Grove Vale School

Inspection report for early years provision

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100792 Unique Reference Number 15 May 2006 Inspection date Shirley Ann Jackson Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and 15 year old child. The family live in a four-bedroom detached house on the outskirts of the town of Newent in Gloucestershire. There is a park, playgroup, toddler group and primary school within walking distance. The whole of the premises is available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden with a path and grassed areas for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). There are currently 11 part-time children on roll aged from 15 months to 11 years.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children rest and sleep according to their individual needs, supporting their well-being. Children's health is supported as the childminder has clear procedures in place for dealing with accidents, emergencies and administering medication. Children are introduced to good hygiene procedures by observing the childminder cleaning the table before they eat. However, children are given mixed messages about good hygiene. They wash their hands before eating lunch, but not always before eating snack. This limits their understanding of good hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered regular drinks, snacks and meals in adequate quantities for their needs. Children sit together to eat, developing their social skills and manners. Children learn about healthy living as they help the childminder to peel vegetables and prepare fruit. The childminder takes account of parents wishes and the children's choices to provide nutritious and balanced meals to meet their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to go outside to enjoy physical activities and fresh air. They go for walks in the local area, for example, to the arboretum, library and shops. The childminder takes children to the nearby park where they can play on climbing equipment or use the resources which she takes with her, such as, balls and cones. This develops children spatial awareness and encourages them to play independently and as part of a team. The children also use the childminder's garden where they can play on wheeled toys, swing and slide. These activities help children to develop control of their bodies and improve their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move freely and safely within the childminder's home as possible risks have been identified and minimised. They are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder gives clear safety explanations when she feels they may be at risk, for example, when running in the kitchen. Children's safety is promoted when outdoors and on outings through the childminder's use of good safety procedures. Children are aware of these, and can describe them in detail, building their confidence and safety knowledge. Sleeping children are closely monitored by the childminder to ensure their well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently choose activities from a range of good quality resources which meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of resources to make sure that they are appropriate for their stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures in place to ensure she promotes and safeguards children's welfare. Children's welfare and safety is promoted through the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle and are comfortable in the childminder's home. They have warm relationships with the childminder which builds their self-esteem and confidence. Their social skills develop during regular visits to the local toddler group. Young children receive lots of cuddles and have a strong bond with the childminder which increases their sense of well-being. They benefit from routines which are consistent with those followed at home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to become independent learners as they help themselves to resources from the good range offered. Children's early communication skills are well supported through positive adult-child interactions. Their language is well fostered by the childminder who constantly talks to them, listens to them and responds appropriately. She effectively introduces new language and early maths skills into children's play, for example, when playing with small world toys she introduced numbers and words, such as, oxygen tank. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their imagination and creativity, such as, art and craft activities, role play, musical activities and mark making. All children spend their time purposefully.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children are included in routines and activities offered, for example, all of the children took part in the small world play and playing with the musical instruments. Children's sense of achievement and independence is promoted through the childminder giving them time to complete self-chosen tasks, such as, winding the hose on to the fireman's reel. Their self-esteem is raised as the childminder uses praise and encouragement when they attempt or achieve something. They develop confidence and a strong sense of self through positive interactions with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's care needs are well met as their normal home routine is followed, as discussed with their parents. All children have equal access to toys and resources and their choices are respected building their self-esteem. There is a sufficient range of resources which reflect positive images of the wider community, beginning to build children's awareness of diversity. Children learn about the local community as they visit shops, the park and the library. They build good relationships with the childminder and with each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to play with. They are developing self-assurance as the childminder encourages them to do things for themselves. Children begin to learn about positive behaviour as the childminder gives clear explanations when behaviour is unacceptable. The childminder gives all children the opportunity to play independently and make choices, such as, asking to play with the musical instruments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive working partnership between the childminder and parents. Parents views about their child's needs and interests are sought before care starts, ensuring continuity of care. Daily chats about the children take place, giving children a sense of belonging and well-being and keeping parents involved and informed.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable in their surroundings and feel at home within the well organised environment. They are well supported by the childminder in their play and learning and she is on hand to extend their play when needed. Children are confident in their surroundings to initiate much of their own play.

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Organisation

The childminder has recently completed a number of training courses including baby talk and the Foundation Stage. These help her to keep up to date and also help to further develop her practice and the experiences offered to the children.

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Organisation

Procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of the children. These are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity of the child's care. Overall, 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 last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure all the contents of the first aid box conform to requirements.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's health has improved as the childminder regularly checks the first aid box to ensure it's contents are correct and within date.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004.

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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.

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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 that children practise good hygiene procedures with regard to hand washing before they eat

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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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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