St Catherine's School and College

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 118226 Inspection date 22/09/2010 Inspector Deborah Starr

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and one child aged 13 years in Clevedon, North Somerset. Most areas of the childminder's house are used for childminding. Children have no access to the rear garden. Access to the house is via steep steps. She is registered to care for children overnight. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. The childminder currently cares for five children on a part-time basis in the early years age range, five children within the age range of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and two children within the age range of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local pre-schools, nurseries and the local primary school to take and

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Description of the childminding

collect children. She takes children to local parks, the beach area and the local library.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of children's individual needs enables her to promote and safeguard their welfare generally well overall. Documentation has not been updated, a lack of equipment does not support children's ability to participate fully in activities at all times and good hygiene routines are not consistent. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge overall of how she promotes children's learning and development, through assessment and play opportunities; planning of activities is not yet sufficiently well developed.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Positive relationships with parents and links with other early years providers are established. The childminder has addressed the actions and recommendations from her last inspection generally well. She demonstrates through her self- evaluation, reviewing of practice, use of support and training a commitment to continuous improvement and the positive outcomes for children

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 extend equipment for young children so that all children are given appropriate support to be actively involved their play  give further consideration as to how activities are adapted to offer suitable challenges that intrigue all children and encourage curiosity and exploration  take appropriate steps at all times to minimise the risk of cross contamination so that children's health is safeguarded This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  update the record of risk assessment to include any assessment of risk for outings and trips.

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the early years provision

Appropriate arrangements ensure that all adults in the household have undergone suitable vetting procedures. The childminder's sound understanding of child protection issues and knowledge of procedures she should follow in the event of a concern about a child ensures children's well-being is safeguarded. Individual documentation on children is maintained appropriately and shared with parents. Daily visual checks ensure children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Appropriate records are kept for assessment of risk for all areas of the home but have not been updated to include all outings. Overall, sufficient attention is given to ensuring play areas are maintained hygienically. However, fully effective steps are not taken at all times to minimise the risk of cross contamination, for instance, after children have accidents. Children access an adequate range of suitable toys that interest them and support their development. Equipment available is fit for

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the early years provision

purpose, however, the childminder does not have any means of seating for very young children. The childminder keeps young children safe by sitting them on her lap when involved in activities. This, however, restricts her ability to engage fully with other children to support their play. Daily walks to parks and the local sea front alongside weekly visits to a toddler group promote children's awareness of their local community. Children develop an understanding of the wider world through some resources and occasional activities that reflect diversity.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a capacity to maintain continuous improvement. She has taken account of the actions set and recommendations identified at her last inspection. She has started to reflect upon her practice with the support of her local early years support worker. She has sought to develop her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage by discussion with other providers, reading of appropriate materials and attendance at safeguarding and equality and diversity training. Consequently, due to her positive attitude and developing knowledge the outcomes for children are improving.

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the early years provision

The childminder builds positive relationships with parents. They are informed of her practice through discussion and some written policies. She regularly exchanges information about children's activities, achievements and well-being through the day. Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child and their achievements at home, thus ensuring their individual needs are met and supported. For example, children's communication is promoted through the sharing of resources and use of signing. Positive relationships are established with other early years providers and ensure continuity in children's care learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are secure and relaxed with the childminder, because she forms strong attachments with them and meets their individual needs generally well. The childminder uses regular observations of what children know and can do to assess their achievements against the learning and development guidance. She identifies children's next steps and takes account of these during children's spontaneous play. Children participate in some adult-led activities within the childminder's home. Full consideration however, is not given as to how these activities are adapted to offer suitable challenges that intrigue all children and encourage curiosity and exploration. As a result, children make satisfactory progress overall in their learning and development. For example, children are offered soft dough. Toddlers use the few tools available to them. They use shape cutters to good effect and repeat actions demonstrated by the childminder such as using a rolling

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and outcomes for children

pin. Toddlers are encouraged to share and happily do so. Young children show an interest in the activity, they listen to the childminder and mirror her actions; children start to prod. Children's curiousity however, is not encouraged through the offering of ideas, use of open-ended questioning and access to a variety of resources to explore; consequently, children lose interest.

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and outcomes for children

Children easily access a varied range of puzzles and books. They are encouraged to manipulate pieces to fit and are supported to look for differing shapes, thus developing problem solving skills. Children eagerly sit with the childminder to look at books. They listen intently to her, follow instructions to turn pages and twist attachments and recognise familiar characters.

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and outcomes for children

Children's understanding of healthy lifestyles is supported well through daily routines such as hand washing and access to fresh air whilst playing in local parks and sea front areas and walking to and from school. These activities provide daily opportunities for children to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe, for example, when crossing roads and having contact with dogs, and for older children, discussions about stranger danger. Regular practise of the evacuation procedures by all children increases their awareness of keeping themselves safe within the home. Children respond well to the frequent praise given by the childminder and are clear as to what is expected of them through her consistent and calm approach. Children's behaviour is good. Children are encouraged to share, take turns and play cooperatively together and as a result develop skills for the future. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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