Trallwn Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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400899 Unique Reference Number 16 May 2006 Inspection date Sandra Elizabeth Williams 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 was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and children aged 20, 18 and eight in a single storey property in the rural village of Ingleton in North Yorkshire. Children have access to a play room, lounge, dining kitchen, hallway and toilet. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and she is currently caring for 12 children from 18 months to 11 years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends various local groups.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where the childminder implements sound hygiene procedures that minimise the risk to children of cross infection. Children demonstrate their developing understanding of hygiene and personal care as they wash their hands after using the toilet, after playing in the garden and before eating. Children understand that they need to wash their hands in order to "get rid of germs".

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Helping children to be healthy

Clear procedures are in place to meet the health needs of all children. Their individual needs are well cared for by the use of medication records and written consents from parents to seek medical treatment in an emergency. All entries in the records are countersigned by parents. The children's health needs are enhanced as the childminder ensures that her first aid training is up to date, however, some of the contents of the first aid kit are out of date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills as they engage in activities that contribute to their good health. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise whilst playing in the large, well equipped garden. They practise their gross motor skills, such as kicking the footballs and pedalling the bikes. They also develop their coordination and rhythm as they march, clap their hands and swing their arms to a Tumble Tots action video. They enjoy regular outings to the nearby parks and activity centres where they engaging in challenging physical exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and are beginning to learn about healthy eating because the childminder encourages them to eat nutritious, fresh food, such as fruit and vegetables. The childminder talks to the children about healthy foods and why they are good for their health. Drinks, such as water, milk and juice are readily available for the children. Their individual dietary needs are well met as the childminder and parents work well together ensuring that special requirements are met and that children are provided with tempting alternative food when required.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe environment which is very attractive and inviting to children. The walls are decorated with colourful posters, maps and children's art work. The children are able to move about with confidence as the childminder has organised space effectively so that they have the ability to make choices about playing indoors or outdoors, helping them to develop their sense of independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a wide range of play equipment, which is appropriate for their individual ages and stages of development. Toys are carefully stored in boxes that are at a low-level, which encourages children to select and choose what they would like to play with, thus developing their independence. Children are protected from harm as the childminder checks the equipment regularly and ensures that it is maintained in good order. An attractive display of books are readily available for children of different ages to choose to read at any time.

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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 Children are cared for in an environment which is free from hazards, and the childminder is very safety conscious. Children are very involved in learning about their own safety and are developing a good understanding of the importance of staying safe. For example, children know that they need to sit carefully on the settee whilst listening to the childminder reading them a story, in case they fall off. They also help to tidy up their toys in order to avoid accidents. Children are kept safe as the childminder has a good understanding of fire safety procedures. She has an emergency evacuation plan which is practised regularly so that children know what to do in an emergency situation. The children understand how to keep themselves safe when on outings as they learn about the Green Cross Code and 'stranger danger', thus heightening

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

their awareness of the need to be vigilant and careful.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of potential signs of abuse and neglect, and has an understanding of where to report any child protection issues. She knows who to contact if a child is at risk of harm and takes prompt action, thus protecting children from abuse and neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled, happy and thoroughly enjoy their time spent with the childminder. The children enjoy very good relationships with the childminder, which increases their sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. The children are excited and enthusiastic when they are playing at the childminder's house. They are inquisitive and ask questions which helps their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop a high level of confidence and self-esteem because the childminder regularly praises them for their achievements and good behaviour which children respond positively to and this reinforces their good behaviour. Children's communication skills are very well supported through good adult-child interactions. Children are given plenty of choices during their day with the childminder, such as what they like to play with, which helps them to develop their independence. There is a very good balance between adult-led and child initiated activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder providing a range of interesting and imaginative activities which are age appropriate. They show considerable interest in what they do and have a dynamic part to play in the setting. They enjoy an exciting range of play equipment. Children enjoy looking at their scrap books which include examples of their work and photos of themselves and each other undertaking a very broad and imaginative range of activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop several skills as they play and the childminder maximises opportunities to support their learning by asking them appropriate questions to extend their thinking and language skills. Children enjoy choosing and reading books with the childminder who actively engages them in the activity by asking them to identify words and colours. Children also enjoy developing their fine motor skills by kneading the play dough and using the different shaped cutters to make their own shapes and animals. The children often have opportunities to meet up with other minded children and enjoy trips out to the theatre, play barn, fun factory, open farms and other places of interest. These provide the children with variety and an opportunity to learn social skills.

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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 Children begin to distinguish between right and wrong and they learn good manners and respect for others because the childminder acts as a positive role model. For example, when sitting at the table at snack time, the childminder encourages the children to say 'please' and 'thank you'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the Birth to Three Framework, but has not yet implemented it in her day-to-day practice in terms of planning activities for younger children's overall development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes about a diverse society through the everyday discussions with the childminder. There are a range of resources that reinforce these issues, such as dolls, dressing up costumes and a very good range of books. Children's individual needs are respected by the childminder and much effort is made to ensure that the parents' wishes are adhered to in order to meet the children's individual requirements. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are well met. The childminder is aware of the need to provide good care for children with learning difficulties and would work very closely with parents to ensure that the children's individual needs are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand what is expected of them and learn to respect the childminder's simple rules, such as respecting each other, sharing and saying "please" and "thank you". The children are praised for good behaviour and individual achievements, thus building their confidence and self-esteem. This helps the children to feel secure in their environment. The childminder works consistently with parents regarding behaviour management and uses similar methods with the children as the parents do at home. This helps the children understand clearly what is expected of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the positive partnership that the childminder has developed with the parents. Parents' views about their children's needs are actively sought before the children start and thereafter on a regular basis. The childminder has a good system of recording children's individual development and this is regularly shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is good because of the efficient organisation and the childminder's day-to-day management of the provision. Children are relaxed and confident in the environment due to the effective organisation of their care and learning by the childminder. Children's play opportunities are fully supported by the way that the childminder organises the premises, thus allowing children to move about easily and make choices. The childminder's consistent commitment to training and keeping up-to-date with current childcare practices greatly enhances the quality of care provided for the children.

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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 Children's needs are effectively supported through the childminder's thorough recording systems. Records and documentation are in place and meet the required standard, which contributes to the continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop her knowledge and understanding of behaviour management. The childminder has attended a relevant course thus improving her overall management of children's behaviour. She also agreed to obtain written parental permission to seek medical treatment in an emergency. This has been undertaken, thus enhancing the level of safety for children. She also agreed to keep the daily attendance register up-to-date which she has done.

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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 the contents of the first aid kit are regularly checked and replaced as necessary • develop the range of activities for younger children by implementing the Birth to Three Matters Framework to support the children's all round development.

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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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