Blue Cedars Independent School

Inspection report for early years provision

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136346 Unique Reference Number 13 September 2006 Inspection date Dawn Biggers 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 13 and 19 years, in Bradley Stoke, Bristol. Most areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed 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 five children under five, all of whom attend on a part-time basis or full time basis. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 good. Children's health is actively promoted. Children learn about good hygiene practices through well-planned daily routines. Clear procedures, such as for children who are unwell and effective hand washing and drying facilities, sustain high levels of hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. For example, young children are supported using liquid soap, wet wipes and disposable towel. Effective nappy changing facilities also minimise this, for example, use of antibacterial wipes and disposable gloves as appropriate. Children are cared for in a very clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For instance, they begin to independently develop self-help skills whilst toilet training and washing their hands. They see the childminders good role model examples. The childminder has arrangements to administer medication and records accidents clearly. She holds a current first aid certificate. However, the

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Helping children to be healthy

medication consent documentation lacks some clarity and therefore this potentially compromises the children's health arrangements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is promoted by the childminder as children enjoy a good range of healthy meals and snacks. For example, rice cakes, raisons and fruit. The childminder provides a menu sample of the balance and variety of healthy foods available. She takes account of the parent’s wishes to provide healthy, nutritious meals for young children. These are refrigerated appropriately. Close liaison with parents ensures children's dietary needs are met, for instance a child's allergy and cultural requirement. Drinks are regularly provided and young children start to develop awareness of their own fluid intake. They access their beaker and say, "I don’t need a drink" when asked. Babies are held closely whilst being bottle-fed. The childminder has attended training in developing her practices, for instance 'helping children to be healthy'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a very good range of activities, which contribute to their health. Physical play opportunities are available daily, for example, outside they develop control of their bodies and large muscle movements using the tricycles, see saw and space hopper. In addition, visits to the park, soft play areas improve children's physical skills and provide plenty of fresh air. All are able to rest and be active according to their needs, for instance baby's sleep and quieter activities include puzzles and stories.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe as they move around confidently in a ventilated, welcoming and well-maintained environment. They enjoy the very good use of the play space between the hallway, lounge and garden. They are encouraged and supported to select activities from a very good range of high quality toys and equipment, which meet good safety standards. These are organised and accessible in low-level storage boxes and baskets situated in the playroom. These are all suitable for the age and developmental stages of the children and rotated to maintain children's interest and concentration.

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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 from potential hazards as risks have been clearly identified and minimised. These include fitted stair gates, protection of the fire hearth and appropriate fire safety equipment and checks. Children are safeguarded while resting, they are checked and the childminder uses a listening devise. The childminders thought through emergency evacuation plan is practised with the children. They begin to learn about food temperatures, saying "hot" and blowing on their lunch as this cools. The childminder completes a visual risk assessment when on outings and checks the garden, for instance removing any fallen fruit. A safety ring is occasionally used to support a baby balancing whilst sitting. Children begin to learn about aspects of safety, as the childminder explains why she is removing the toy obstacles on the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives good priority to maintaining children's safety outside the home. Children are closely supervised and good safety equipment is used age appropriately, for example, a triple pushchair, wrist straps and wristbands with the childminders contact details. She encourages young children's awareness of road safety, saying stop, look and listen and acts as a role model. She uses rules for outings, age appropriately, such as holding the buggy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded well. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection and her roles and responsibilities. She has attended training, which has enhanced this. She shares her procedures with parents and therefore they understand how children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish as they have many stimulating experiences that promote all aspects of their learning and development. They thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They are extremely happy and very settled. They make very positive relationships with her, snuggling on the sofa whilst listening to a group story. Young children develop exceptionally good communication skills using lots of vocal sounds and gestures. Baby's kick their legs, smile and coo with excitement in response to the childminders superb interactions. They enjoy rhymes, for instance 'Pat a cake'. Young children develop confidence with the use of language; they put short sentences together and independently make choices, for instance choosing what puzzle to do. They receive excellent support and guidance and therefore successfully complete a challenging puzzle. They take immense pride in sharing these achievements. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

spontaneously use sounds, for example, 'b', attempting to write letters on the patio with the water and a paintbrush, whilst freely expressing themselves. Babies are skilfully introduced to words, being shown items, such a spoon and musical rattle. They are offered superb praise and encouragement and therefore children's self-esteem and confidence is given very high priority. They attempt to put shapes in a sorter, often succeeding and knock over a tower of bricks. Children are engrossed, for example, they preserve pulling apart and putting back together the Russian dolls.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have excellent access to a very good range of low-level organised resources. They are keen to develop new learnt skills, for instance standing and walking. They develop their fine muscle skills manoeuvring beads around a spiral frame. Activities effectively engage and embrace children's interests; they enthusiastically investigate the materials in a box, using their senses. They inquisitively touch and feel the textures, for instance of a scourer and shiny paper, putting

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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 these to their mouth. They laugh in response to the sensation of a soft brush on their arm and to the vibration of a toy on their hand. They play 'Peek a boo' with the silk scarf. They relate exceptionally well to the childminder and thrive through the stimulating conversations. They begin to develop their social skills forming relationships. They play alongside each other well and begin to join in, for instance, watching the ball run with great fascination as they put the balls in. Their imagination flows, for example, they put letters in an envelope and post these in a box. They dance and twist to musical toys, waving their hands with good rhythm and co-ordination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder shows great sensitively and understanding of their needs and preferences to ensure activities and routines are fulfilling. For example, they have opportunities to be active, rest and eat at times that suit their needs and their own interests are considered when activities are planned. The childminders excellent awareness of Birth to three matters supports children’s learning, as activities enable children to make rapid progress. These focus on the aspects of a strong, healthy child, skilful communicator and competent learner. Very good observations are used to plan effectively for their next steps.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children begin to develop awareness of diversity as the childminder provides a good range of meaningful resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, she uses stories, dressing up clothes, puzzles and play people. She uses sign language and appropriate videos. Children begin to develop awareness of wider world, for instance, they collect the post, after role-playing this. Activities include some celebrations, such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, children make craft items and participate in events at the toddler group. They cook making some food from around the world, for instance naan bread. The childminder liaises well with parents about their cultural background, within an inclusive welcoming environment, where they feel valued and respected. She discusses their health, dietary requirements and strategies to manage their behaviour. Children begin to learn about their identity, they begin to notice

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Helping children make a positive contribution

themselves in a mirror. They develop a sense of belonging bringing toys from home, for instance their doll. They separate well and eagerly become involved in their play. Children begin to learn about the local community as they go on outings to the park, library and city farm. They begin to develop awareness of the living and growing world, for instance they are shown the spider’s webs in the garden and plant cress and sunflower seeds, watching these grow.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sensitive, caring approach and provides consistent boundaries. Therefore, children are well behaved; they are co-operative and begin to learn to share. Praise and encouragement is used very effectively to reinforce good behaviour and this boosts children's self-esteem and confidence. For example, they confidently share their achievements, completion of a puzzle and persevere with toilet training skills. They begin to learn about manners as the childminder encourages this.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are secure because of the good relationships with parents. The childminder liaises with them well discussing the children’s individual needs and this contributes to their wellbeing. She shares her clearly written policies and procedures providing information about her services. The childminder informs them of their day through daily discussions and uses a diary to share

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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 their achievements and progress. Observations provide very good evidence and a means for discussion about children's progress and this helps to plan for their next steps. Therefore, parents feel fully included and involved in their children's experiences.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a very clear routine and organises her time well to give children individual attention. Excellent use of play areas indoors and outside enables all age children to move freely. A weekly planner provides information about the very good range of activities; outings and stimulating experiences children are involved in. They are extremely happy and settled being introduced to and accessing a very good range of interesting toys and equipment.

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Organisation

The childminder shares her procedures with parents from the start and keeps them well informed about the service and their child's activities. She liaises closely with them and this supports children's care. There is a clear procedure in place for complaints and implementing a record from parents. The documentation is very organised and maintains children's confidentiality well. Most of the consents are in place to promote children's welfare, care and learning. The childminder effectively builds upon her practice and procedures by attending relevant training courses, such as Makaton, Birth to three, outdoor play and starting with the child.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved her health and safety practices and procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The contents of the first aid box are checked frequently and replaced. Permission has been obtained to seek necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in safeguarding children's health. Children do not access the dining room, with out supervision and therefore they are kept safe.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards..

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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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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): • improve procedures for administering medication.

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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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