The Augustus Smith School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 129166 Inspection date 20 April 2006 Inspector Jill Nugent

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 15 and 11 years old, in a house in Hatfield. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently she is minding four children, two of whom are under five, one is over five and one is over eight. She goes to local schools to take and collect children.

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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. The childminder has good procedures in place to promote children's health. Her medical records are well maintained and all necessary permissions are sought. She has various first aid kits, all of which are well stocked, so that she has access to equipment at all times. If children become ill whilst in her care, they are made comfortable and a parent contacted. The childminder ensures that parents are aware of exclusion times for sickness so that children are protected from infection. She is attentive to matters of hygiene. Her pet dog is very well looked after. Children have individual flannels and toothbrushes. They learn the importance of washing their hands before eating. These practices contribute to keeping children healthy. Children eat according to their parents' wishes. They bring their own packed lunches, although the childminder keeps various healthy foods at hand in case children need

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Helping children to be healthy

extras. Children can access drinks throughout the day. Therefore, they are sufficiently nourished. There are good opportunities for children to take part in physical exercise. Young children move freely around the house, pushing buggies and moving to music. They enjoy a variety of activities at toddler groups and like to visit the local parks, where they have fun running around and using the play equipment. Children also get fresh air and exercise in the garden and at country parks. Consequently children are fit and active.

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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 safe environment. The childminder is very aware of safety issues and keeps her house clean and tidy. All cleaning fluids and sharp utensils are kept out of reach. Children are prevented from accessing the staircase, or front door, through the use of a safety gate. The childminder keeps an eye on crawling babies to ensure they do not come to any harm. There are appropriate fire precautions in place and regular fire drills are carried out. When playing outdoors children keep safe because the garden is well maintained and the sheds are kept locked. On outings they are always secure in a buggy, or on reins. They use specially fitted seats when travelling in the childminder's car. Therefore, children are safe and secure at all times. Children play with a variety of toys and games which are suitable for their different ages. The resources are colourful, and attractive, and the childminder checks them

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

regularly for safety. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. They learn to play safely in the house, taking care to handle the toys in a safe manner. They are becoming aware of how to keep safe near roads when out walking. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues. She has attended training and is aware of what to do if she has a concern. Children are only collected by known adults as she has a password system in place. Therefore children are well protected.

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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 outstanding. Children become very involved in their play and develop new skills. They relate well to each other and are learning to communicate and negotiate. Young children attempt to label objects and are encouraged by the childminder's response. She asks them questions to stimulate conversation, for example, asking about the pictures shown on a jigsaw puzzle. Children have increasing confidence and independence. They enjoy the childminder's participation in their games and this enhances their enjoyment of the activity, for instance, after choosing clothes they dress dolls together. Young children show much interest in picture books and like to share them with the childminder. They count bricks when building models. They have fun with Playdoh, learning to manipulate it and compare shapes. Older children particularly enjoy doing challenging jigsaw puzzles and making complex models using

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

construction equipment. Therefore, children are stimulated to enjoy a wide variety of play activities in response to their individual interests. The childminder offers a broad range of interesting things for children to do. They visit a toddler group each day and a childminders' group at the end of the week. Each group is chosen for the different activities available, such as, arts and crafts, music, sand and water play. The childminders' group organises special visits and visitors, for example, members of the fire service. At home, older children often choose to paint, stick or draw. They enjoy baking and decorating cakes. The childminder rotates her resources so that children can access toys which are particularly suited to their interests and stage of development. She makes good use of a local toy library so that children also have a further choice of resources. Consequently children enjoy social

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interaction and many different learning experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued. The childminder makes sure that no children feel left out if she has to concentrate on one in particular. She meets their needs appropriately and children are very content. They are given a choice of play activities and the childminder maintains their interest through suggesting new ideas. They are becoming aware of differences in society through using dolls and books which reflect diversity. Babies are allowed to explore safely when feeling inquisitive. They enjoy being included in activities with older children, such as, Playdoh modelling, because the childminder supervises closely. Consequently, children have a sense of belonging and learn to make independent decisions. Children behave very well. The childminder has a set of house rules and children are well aware of their boundaries. She ensures that they listen to, and understand, her reasons when told to behave in a particular way. They learn to share toys and to take

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Helping children make a positive contribution

turns if someone else wants to have a go. They enjoy much praise when they behave appropriately. They benefit from the childminder's working partnership with their parents. She keeps parents informed about each day's events and takes care to be confidential. Parents complete contracts which include all relevant permissions and

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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 notes on their children's individual needs. They are highly satisfied with their children's care. The childminder has set up a new complaints procedure in line with the recent changes in regulations, although parents do not have the up to date contact details for Ofsted. Overall, her good relations with parents enhance children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's documentation provides a good framework for care. She has a concise set of policies which provide details of her practice. Parents sign to acknowledge their awareness of these when children first start. She maintains a detailed attendance register in which she also notes any special events or outings. She attends training courses which are of interest and has attended training in Food Hygiene and Child Protection since her last inspection. She renews her first aid certificate when necessary. All her paperwork is well organised and helps her to provide a safe and healthy environment for children. There is plenty of space for children to play and relax at the childminder's home. They like to join in floor play in the lounge and take part in table-top activities in the dining area. They have good access to resources which are sorted into boxes for ease of choice. The childminder organises her days around a daily routine which

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Organisation

allows children time to follow their own interests and take part in organised activities. She spends time with them helping them to enjoy and achieve. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that all parents are aware of the complaints procedures and also to practise her emergency evacuation procedure. She displayed the relevant poster giving parents information about the complaints procedure. She now practices the evacuation procedure regularly. She has also altered children's sleeping arrangements so that they no longer sleep upstairs. These changes have been effective in improving children's safety.

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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.

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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

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 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 parents have up to date contact details for Ofsted.

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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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