The Grove First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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130043 Unique Reference Number 11 October 2006 Inspection date Hilary Preece 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 three children aged 11, eight and seven years. They live in the Woodside area of Watford close to local shops, playing fields and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and 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 a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day. The childminder walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. She attends the local childminding group with the children and is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has a pet tortoise and rabbit.

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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 about healthy living and eating. They help to grow tomatoes in the garden and enjoy sharing these with their family. Children are introduced to a wide range of nutritious foods and all meals include fresh vegetables or salads. Those children that are fussy are encouraged to broaden their tastes and the childminder and parents work closely together to provide foods to meet individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay fit and healthy because they take part in a wide range of physical activity, including regular visits to the park and use of equipment in the garden. They burn off energy by bouncing on the trampoline and engage in safe physical activity inside when it is wet. They develop co-ordination by rolling soft balls to each other and use their hands to manipulate dough.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand simple hygiene rules such as ensuring the toilet is flushed and washing their hands at appropriate times. They are protected from infection because the childminder ensures that children use individual bedding and flannels, and she follows a strict hygiene procedure when changing nappies. Children receive appropriate care if they have an accident or are unwell as the childminder keeps her first aid certificate up-to-date. The sickness policy, however, is not sufficiently shared with parents in order for them to be fully informed.

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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 welcoming and secure home environment where risks have been minimised and emphasis is placed on children's safety. Children are supervised well to reduce the risk of accidents and they learn how to use equipment safely, such as sports equipment in the garden. They use an appropriate range of toys and resources that are easily accessible and cleaned regularly. Items that require supervision, such as scissors and paints, are stored securely so children remain safe. Children develop awareness of what equipment is suitable to use, with older children knowing that younger children may choke on small pieces if they put them in their mouth.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings as they use appropriate car seats and restraints. Those that are prone to running are kept safe when on foot because wrist straps are used. Children are beginning to be aware of road safety as this is regularly discussed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for at all times by adults who have been vetted and have suitable experience, as there is an agreement with another childminder to cover in an emergency. Children's welfare is sufficiently safeguarded because the childminder understands her responsibilities and follows current child protection guidance. However, she does not have all the necessary publications to support this.

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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 engage in a wide variety of outings and play activities that promote their overall development. They enjoy regular trips to children's farms and parks, and explore the natural world when fishing in shallow streams. Younger children learn to socialise and develop positive relationships with others when they attend groups for children, which is an important basis for future learning. All children respond warmly to the childminder and are happy, confident and secure in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their confidence and independence as they make choices in deciding what they would like to play with. They receive ample support and praise from the childminder during activities to help them achieve and develop self-esteem. For example, children are thoroughly absorbed in making play dough bugs and exploring their own ideas. They proudly show off their finished bugs and gain a good sense of achievement when praised warmly by the childminder. Throughout activities children are challenged with questions that develop their knowledge and understanding. They are encouraged to count the number of legs on the spider, to match colours and observe what happens when colours are mixed together. Children show an interest in their surroundings. They talk about the tomatoes growing in the garden and recall how they put the tortoise in a box to hibernate for the winter.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have their individual needs met because the childminder recognises that they are all different. She understands that some children need to be busy and occupied, and is quick to adapt her plans in the event of bad weather or unexpected changes. Children have clear care routines that are followed in close consultation with parents to ensure that children rest, play and eat when required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well because the childminder arranges trial visits and outings with their parents to ease the transition between home and care setting. They benefit from the sound partnership with parents and carers, which enables children's individual needs to be met. Parents receive regular updates about their children's progress through daily communication, diaries for younger children and opportunities to meet up outside the childminding hours. A written agreement is in place but this does not accurately reflect all aspects of the care and activities provided, which means parents are not fully informed. Parents have the opportunity to express their views about the care but the childminder has not yet set up a formal complaints procedure in line with regulations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated with equal respect and all have access to the same resources. Children develop some awareness of their local environment through outings to farms and parks. The childminder has some resources that promote diversity, such as activity and cookery books reflecting cultures, faiths and festivals. However, these are not yet being used with the children so they have less understanding of diversity and the wider world.

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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 Children generally behave well and are respectful because they are reminded of rules and boundaries. They politely respond to the childminder and are encouraged to share. They are learning to be responsible as they enjoy helping with routines such as washing the toys or tidying up after having their nappy changed, which encourages their independence and self-esteem. Children play harmoniously together and enjoy each other's company.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for well because the childminder positively supports their needs and ensures all children receive sufficient attention. She makes good use of her time, space and local resources in order to provide children with a varied range of activities and positive experiences. She values support from the local childminding group and is actively involved in their activities.

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Organisation

Children's welfare and care is supported by appropriate policies and procedures, though some documentation lacks sufficient detail. The childminder has recently taken a break from childminding, which has meant she has not kept fully up-to-date with current practice. She is now keen to resume minding and has a positive attitude towards re-developing her practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course and to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She was also recommended to keep records of significant issues and share these with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Generally good progress has been made. The childminder has a current first aid certificate that ensures children receive appropriate attention if they are hurt. She has developed her knowledge and understanding of child protection and recording significant information by attending a training workshop. This has given her a clearer understanding of how to record concerns and significant issues in order to safeguard children's welfare, though she does not have all the supporting guidance.

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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. Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints 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): • ensure that child protection procedures follow the guidelines in the publication: 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - summary' • ensure the written agreement with parents sets out the expectations of both parties, including information about the sickness policy and activities provided • develop activities to promote children's understanding of diversity.

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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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