Trident Alternative Provision Ltd

Inspection report for early years provision

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149564 Unique Reference Number 17 August 2006 Inspection date Hilary Preece 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and 11 years in the village of Codicote. The childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor of the house, with access to a first floor bathroom and bedroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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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 and is currently minding three children under five on varying days each week, and four children over five before and after school. The childminder can take and collect children from the local schools and nurseries in Codicote and Welwyn.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has successfully completed the Hertfordshire Quality Standards, which is a kite mark quality assurance scheme.

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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 lead healthy lifestyles because the childminder promotes regular physical activity, fresh air and a good diet. Children have varied and exciting opportunities to exercise and develop their physical skills, such as climbing and balancing. They use a wide range of garden equipment, including bikes, scooters and trampoline, as well as using the trim trails in the park and indoor activity centres. Older children enjoy using an electronic dance mat to develop their co-ordination. They can rest or sleep comfortably according to their individual needs. Children are beginning to understand the importance of fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet and they eat a sufficiently nutritious range of meals and snacks. They always have access to a drink, both at home and on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures taken when children are ill. Children are learning about personal hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before meals and after playing in the garden. They are further protected from the risk of infection because the childminder follows effective policies and procedures with regards to food hygiene, changing nappies and general household cleanliness. Children's health needs are met because the childminder has a clearly understood sickness policy and works closely with parents to ensure children receive appropriate medication or treatment when needed. She regularly updates her training in first aid and always carries a first aid kit with her so that prompt treatment can be given whenever necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children receive good care and are kept safe in a secure and welcoming environment. They have access to versatile space and resources and move from playing inside to outside with ease. Children play freely with a broad range of toys and activities that are appropriate for their stage of development and checked regularly to ensure they remain safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted because the childminder takes positive steps to ensure the home is safe and precautions are taken to prevent accidents. These include carrying out regular risk assessments and ensuring hazards are addressed. Children practise an emergency evacuation of the home, based on the childminder's written fire evacuation plan, and all fire appliances are checked and in working order. This means children are more likely to be safe in an emergency. There are also secure contingency plans to ensure children would be cared for by another registered childminder in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very closely supervised when taking part in higher risk activities such as using the trampoline or swimming to ensure they are safe, and public liability insurance is obtained. Children are kept safe on outings as sensible precautions are taken. Children are developing awareness of road safety and the importance of listening to the childminder and staying close. They use appropriate restraints in the car and the childminder has the necessary business use insurance cover on her vehicle.

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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 protected because the childminder would have no hesitation in seeking advice or making a referral in order to protect a child's safety and welfare. However, the child protection policy has not been reviewed to reflect the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met and are developing a good range of skills because the childminder plans and provides routines, activities and play opportunities that help children achieve in all areas. Younger children benefit from regular outings to childminding groups for children where they mix with their peers and take part in a stimulating range of creative activities, such as exploring the feel of sticky 'gloop' on their hands. They enjoy picnics in the park and explore the natural environment by trying to catch fish in the stream.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are busy and occupied in their chosen play. They enthusiastically explore the many resources available and particularly enjoy craft activities. They express their own ideas when making collage pictures and work independently and with confidence, asking for support when needed. Individual needs are met as activities are adapted to suit the developmental level of the children. Older children engage in simple sewing whilst younger children enjoy threading edible cereal hoops onto a lace and then eating them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are building positive relationships with each other and all family members. They all get along well together with plenty of relaxed chatter. They are developing confident communication skills, being able to listen, ask questions and express their needs clearly. Children show in their play that they understand right from wrong. Whilst assembling 'monsters' from a funny face kit they know it is rude for the monster to stick it's tongue out.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to feel a good sense of belonging to the setting as they work harmoniously together as a group. They make choices and decisions about what they do, thus develop confidence and self-esteem. All children receive equal respect and they learn to be tolerant and understanding of others. The childminder understands her obligation in meeting the specific needs of children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Children have excellent opportunities to become aware of diversity through play resources and activities. They dress up in Spanish or Punjabi costumes and pretend to cook a variety of foods from around the world including Balti curries and pizzas. They learn about a range of faiths through fun craft activities that link to festivals such as Diwali and Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand responsible behaviour and learn about boundaries because there are clearly reinforced house-rules that promote respect for their environment and each other. Children's behaviour is managed consistently and in partnership with their parents and carers. The childminder has attended a workshop in behaviour management and uses strategies to promote positive behaviour and deal with unwanted behaviour that are appropriate to the children's

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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 understanding. Children are guided towards behaving responsibly and are polite and well-mannered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are met very well because the childminder works closely, but professionally, with parents and carers. Children's needs are clearly recorded and discussed with parents, and there is regular communication between the two parties. Parents of younger children are kept well informed of their care and progress via a useful daily diary of events. Parents receive thorough information about policies and procedures and all highly praise the level of care and service provided. Written contracts are well-maintained and reviewed at regular intervals but do not include parents' written permission for all activities, such as swimming and use of the trampoline. They agree a procedure that ensures the safe collection of their children. There is a suitable complaints procedure and the childminder would keep records of any complaints received.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good care in an efficiently run setting. The childminder has produced a thorough set of policies and procedures that promote the outcomes for children and are mostly effective in practice. Children's welfare and safety is supported by well-maintained records and documents. The childminder keeps an accurate record of children's attendance and clear accident and medication records.

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Organisation

The childminder shows a high regard for the welfare and enjoyment of children in her planning of activities, routines and use of space and resources. She makes particularly good use of local children's facilities and support groups for childminders. Children benefit from her commitment to developing her skills and knowledge. Most recently she has attended workshops in child and peer observations, behaviour management and the 'Birth to three matters' framework for young children.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the rear garden was safe for children to play and to ensure parents sign each entry in the record of medicines given to children. The childminder addressed safety in the garden by ensuring that any building materials stored in areas where children play are securely covered and she reinforces with them that they must not be touched. The childminder changed her method of recording information so that parents sign each entry in the record. Since the last inspection the regulations regarding administering medication have changed. It is now not a regulation for every entry of medication given to children to be signed by parents but this remains good practice to do so.

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Improvements 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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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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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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): • review the child protection policy to ensure information meets Local Safeguarding Children's Boards guidelines • ensure the agreement with parents includes written permission for children to take part in high risk activities, such as swimming and use of the trampoline.

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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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