Cwmafan Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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400968 Unique Reference Number 05 June 2006 Inspection date Christine Tipple 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 has been registered since 1986. She lives with her husband and two grown up children. The family live in detached house in Whitby. The childminder works with an assistant on a daily basis. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property for outdoor play. She is close to the local school and other facilities in the area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to take a maximum of six children under eight-years old, and when working with the assistant; this increases to seven children under five-years old. She currently has 15 children on roll under eight-years-old, they all attend on a part-time basis. The childminder provides support for children with disabilities. The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association.

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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. The children have very good opportunities to play outside and use a range of equipment that promotes their physical skills effectively. The children use a slide, swings and trampoline; they have push and pull equipment and numerous sit on ride and wheeled toys. The selection of resources supports the age range cared from the youngest to the oldest child. The children have use of smaller equipment through their baking and play do activities, as well as through their creative and small world resources. The children use the equipment confidently and are skilled in their use of the resources in their physical play which they enjoy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children manage their personal hygiene very well. The facilities in place support the children to be independent, to access the bathroom and use their own towel. The routines enable the children to be aware of why it is important to wash germs off their hands. The nappy changing procedure is organised effectively and the childminder uses gloves, wipes and has a hygienic nappy disposer. Information is provided on the care of sick and ill children, and the childminder takes appropriate steps to minimise the risk of cross infection. The children are confident in when to wear their sun hats and the older children requested that the sun cream needed to be applied.

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Helping children to be healthy

Snacks and some meals are offered by the childminder. However, most of the children bring their own lunches prepared by parents; these foods are stored appropriately. The snacks provide the children with a reasonable selection of healthy options, such as fruit, raisins and vegetable sticks. Drinks are available throughout the day, and the cups are accessible for the children to help themselves throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a clean and maintained environment, where risks are managed effectively and supported with a written policy and risk assessment. The areas set out for the children provide good opportunities for them to move around freely and have access to the resources offered. The quality of the toys and equipment is good, and offers the children a variety and balance in their play, both inside and outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to learn about safety through the activities offered and through the outings in the local area. Children learn about places to cross the road that are safe, such as the pelican crossing, to hold hands and to walk safely together. The children also practise the fire evacuation procedure with the childminder. The older children are aware of the younger ones and look out for them when playing, they know that smaller items are played with when younger children are sleeping, again this informs their awareness of safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's welfare and safety is promoted effectively in relation to child protection issues. The childminder and her assistant have attended recent training to update their knowledge and understanding; they have a policy and relevant contact details in place.

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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 good. The children are happy and settled at the childminder's home. The children enjoy their time and have a range of play opportunities which they are involved in. They have good access to all areas provided and to the resources. These offer all the children a variety of activities, which overall maximise their self development through good play experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The play room has an extensive range of role and imaginary equipment, such as the play kitchen, dolls and dressing up. A good selection of small world figures, garage and farm. The children have creative resources which offer a selection of tools that they use to support their play appropriately. The children have access to books and have a regular story time; this is usually together on the settee. They sing and have rhyming songs, which is open to requests. However, the outcomes for the younger children, in some aspects of their play, is not yet sufficiently developed. The children interact well both with each other and with the childminder and her assistant. This supports the children's communication skills and confidence effectively, and provides a positive environment for children with disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children's individual needs are well supported. The childminder knows the children well to ensure these are met effectively. There is a policy in place that promotes equal opportunities in the childminder's approach to the childcare she provides. There is a reasonable selection of resources that promote positive images of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed well and the childminder and her assistant are calm and caring in their approach with the children. They work together to ensure a consistent approach. The children are given praise and are encouraged in what they do, which enables them to be confident and develop their independence and self-esteem appropriately. Information on the childminder's approach is supported in the behaviour policy. The children use their manners, sometimes with a gentle reminder; they share and take turns, which is promoted very well and the children show care for each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. There is a range of information provided through the policies and procedures and details about the childminder and her assistant. Daily chats are encouraged with parents to exchange information on their child's day. Parents are made welcome and are free to come into the house to bring and collect their children. Diaries are used for the youngest children and routines, and feeds are discussed with parents to ensure these are followed. Contracts of agreement are established with parents and these are regularly reviewed. However, the information for recording complaints by parents has not been updated.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder and her assistant have attended training on a regular basis to ensure they update their skills and knowledge in relation to their childcare. They work well together to

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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 ensure they are supportive to each other and work in a consistent way with the children. There is a well presented selection of policies and procedures that support the childminder's practise effectively. The childminder is organised and efficient in her approach. The space and resources provided are beneficial and foster a positive environment for the children in their play opportunities.

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Organisation

The records and information in place are appropriately maintained. These are accessible and ensure confidentiality, ensuring that all the reasonable steps are taken to promote the children's safety, welfare and development.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last care report recommended that the childminder devise and practice an emergency escape plan.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has a detailed escape plan in place and stated that this is practised with the children. However, these dates are not recorded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • develop the planning of home based activities for the younger children by using an approach in line with Birth to three matters • extend the complaints record in line with the new guidance.

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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 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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