Ascent Autism Specialist College

Inspection report for early years provision

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139251 Unique Reference Number 07 September 2006 Inspection date Dinah Round 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 registered to care for children in 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 14 years. They live in a house on a residential estate in the village of Charminster, near Dorchester, Dorset. Childminding is mainly carried out on the ground floor of the premises. Toilet facilities and sleep provision are accessed on the first floor. Children have access to an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years. She currently cares for 11 children including children over 8 years, all on a part time basis. The family have two cats, two rabbits and a dog who children can have supervised access to. The childminder is a member of the 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained family home. They learn about the importance of keeping healthy through the daily routines followed by the childminder. Children generally wash their hands before eating and after playing outside. There are effective nappy changing procedures in place which include use of disposable gloves, changing mat, wipes and nappy sacks. This helps to protect the children. Clear accident and medication records are maintained, and children's health is suitably supported as the childminder has a first aid qualification. However, written parental permission to seek emergency treatment or advice is not obtained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a variety of healthy snacks. This includes fresh fruit, bread and butter and the occasional biscuit. The childminder encourages children to have the healthy options first. Parents provide the children's food for their lunch time meals. Children have access to regular drinks during the day, for example, they are given drinks after playing outside. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs through discussions with parents and information recorded on children's records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to develop physical skills through regular use of the garden and outings to local parks. This means that children get plenty of fresh air and exercise. The childminder uses a parasol to provide shade in the garden, and ensures that children have sun cream on and wear sun hats when playing outside. This makes sure that they are protected from the sun.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home. The childminder puts effective safety measures in place to ensure that potential risks to children are minimised. For example, stairgates are fitted to prevent access to the stairs and kitchen, and a secure fireguard is in place. Children benefit from the childminder's close supervision which ensures that they are able to move around safely within the limited space. They are protected when sleeping upstairs due to the childminder using a baby monitor. Children have access to a good selection of well maintained age appropriate toys and suitable equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are developing an awareness of keeping themselves safe when on outings. This is due to the good procedures followed by the childminder and the use of appropriate equipment such as, reins and wrist straps. Children are taught the 'green cross code' to help them learn to cross the road safely. The children are involved in regular discussion and practices to ensure that they know what to do in an emergency situation within the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and procedures which supports her in her role of safeguarding children. She is aware of the support and advice available and feels confident to follow procedures to protect children.

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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. Children are settled and content, and have a warm relationship with the childminder. They benefit from lots of physical contact from the childminder which helps them to feel settled and secure. For example, children enjoy cuddling up to look at a book and happily talk about the pictures. The childminder talks about the different colours, and helps children to think about 'big' and 'small'. Children are becoming independent, for example, they freely select books for the childminder to read, and help to wipe the table after their lunch.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in a wide range of interesting activities and play experiences geared to their ages and individual needs. This includes various art and craft activities with children using their senses to explore from an early age. For example, babies enjoy feeling the sand between their toes and children experiment with colours during a painting activity. Children get involved in singing and nursery rhyme sessions during the day, which provides fun experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder's sensitive and caring approach, as she interacts and chats with them during the activities. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework but has not used it effectively to extend and enrich the learning outcomes for children. Children enjoy regular experiences outside the home such as, picnics in the local park and visits to places of interest. These include trips to Portland Bill, Kingston Maurward and Thorncombe Woods.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued which helps them feel good about themselves. The childminder is attentive to the children's individual needs and balances her attention well, which means children are settled and secure. She liaises closely with parents to make sure that children's particular requirements are followed. The childminder has a positive attitude to caring for children with additional needs and ensures that all children are fully supported. A good range of resources and equipment is provided for the different ages and abilities of the children. This contributes to making sure all children are able to participate fully in the activities and play experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to be considerate and thoughtful to each other. For example, the childminder helps children understand about the needs of the babies and to take care when playing close-by. Children benefit from the childminder's clear understanding of their age and stage of development when dealing with behaviour issues. Children receive regular praise and encouragement which helps build their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close partnerships between the childminder and parents. The daily discussions at the beginning and end of the day makes sure information about the children is regularly shared. For example, the details of children's sleep times, nappy changes and any food eaten. This enables the childminder to meet the individual needs of the children effectively and contributes to their care and well-being. The childminder offers flexible arrangements to support 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 satisfactory. Children are settled and confident to explore within the welcoming environment created by the childminder. Though space is quite limited, it is effectively organised to allow children to play safely. Children have access to regular outdoor play activities and enjoy frequent outings. However, at times opportunities to extend children's learning are not always fully explored. The childminder's daily routine takes account of the children's individual needs providing rest and sleep times as required.

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Organisation

In general, documentation is well organised and sufficiently maintained. Although, the registration certificate is not displayed. The childminder fully discusses her practices with parents to make sure they are kept informed about the provision, and individual contracts are formulated with parents. However, some parental permissions are not in place for all children.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that children are familiar with the fire drill through regular practices.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now discusses an emergency evacuation procedure with the children, and practises this to ensure that children have a clear understanding.

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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 complaint 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 further the play opportunities for children to enrich the learning outcomes, for example, by making use of the Birth to three matters framework

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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 • make sure parental permission to transport children in a vehicle and to seek emergency treatment or advice is obtained for all children, and that the registration certificate is displayed.

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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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