them to become effective communicators. Children are offered a variety of worthwhile play and learning opportunities that support all areas of development. The childminder provides interesting activities within the home and visits local toddler groups, where children can develop their social skills. Other outings offered include visits to farms and trips on trains. This helps to promote children's interest in the world around them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing with the range of toys available to them. The childminder arranges some items for children to select, encouraging them to make decisions about what they do and develop independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued as individuals. The childminder finds out about their home routines and preferences and uses this information to provide care, which reflects that given at home. This helps the children to settle and develop confidence. The childminder encourages the children to consider each other and values each child's contribution; this fosters a sense of respect for others and builds children's self-esteem. For example, one child recently expressed an interest in travelling on a train; the childminder organised a successful train trip to Windsor. The children have opportunities to contribute their ideas and develop a sense of belonging within the provision. The childminder celebrates Chinese New Year and uses toys and books to prompt children's conversations and raise their awareness of diversity. Children learn to appreciate the diversity within society through the activities and resources offered by

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the childminder. The childminder has some experience of children with Special

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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 Needs and works with parents to offer full support. Children benefit from the childminder managing their behaviour positively. She has a calm approach and encourages children to behave well through appropriate management of behaviour. She is sensitive to the children's developing self-esteem and ensures that any behaviour issues are managed carefully, offering reassurance if needed. She reinforces boundaries gently but firmly. The children develop an understanding of what is expected of them and behave well. The childminder develops a good partnership with parents. She makes time for daily conversations with parents and is happy to discuss anything over the phone in the evening. She seeks parents' views about her provision through a comments slip and welcomes any suggestions for improvement. The childminder provides written

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Helping children make a positive contribution

policies and business agreements are in place, these are reviewed in the children's homes every six months. The childminder uses a written diary to communicate the achievements and routines of pre-school children. She also provides a synopsis of the children's development every six months. A positive and supportive relationship is fostered and sharing of information helps to promote the children's well being.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has a professional approach minding. She is committed to improving her service through training and regularly attends courses to update her knowledge. The quality of the care offered to the children is enhanced by her understanding and organisation. The children benefit from the regular, well-organised routine provided by the childminder. She plans her routine to reflect the daily needs of the children and to offer a variety of interesting activities. She organises her home to offer a welcoming environment and balances her time to ensure that all the children receive support as needed. As a result, children are settled and confident. The childminder shares her written policies and procedures with parents. Regulatory requirements are met and documentation relating to the safety, welfare and health of children is organised and in place. The childminder meets the need of the range of

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to obtain written parental consent before administering paediatric pain killer. This is now in place, ensuring that regulations for administering medication to children are met.

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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

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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): • continue to develop good childcare practice

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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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