Darfield, All Saints, Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 106625 Inspection date 14 March 2006 Inspector Deborah Jane Starr

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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 was registered in April 1997. She lives with her husband and daughter in the Eastville area of Bristol. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is an enclosed outside play space. The childminder may care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently three children attending on a part-time basis. There are several pets in the home, including a cat, a parrot, and an Australian bearded dragon lizards in a locked vivarium.

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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 She takes children to a childminding group, drop-in sessions at a local children's community, venture play area and on outings to local places of interest. The childminder takes children to and collects from a local nursery.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted. They benefit from well established good hygiene routines. Children know to wash their hands after use of the toilet and after messy play and before snacks and meals. Polices and procedures that effectively minimise the spread of illness and risk of infection are in place; such as, the exclusion of children when unwell, fresh hand towels each time children wash their hands, regular health care checks for family pets and nappy changing procedures. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Accidents and the administering of medication are managed appropriately. Children benefit from a range of regular physical activities that contribute to their physical health and development. They enjoy varied experiences that promote their control and coordination. Young babies emerging mobility is encouraged by placing toys out of reach and low-level surfaces support young children's development. Older

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Helping children to be healthy

children enjoy action songs such as 'head, shoulders knees and toes' and 'the wheels on the bus'. They develop throwing and batting skills, using a variety of bats, different sized balls and bean bags. They enjoy throwing basket balls, playing skittles, jumping and developing balance on small trampolines and manoeuvring sit-on bikes and cars. Regular visits to local parks give children access to a wider range of play equipment to extend their developing skills. They are able to sleep, rest and be active according to their needs. Children benefit from fresh air when walking to nursery. Children develop an understanding of a healthy diet through nutritious snacks of various fruits and cookery activities. Parents provide their own child's meals. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and taken account of; for instance, the introducing of solid foods. Drinks are offered regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe as they move independently around the adequately maintained premises where hazards are clearly identified, carefully considered, minimised and regularly checked. This includes; stair gates, cupboard locks, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and safety mats for outside play. Children play with a varied range of safe, good quality and age appropriate equipment. They are actively encouraged and guided by the childminder to keep themselves and others safe within the home and when outside. Older children know they must be careful when playing with small toys; such as, pegs so that they are not harmful to babies. They

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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 practise fire drills and follow good road safety procedures when walking to and from nursery and the park. Reins are used on younger children when walking. The childminder has given careful consideration to most polices, procedures and documents to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and protected such as the collection of children. However, children's welfare is potentially compromised as written parental permission to transport a child in a vehicle is not obtained at all times. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and local procedures to be followed. She discusses her responsibilities with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of child development that is enhanced by the use of the Birth to three matters framework. Children are happy and settled with the childminder, who knows them well. They are eager to participate in an interesting range of well planned activities that are presented enthusiastically by the childminder. Children decorate card with a range of sparkly shapes and manipulate this under clear guidance by the childminder to create mothers day baskets and cards. Older children accept that the glue must dry but are eager to make additions using tissue, chickens and eggs. Children enjoy exploring the feeling of glue on their fingers and proudly show the inspector birthday cards they have made for family members with carefully selected pictures. Children play happily alongside each other, helping each other with puzzles, creating towers and using

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

coloured pegs to make patterns. Children work cooperatively to create intricate models by joining their duplo and Lego together. Everyday objects are used purposefully to stimulate children's senses. Children paint clay plant pots, explore the changing texture and plant seeds. They talk vividly about growing plants, showing the inspector hyacinth roots in clear bulb glasses. They make shakers using yogurt pots and create their own music when singing songs, or listening to music tapes. They create patterns using dried pasta and more able children identify the letters in their name. Visits to a wide variety of local places of interest; such as, the zoo, Slimbridge, trips on open-topped buses and regular visits to local community groups extend children's understanding of the world around them. Objects such as feathers and leaves collected on outings are used to create pictures. . The childminder's clear understanding of how she provides shared experiences for all

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children through the adaptation of activities and enabling children to make independent choices enriches their experience.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are clearly identified and met. This is achieved through

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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 very regular discussion with parents, the adaptation of activities and development of skills that enable all children to feel included. For example, supplying a range of sponges and brushes for painting, and the use of sign language to aid communication. Children are proud of their achievements and develop a strong sense of belonging. They proudly show the inspector cards and Easter baskets they have made for their parents and talk about past visits with other minded children to places of interest; such as, the industrial museum and the 'Wacky Warehouse'. Children beam with delight when they look at photos of themselves and recall the event. To date the childminder has not minded a child with special needs, but if asked would discuss their individual requirements with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children access a variety of resources and participate in meaningful activities that promote their understanding of the wider world and promote positive images and attitudes towards others. Children enjoy experimenting with musical instruments from around the world, dressing in sari's and are intrigued by photos of a Hindu wedding. Craft activities and different foods; such as, making Diwali lamps from clay, drawing their own name in Chinese script at New Year and attempting to eat noodles with chopsticks provide children with experiences that develop their understanding further. Visits to the local shops, community groups and a wide range of interesting local places; such as, trips on a canal boat, the city farm, @ Bristol, SS Great Britain and train rides develops their sense of the local community. Children receive frequent praise and encouragement that promotes their self-esteem and wellbeing. The childminders calm, consistent approach, clear setting of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

boundaries and age appropriate strategies is highly effective in managing children's behaviour. Children know what is expected of them and their behaviour is very good. Children benefit from the childminder's respectful approach, they are polite to each other and show care and concern to others around them. Children benefit from the close relationship between parents and the childminder. Her approach ensures that each child's individual needs are met, children are secure and parents are actively involved in the care given to their child. Parents are fully informed of their child's daily experiences and progress through daily diaries, frequent discussion and photographs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at ease within the childminders home. The lay out of the play areas and organisation of child sized furniture gives children space to be comfortable, have access to resources through the rotation of organised storage boxes and involved with interesting activities. Children benefit from the childminders commitment to gain knowledge and develop her skills through training and local workshops. Most documentation is appropriate and promotes children's wellbeing. It is organised and maintained confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection several areas of improvement were identified. First to make more creative and imaginative use of indoor space. Second, to ensure that the records of attendance are maintained accurately. Third, ensure that the planning and organisation of activities and play materials takes account of children's overall development and that they are challenged appropriately. Fourth, ensure that a sleeping cot is provided for children to sleep in. Fifth, make available evidence to confirm that vehicle insurance includes relevant business cover. All aspects have been fully addressed and the improvements reflected in this report.

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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

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): • obtain written parental permission prior to transporting a child in a vehicle.

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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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