Aurora Summerfields School

Inspection report for early years provision

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149594 Unique Reference Number 13 September 2006 Inspection date Sarah Catherine Jex 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and 11 years in a village near Hitchin in Hertfordshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a first floor bedroom available for children to have undisturbed rest. Children have access to the fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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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 does not provide overnight care. She currently cares for five children for various hours and days of the week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children.

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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 learn the importance of good personal hygiene from an early age, through well-organised routines and practice. They know to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals or snacks. Children contribute to their own good hygiene practice by using tissues and wipes. The children are protected from infection because the childminder is well informed about their health and employs suitable methods to prevent infections spreading, such as implementing her sick child policy. Information is shared with parents relating to any aspect of their child's health and she values and respects parents' wishes. Sound procedures are in place for recording children's accidents or administering medication and parents countersign the entry, this impacts positively on the children's health and well-being. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident she can deal with any minor

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met by the childminder taking into account the parents' wishes. Younger children provide their own lunches, which are appropriately stored and reheated, whilst older children have light lunches and snacks provided by the childminder. These include all the food groups and are healthy and nutritious for children. Children enjoy trying new tastes and experiences. The children help prepare some of their own snacks and meals, such as sandwiches, cakes and various fruit kebabs, platters and vegetables. This helps develop their awareness of healthy eating and encourages them to try new things and to make healthy choices which is instrumental to their growing self-confidence. Children have access to drinks at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of appropriate physical activities which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Their health and development are promoted through their participation in a variety of stimulating physical activities. They enjoy outdoor play and choose from the range of equipment on offer such as playing with bats and balls, skipping, small crawl through tunnel and baby walker, to playing on large static outside play equipment at the local park. Children link with other children of similar ages, this promotes social and independent skills. Children's hand and eye coordination and dexterity is developing well as they are introduced to small world figures, jigsaws and creative activities such as painting, cutting and sticking. All children are able to fully participate in the activities because the childminder uses her experience and knowledge of child development to adapt these to a suitable level. Children are well supported by the childminder,

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Helping children to be healthy

promoting their confidence to try out new skills and experiences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The home is a safe and a child orientated space for children to relax and have fun in familiar surroundings. Children are cared for in a stimulating, lively environment where risks of accidental injury are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant and uses thorough risk assessment to reduce potential hazards. She involves all the children very effectively in organising their environment, allowing them to explore their environment fully. The childminder provides

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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 challenging and interesting opportunities for children to try new experiences and challenge themselves. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through the childminder’s expert practice and guidance. Children have a clear understanding of the boundaries in place and the reasons for them, for example when out, they stay safe by listening to the childminder, holding hands and being strapped into either the buggy or car seat and they know not to run inside in case they fall over. Children take part in regular emergency evacuation drills which are recorded. Records indicate the children are learning the procedure. Children have an excellent all round opportunity to learn a sense of danger and acquire a sound knowledge about how to protect themselves from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an abundance of high quality play materials and equipment which are appropriate to their age and cover all areas of development. Children's individual interests and needs are well promoted because the childminder consistently adds to her excellent collection of resources, keeps them up to date and in good working order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected as the childminder has extensive knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. She is attentive to her responsibility to protect the children in care and shares responsibility with the parents. She has all supporting documents in place to ensure the protection of the children. The childminder gives utmost priority to safeguarding all children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are supported well by the childminder as she is able to provide a range of stimulating and challenging experiences for them. These include imaginative play, being creative and learning new skills in line with their development. Time is spent with other children so they learn to interact and socialise with others. The activities are varied and appropriate for the children's development and this enables them to move forward. Free play is incorporated into each day where child-initiated play is encouraged and supported by the childminder. For example, children are able to freely explore their environment. A range of age appropriate toys and equipment is available. Children were able to crawl through a tunnel playing 'peep boo' with the childminder and when rolling the ball to the child, the childminder called their name, allowing the child to become familiar and recognise their own name before the ball was rolled

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to them, verbal and body language encouragement was then given for the child to roll it back again. The childminder has identified and agreed to extend her current practice by demonstrating that play opportunities for all children are planned and evaluated, including having regard to 'Birth to three matters' framework. This would enhance her practice and the children would benefit from having access to a wider and more challenging variety of activities. Children's development is growing in most areas as the childminder provides them with fun and interesting play opportunities. She knows the children well and takes into account of their differing abilities and personalities. the children are secure and confident as they play together and interact with adults. This has a positive impact on the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have warm relationships with the childminder. Children approach her for physical comfort and reassurance which contributes to their sense of belonging and well-being. They have opportunities to think for themselves, express their ideas and interact with others by

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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 sharing and taking turns. Children's learning and development is extended by the childminder's constant awareness and knowledge of how children learn through play. Children respond happily to the childminder, gaining security to let her leave the room and continue their play. Children's individual needs and stages of development are considered and activities are often adapted to ensure all children present can participate. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of them as individuals and takes into account of their differing abilities and personalities. The children are secure and confident as they play together and interact with adults. This has a positive impact on the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through a range of activities and resources which promotes a positive outlook of the wider world. Books are readily available and children enjoy discovering the world around them through sharing stories with the childminder. Activities are adapted to meet the needs of all children and a sensitive approach ensures children can play without fear of discrimination. Children's needs are met in a sympathetic manner through her open, honest and effective communication with parents and children. They accept each other as individuals with the childminder setting an excellent example by valuing and respecting each child. The childminder knows the children very well and is responsive to their needs. For example, if a child needs extra reassurance or cuddles this is happily provided and children respond positively knowing

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they can climb up for a cuddle at any time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know and accept the realistic boundaries in place and this impacts positively on their behaviour. For example, children know not to jump on the furniture or run inside. They respond well to the childminder and the high level of support and consistent strategies help them understand what is acceptable. Children are happy and confident. They are absorbed and enthusiastic when playing happily and there are smiles, cuddles and other unspoken communication which confirms the happy and relaxed in the environment they have created between them. They ask for help when needed and praise and encouragement for their positive behaviour is widely given. Their confidence and self-esteem is enriched by the support and praise provided. When asking a child to respond the childminder always gives a reason and explanation for her request. This again helps children feel valued and respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents is of the utmost priority and this contributes significantly to children’s well-being. She has time for each parent to discuss their child's day and progress, involving parents in their child's care. Parents are provided with information about the childminder's practice verbally. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s care, sharing information between them to ensure a smooth transition between home and the childminder. A display of relevant details provides excellent information and allows the parents to become actively involved in their children’s development. For example, a parents' notice board with relevant phone numbers and information about the childminder's practice. Children’s welfare is fully promoted because the childminder is committed to working in partnership with the parents.

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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 good. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the childminder’s organisational skills. They are eager to attend and enjoy their time in a lively and safe setting, which puts them first. Children feel at home because the childminder organises the space, play resources and activities effectively to meet individual children’s needs. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for all children This has a positive impact on the children’s learning and development.

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Organisation

The childminder has a professional, yet caring and sensitive approach to her practice. High regard to the organisation of records and documentation impacts on each child's care records are shared with parents and communication is excellent. This contributes to trusting relationships which have been developed between them and impacts on the children's sense of security and supports them in their development. It was found that an existing family member is not on the Ofsted system having relevant clearances completed, although the childminder stated they had been previously obtained by local authority. The childminder is happy to redo these. The childminder is committed to keeping her knowledge up to date and has attended various training workshops, this has increased her knowledge and awareness of child care, which is clearly reflected in her practice. Overall the childminder meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to be proactive in developing her knowledge and understanding in child protection issues and procedures. The childminder has received all child protection documentation and stated she has read it through thoroughly. She has also attended a basic child protection course which has made her more aware of her responsibility this is reflected in her practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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 aware 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 all adults over the age of 16 years have the relevant checks completed • extend current practice by demonstrating that the activities and play opportunities are planned and evaluated and have regard to 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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