Waverley School

Inspection report for early years provision

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142219 Unique Reference Number 17 July 2006 Inspection date Michelle Tuck 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 registered in 1996. She lives with her two children aged nine and eleven years old. They live in a two storey terraced house, close to Frome town centre. The ground floor is used for childminding, this consists of a lounge, kitchen and conservatory. There is a bathroom on the first floor and a bedroom is available for children to sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years of age, of which three may be under five, including one under one. There are currently five children on roll.

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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 clean, well maintained family home. They learn good procedures for their personal health and hygiene through discussion and good examples set by the childminder. For example, surfaces and the highchair are cleaned before meals and snacks. The children are familiar with the routine for washing their hands. They know they must wash their hands before meals and snacks, and after using the toilet. Young children's hands are wiped regularly with wet wipes to help prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures the children's individual sleeping and mealtime routines are well supported, which contributes to their healthy development, and helps them to feel secure. The children enjoy a variety of activities, which help their physical development. These include visits to the local park, indoor soft play centres and playing in the garden when the weather permits.

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Helping children to be healthy

A variety of healthy meals and snacks are provided for the children by the childminder at the parents request, which take account of any special dietary needs. She works well with parents to ensure that children’s dietary requirements, likes and dislikes are met. As a result, children learn the benefits of healthy eating and are able to develop an understanding of the importance of eating a balanced, healthy diet. The childminder promotes five fruit and vegetables a day, with the provision of a variety of fruit at snack time. Children can access drinking water from their individual cups easily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure family home in which they can move about freely and safely. Overall safety prevention in place satisfactorily protects children. For example, socket covers are in place, smoke detectors are regularly checked and an emergency evacuation procedure has been considered. However the fire blanket is not wall mounted. Sharp knives are stored in the kitchen drawer, but children are always supervised in this area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's home is well organised. This allows the children to move around with confidence and ease, choosing toys and resources that are stored at an appropriate level. Children confidently choose which toys they want to play with, and share well with one another. Children have a suitable range of resources which are checked by the childminder to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. This helps the children to learn new skills and make progress in all areas of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is adequately protected as the childminder has sufficient knowledge of child protection issues and the correct procedures to follow if concerned.

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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 satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities, and play well with one another. The childminder interacts well with the children, she asks the children to name the colours of the train carriages and allows the children to make choices about what they wish to do. Children benefit from regular outings to the park, National Trust venues and visits to the soft play centre, which allows them to experience the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound knowledge of children's developmental needs and the appropriate activities to provide. However, she has a limited understanding of using the Birth to three matters framework to promote learning for younger children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy the close contact and have made a strong bond with the childminder. They are shown appropriate affection, with cuddles and happily climb onto the childminder's lap. They begin to echo the childminder's conversation and are introduced to new vocabulary and phrases.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They respond with smiles to the childminder's praise and encouragement. The childminder is aware of the children's particular requirements and meets these well. She knows each child well through discussions, with parents, this also promotes consistency of care with home. She provides some resources which portray positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and respond well to the consistent boundaries set by the childminder. The childminder has a calm approach and uses positive, sound methods for managing behaviour which makes the children feel valued. The childminder sets good examples in her behaviour. She encourages the children to play together and to share toys. The children respond well to the childminder's positive guidance and praise, and are beginning to develop their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Sound partnerships with parents have been established. Children benefit from the childminder's friendly, yet professional relationship with parents. She gives parents daily feedback about their child's day and any progress they have made. Written contracts are in place for some children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well organised, welcoming family home where space is used effectively to meet children's play and care routines. They are cared for in a safe environment where they feel comfortable and secure.

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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 Documentation with regards to the childminding and care offered is in place and most is well maintained. The certificate of registration is not displayed.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children that attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen. The childminder now has a fire blanket but it is not wall mounted. She also agreed to maintain an accurate record of children's daily attendance. Attendance is recorded on daily sheets and kept in the kitchen for easy access.

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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 fire blanket is wall mounted in an appropriate place in the kitchen. • develop and implement written agreements with all parents. • ensure registration certificate is displayed for parents to see.

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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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