Apple Tree Cottage School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129448 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2006 Inspection date Maura Pigram 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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and two teenage children age 15 and 13 years in Leverstock Green, Hemel Hempstead. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is close to all amenities and attends local toddler groups. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family have a dog and guinea pigs as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a clear understanding of good health and hygiene as they participate in daily routines to maintain this. They are given gentle reminders to wash their hands after using the

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 toilet and are encouraged to use tissues to blow their noses. Consequently, they develop good hygiene habits for later life. They are protected from cross-infection because the childminder has a clear policy in place regarding exclusion of children who have a contagious illness. Measures such as using suitable wipes and cleaning surfaces with anti-bacterial spray ensure children are further protected against cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works carefully with the parents. Meals are currently provided by the parents and the childminder ensures extra treats such as a wide variety of fruit are available. As a result of this, children's dietary needs are met and they are well nourished. Children can rest and sleep according to their needs, the childminder is careful to meet parental wishes regarding sleep patterns and routines. Consequently, children settle quickly and easily when they are put down to rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities for robust physical exercise. Everyday they go outdoors, either to the spacious enclosed garden or on local walks to visit parks or the local shops. In the garden they enjoy ball games, riding cars, digging and playing on the trampoline.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and well maintained indoor and outdoor environment. They have sufficient and comfortable space in which to play and rest. Children learn how to keep themselves safe by the explanations, boundaries and the close supervision of the childminder. They learn how to protect themselves when out and about as they are taught awareness of road safety when they go out on their regular walks. Suitable car seats are used for the children ensuring they are kept safe whilst travelling to suitable venues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks are identified and appropriate action taken to minimise accidents and injury. For example, electrical socket covers are used and smoke detectors are in place and checked regularly. Reins are used for younger children, this gives them a sense of independence but also keeps them safe. Explanations and distractions are used to ensure that children do not hurt themselves whilst playing outside. For example, young children are only allowed on the family trampoline if an adult is present. As a result, children learn how to play safely whilst playing in the garden. Children's welfare is maintained effectively as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminders care. They initiate interaction with the childminder, who listens to them and is interested in what they say and do. The children are treated as part of the family and they take pleasure from the regular contact of other family members including grandparents. As a result, they feel at home and secure enabling them to confidently access the wide range of resources available to them in the well organised playroom. Low-level seats and tables ensure the children are able to initiate their own play. At the time of inspection they engrossed themselves in the making of 'cakes' using play dough. They used

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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 a wide selection of shapes and cutters effectively developing their fine motor skills and hand to eye co-ordination. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework but does not use this when planning activities and resources to ensure that the younger children have full opportunities to demonstrate their independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to others and are beginning to show good social skills by sharing and taking turns. They enjoy taking part in a range of adult-led and child initiated activities. For example, recently they made masks and pictures using collected leaves which they displayed on the walls or tookhome to share with their parents. Consequently, they feel valued and their self-esteem is developed. They regularly socialise with others outside the setting attending local toddler groups and organised events such as visits to Whipsnade Zoo.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s individual care needs are met as the childminder knows the children well and she works closely with the parents. She ensures the information she has is up to date through the regular exchange of information and diaries are shared to ensure continuity of care. There is a system in place to record any complaints which complies with the requirements of the National Standards. This means that parents are aware of the procedures to follow if they have any concerns regarding the children's welfare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to develop their independence by making decisions about their play and personal needs. For example, they help themselves to the variety of resources available and visit the toilet when they need to. The childminder is committed to inclusive practice by ensuring the resources are available to all children. They are valued and respected as the childminder takes time to listen to their questions and responds to them appropriately. Children have some resources that reflect positive images of diversity and enjoy looking at an art and craft activity book which shows a variety of artefacts. This helps them develop a reasonable understanding of their world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are generally well behaved and is managed calmly by the childminder according to the children's stage of development and individual level of understanding. The childminder helps children take turns and to share so that they respect the needs of others. Older children are involved in helping show their younger peers the art of sharing. As a result, children are developing caring qualities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's well-being is supported because the kind and caring childminder spends time listening to the children, she organises her time and her resources well. They are provided with suitable activities to promote their development and stimulate their interest. Children are invited to make their own choices and self-select form low-level storage units in the play-room so that they are able to initiate their own play and learning. Consequently, they feel at home and

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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 develop a sense of belonging. They benefit from the continuity of care and effective working practices between childminder and parent, and thus feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

Essential documents and parental consents are maintained, up to date and shared appropriately with parents. Therefore, this supports the care of the children. The childminder keeps her knowledge up to date by referring to documentation received from support networks such as the National Childminding Association and Sure Start. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that written parental consents were dated when signed and to provide a portfolio for parents with information relating to the childminder's daily routine, childcare practices and certificates. All of these issues have now been addressed. Consequently, there is continuity of care between the children's parents and the childminder.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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 satisfactory. 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): • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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