All Hallows RC High School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 131512 Inspection date 13 March 2006 Inspector Marilyn Joy

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband, mother and two children aged three and seven. They live in a house close to the Shirley area of Southampton. The whole of the property is available for childminding and includes a garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for four children under eight years. She is currently caring for seven children under eight of whom one is under five. All attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups when it fits in with

p.2

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 children being cared for.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s good health is promoted because the childminder has a clear understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle which includes nutritious snacks, fresh air and exercise. They walk to and from school, play in the garden and visit the park. Children usually bring their own lunch boxes and these are stored in the fridge to ensure they stay fresh. All meals and snacks provided by the childminder comply with children's individual health and dietary requirements. Good levels of hygiene are followed throughout the childminder's practise. Parents are made aware of the childminder’s sickness policy so that she can take positive steps to prevent cross-infection, particularly if children are ill. Children develop independence in caring for themselves and are encouraged to develop hygiene routines themselves, such as washing their hands. Careful consideration is given to providing appropriate care should a child have an

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

accident or require medication. The childminder updates her first aid knowledge and has a well-stocked first aid kit. All records relating to children's health and emergency care are up-to-date and recorded appropriately.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming, home environment where children's health and safety is given paramount consideration. Children are safe because the childminder has an excellent understanding of what is required. Appropriate safety equipment is in place, indoors and outdoors, enabling potential hazards to be eliminated. Children learn about keeping themselves safe when handling equipment and playing in the home. A strong emphasis is given to encouraging children to develop an awareness of road safety when going on outings and walking home from school. Children's age and stage of development is taken into consideration when deciding whether they should hold hands or walk on their own. Children’s welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a very good understanding of child protection issues and her responsibilities should she have concerns about a child's well-being. She has attended training and has a written

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

policy which she shares with all parents. Children are supervised well and robust security measures ensure children are unable to leave the premises unaccompanied. Careful consideration has been given to developing procedures for evacuating the premises in the event of a fire. Children practise the fire drill with the childminder so they know what to do in an emergency.

p.3

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 benefit from an extensive range of toys and equipment which is age-appropriate and suitable for their needs. Children have easy access to resources which are checked thoroughly to ensure they are safe, clean and in excellent condition.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are offered a range of interesting and stimulating experiences that they enjoy. Children play indoors and outdoors. They visit the park and often meet other children and childminders, which helps to develop their social skills. They respond well to the childminder who effectively encourages their development through the variety of activities offered. Children's communication skills are promoted well during the relaxed conversations they have with the childminder. Children's individual routines are incorporated into the daily routines and ensure they have a balance of active and quiet play, particularly after a hectic time at school or playgroup. Children develop independence in making choices about what they want to play with. Pre-school children wanted to thread colourful beads on to strings so the childminder joins and helps them to achieve success. When children came in from school they

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

were also keen to make necklaces and were very proud to show the childminder and ask for help in finishing them off. Activities are organised in response to children’s interests so children are well-motivated to participate. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because they are valued and praised. They select books from the good range available and sit comfortably with the childminder as she shares a story with them. Children are happy and enjoy their play. When they come home from school they excitedly delve into the dressing-up box and choose what they want to wear from the very good selection available to them. They look for the props to match their outfit, such as a wand and tiara for the fairy or binoculars for the explorer. Younger children count and identify colours as they sort the felt-tip pens in readiness for colouring and drawing. They practise cutting out and gluing as they create their own collage from

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the bright and tactile materials in the craft box.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging in the happy and contented way in which they play. Clear and consistent boundaries help them understand what is expected. Frequent praise and encouragement promotes positive behaviour well. Children learn to take turns and play co-operatively together. Suitable arrangements are in place for supporting children with special needs and ensuring appropriate care is provided. Effective settling-in routines means children quickly settle. Positive relationships are developed with parents, which contributes to children being confident and secure. A range of policies and procedures detailing the service

p.4

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 provided are given to parents and form the basis for discussions around how their child's care will be organised. Children's records clearly record their individual health and dietary requirements, although arrangements for sharing additional information about cultural, religious or individual preferences relies on discussion. Children's daily routines and well-being are regularly discussed to ensure parent's are happy with the care provided. Parents are encouraged to raise any concerns they may have with the childminder, although there is no formal system for recording or dealing with any complaints received.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. A well-organised home environment is offered where children feel comfortable and at ease. Space is used efficiently so that children are well-supervised and have safe areas to play. Clear policies and procedures provide parents with information about the service provided and how children's care and well-being is managed. Ongoing discussions as well as updating of children's records, keeps the childminder well-informed of most aspects of children's care. Most documentation is comprehensive and accurately maintained, although some has not been updated to reflect changes in current regulations. Positive outcomes for children are promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards. She is committed to continually developing her service by updating her skills and expertise with further training and reviewing her practise. The childminder meets the needs of

p.5

Organisation

the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her medication records. Procedures have been improved and written consent is obtained from parents before administering medication to children. When children are collected parents co-sign the form to confirm they are aware of what medication has been administered and to prevent additional doses being given unless necessary.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the

p.5

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 National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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): • update documentation to reflect current regulations regarding complaints • find ways to develop existing methods of sharing information with parents about children's individual needs to ensure all aspects are covered, for example cultural, religious and individual preferences are covered.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6