Asquith Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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132795 Unique Reference Number 13 September 2006 Inspection date Barbara Walters 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 children aged seven and twelve years in the village of Peasedown St John, south of Bath. The whole of the downstairs areas of the house are used for childminding and two upstairs bedrooms for sleeping or play. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The home is within walking distance of the local shop and primary school and the childminder uses the local facilities including the nearby park and toddler group. There are no family pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Abby and Central Childminder's network. She has gained the Developing Childminding Practice qualification.

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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. Children's health is promoted as the childminder sustains a high level of cleanliness throughout her home. They are well protected from unnecessary illness as the childminder maintains regular cleaning routines to minimise the risk of infection. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of personal care through self help skills, such as wiping their noses. Routines for the administration of first aid and medication are well established, with clear records maintained in line with the requirements of registration. The accident and medication records are shared with parents and the childminder's clear awareness about the exclusion of children who are ill promotes their healthcare. The childminder holds a first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered regular healthy drinks. They are able to help themselves when they are thirsty and younger children are offered drinks throughout the day to maintain their health. The childminder liaises regularly with parents to ensure that the meals she provides are suitable for children's health. They learn about healthy eating through encouragements to try new tastes at meal times. The childminder ensures that there are plenty of opportunities each day for play in the fresh air. Regular visits to the local park improve children's physical skills and contribute to their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and rest in a welcoming and secure environment. Space is organised to reduce risk to children while allowing them to have freedom of movement and space for rest and activities. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choices of toys to make sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are able to select activities from toys and equipment which meet safety standards. Children's safety is effectively managed by the childminder which includes the use of equipment with the home, such as cupboard locks and stair gates to restrict children's access to the kitchen and stairs. However, younger children's safety is compromised as they have access to the CD rack.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop an understanding of the need to wear their seat belts when travelling in the car and learn how to cross the road safely through regular walks and trips in the car. Older children learn about road safety through the reinforcement of ground rules such as staying close together and using safe procedures when crossing the road. The childminder has all the required documents in place to ensure that the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has a sound understanding of child protection and knows who to contact if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children take part in a suitable range of quality experiences and interesting activities to support and encourage their learning. The childminder has a sufficient awareness of children's interests

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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 and provides suitable resources or offers children a choice play opportunities. They spend their time freely as they choose from a variety of toys and books which provide challenge. Young children investigate the shape sorter and confidently play with the puzzles. They are given regular choices and become increasingly confident and independent.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from daily outings such as visits to the park, toddler groups or visiting with other childminders. Children are able to socialise with other children and adults during attendance at the local parent and toddler group. A range of activities and resources are available at these sessions to extend their development and play opportunities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well nurtured. They enjoy a close, warm and supportive relationship with the childminder and communicate effectively with her. Babies make their needs known and respond well to the childminder with large smiles when they make eye contact. The childminder is alert to babies' attempts to communicate and is warm and attentive. Children's language development is promoted through the childminder's constant support and conversations with the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met as the childminder is secure in her knowledge of each child. Children become familiar with regular routines which are suited to their individual needs and add to their sense of security. The childminder provides a meaningful range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, children have access to a good range of up-to-date books, soft toys and puzzles. Children with special needs do not currently attend, although the aim is for inclusion, depending on the specific circumstances and taking into account the impact on the other children present.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children begin to develop their understanding of responsible behaviour for example, by considering each others feelings. The childminder uses calm discussion and explanations to encourage children to help and respect each other and children know the boundaries, develop good relationships and learn to share. Children are secure and happy in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's daily activities and development are discussed with parents on a daily basis by the childminder. They work together to meet the child's individual care and developmental needs. Children are happy and content with the continuity of care and the close, friendly relationship and informal contact between parents and the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in the setting, as they receive warm, individual attention which supports their emotional well being. The initial meeting is useful to discuss with parents the care arrangements for their child and to share details about the settings. The play facilities are organised so that they are easily accessible and children have sufficient room to move about freely.

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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 Most written parental permissions are in place to ensure children are cared for according to parents' wishes, with the exception of permission for children to travel in a vehicle. All relevant documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is accurate and up-to-date and shared with parents. The childminder is committed to attending training courses regularly, using the knowledge gained to support children's learning. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and skills in British Sign Language to support children with hearing impairment and to develop skills and understanding to improve the presentation of music to young children. The childminder has completed training in British Sign Language at level 1 and training courses on song and sign. She has also increased the music CDs, video tapes and musical instruments for children's enjoyment.

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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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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): • ensure the cd rack does not pose a risk to children • obtain written permission from parents for allowing children to be taken in a vehicle.

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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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