Archbishop William Temple Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129255 Unique Reference Number 26 April 2006 Inspection date Jill Nugent 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 registered in 1983. She lives in a house in Welwyn Garden City. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. She has four pet cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently she is minding five children, of whom three are under five and two are over five. She collects children from a local school.

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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. She obtains all necessary medical permissions and background medical information on each child. Her medical records are well maintained. She has good access to first aid equipment so that children can be treated quickly in the event of an accident. If children become ill, they are made comfortable while waiting for a parent. Children sleep according to their needs. The childminder is attentive to good hygiene. She wears gloves when changing nappies and ensures that children's hands are clean before eating. Older children learn about the need to wash hands at times. The childminder's pet cats are all well looked after and always fed away from the children. Therefore, children keep healthy in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat a variety of healthy foods. The childminder is very interested in the topic of healthy eating and is keen to provide good meals for children. They enjoy lunches of wholemeal bread, cheese, meat and salad, and fruit for snacks. Some bring their own lunches so that they can eat as their parents wish. The childminder is planning to make fruit smoothies in the summertime. She ensures that children with special diets eat appropriately. Consequently, children are well nourished. They have many opportunities for physical activity. They enjoy visits to the park, lakes and activity centre. They play in the garden with various toys, including ride-ons, a golf set and swing ball. Indoors children have fun joining in action rhymes and games. These activities help them to keep fit and healthy.

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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 possible hazards and prioritises children's safety. Children are not able to access any dangerous materials or electrical sockets. They play safely in the living room as safety gates are in use on the stairs and kitchen. There are adequate fire precautions in the house and these are checked regularly. The childminder raises children's awareness of fire safety through story reading and discussion. Children keep safe in the garden as it is fenced all around and sheds are kept locked. When out walking they keep safe in a buggy, or on reins and wrist straps. They learn how to keep safe near to roads and how to use Pelican crossings. Therefore, children are safe and secure at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a range of resources, all of which are safe and suitable for children of different ages. They have good access to a selection of toys, set out on the living room floor. All toys and equipment are checked regularly and kept in good condition so that children can play safely. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues. She keeps a record of any concerns and knows how to seek advice if necessary. She has a password system in place to ensure that children only go home with a known adult. Consequently, 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 good. Children show interest in the play activities on offer and are developing close relationships with the childminder. She talks to them and encourages them to explore. She praises their achievements in order to boost their self-esteem. She joins in their imaginary play with play food and a kitchen. Children make choices, for example, taking out dolls and books. They enjoy listening to stories and looking for different things in the pictures. They have fun with a playdoh machine, developing independence and confidence as the childminder plays with them. She responds to their interests and finds different ways to stimulate theirs, for instance, suggesting a child uses bobbins for building as an alternative to threading them. She avoids directing children's play and, instead, becomes involved with the children so that they benefit from her interaction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn while they play. They are encouraged to become communicators through the childminder's conversation. They are becoming aware of numerals, shapes and counting. They learn new skills, for example, how to make different shapes with playdoh. The childminder is aware of young children's attention spans and organises different activities to maintain their interest. She writes a monthly summary of their progress and makes this available to parents. Children go on various outings. They attend toddler groups, visit the library and other childminders. They participate in creative and cooking activities. Overall, they have many enjoyable experiences and good opportunities for social interaction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and special. They get on well with each other and enjoy the company of the childminder. They receive good support, as she is always on hand to meet particular needs as they arise. Children are happy to share her attention and learn to help each other. She has collected a wide range of books which reflect diversity in society and shares these with children. She also has a collection of attractive photographs of other countries to help children find out about different cultures. She promotes discussion about anything that interests them. Consequently, children discover a wider society and learn to respect others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. They are encouraged to share toys and use good manners. The childminder has a set of house rules which are relevant to different age groups. She discusses issues calmly with children and distracts younger children when necessary. Children benefit from her consistent approach and, consequently, learn how to behave responsibly. The childminder has good relationships with parents. They receive clear, detailed information about her practice, including a set of policies. They provide information about their children's individual needs and sign numerous consents so that children receive appropriate care. The childminder has set up a complaints procedure, although parents have not yet been given up to date information in her complaints policy. Overall, parents are very satisfied with the care their children receive.

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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 outstanding. The childminder is highly organised. All her paperwork is easily accessible in files, orderly and well presented. She keeps a daily diary which she uses when feeding back to parents about each day's events. Her policies cover every conceivable eventuality and are particularly clear and concise. All children's information is kept in individual files and these are available to parents. Attendance records are kept up to date. Overall, her documentation provides an excellent framework for her practice.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving her practice and attends training courses in areas of interest to her. Since her last inspection she has attended courses in the 'Birth to three matters' framework, Equal Opportunities, Healthy Eating and Child Protection. Her first aid certificate is renewed whenever necessary. Children benefit from her commitment to a continual professional development. They have plenty of space to play and rest at her home, and are well supervised. The childminder spends her time solely with the children and they are very content. She works to a daily routine and rotates resources with those kept upstairs or in an outdoor shed so that children have good choice. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to obtain permission for seeking emergency treatment or advice, practise the evacuation procedure, provide resources that promote equality of opportunity and increase her knowledge of child protection issues.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She now requests the necessary permission and practices the evacuation procedure with children. She has collected a variety of resources that promote equality of opportunity. She has attended a training course in Child Protection. Children have benefited greatly from these improvements.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 parents are aware of the recent changes in the complaints procedures.

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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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