Builth Wells C.P. School

Inspection report for early years provision

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400511 Unique Reference Number 07 December 2006 Inspection date Linda Cook 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 was registered in 1989. She lives with her husband and three daughters in an end terrace property in Great Ayton in North Yorkshire. The property is within walking distance of the local school and shops. Minded children have access to the ground floor of the property, the upstairs bathroom and one bedroom, which is used for rest purposes only. The front garden, which is secure, is used for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently caring for five children under eight years, all on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming home where they learn the importance of good hygiene routines. The childminder ensures they wash their hands before eating and after

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 attending to personal care needs. She has good understanding of preventing cross-infection; providing individual towels for children to dry their hands, using anti-bacterial sprays for changing mats, potties and work surfaces. She has a clear sick child policy, holds a current first aid certificate and obtains the written consent of parents to summon medical advice if necessary, which ensures children's health is safeguarded in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

While parents provide most meals, the childminder provides regular drinks and healthy snacks. The children help themselves to fresh fruit and have the option of water, fruit juice or milk to drink. The individual children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and any specific needs are recorded and accommodated. Young children develop their independence to a good level as they are encouraged to feed themselves and are given time to do this, supported by the childminder who closely supervises and assists as necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities in the garden and on outings, which contributes to their good health. For example, they are taken on regular trips to local play parks where they use the fixed play equipment to develop their climbing and balancing skills. Indoors, the childminder ensures there is clear space for children to move freely, enjoy dancing and complete action rhymes.

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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 welcoming family home. Their art work is displayed in the kitchen providing them with a sense of belonging. They are able to access independently a wide variety of toys and resources which are stored in a cupboard and boxes in the lounge. The childminder organises the storage of toys effectively to ensure young children can only access those which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. All equipment and toys are well maintained and clean, the childminder ensures toys are regularly cleaned and is particularly vigilant when caring for young children who explore texture with their mouths.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures children are well supervised at all times and provides a range of safety measures, including a safety gate to prevent children's unsupervised access to the kitchen. Reins and harnesses are used to ensure young children's safety when they are sat in chairs, buggies and walking outdoors. Children begin to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe as the childminder teaches them to cross roads safely. She encourages older children to develop their independence while ensuring there are clear boundaries in place. For example, school age children know they walk beside her until they reach the entrance to the row of houses where she lives, and then they are allowed to run ahead. The childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure in place, however, young children are not provided with opportunities to practise this, which impedes their speedy evacuation in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection procedures overall. She has a good understanding of the different types of abuse and likely signs, however, while she recognises her duty to refer any concerns she may have, she is less confident in the procedure to follow.

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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 develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem because the childminder welcomes them warmly into her home and skilfully meets their individual needs. As a result the children develop very positive relationships with the childminder. They enjoy a wide range of activities both planned and free play, which promote their all round development and enable children of all ages to build on what they know and can do.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children spend their time purposefully. They have regular opportunities to enjoy painting, baking, modelling with play dough, looking at books and reading stories with the childminder. The childminder recognises and maximises the informal learning opportunities that are present in the childminding setting. For example, the children count everyday objects, learn to recognise colours and talk about the things they see when they are out. They develop their independence to a good level as they choose what to do and access resources for themselves. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and while she instinctively implements most aspects, she is not fully aware of all the components and has not attended any formal training. As a result, young children have limited opportunities to explore texture and form through access to natural materials and non-specific play resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals. The childminder shows genuine affection and interest as she discusses the children she cares for and delights in their achievements great and small. As a result children are happy, very settled and develop trusting relationships with her. She manages children's behaviour positively and the children respond very well. For example, they willingly help to tidy toys away before lunch each day. Children are encouraged to be respectful of the needs of others, learning to share and take turns and the childminder sensitively supports those children who find this difficult. Young children are provided with regular opportunities to socialise with their peers on their weekly trips to a local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their local community through their trips out. They visit local play parks, enjoy their trips to the river to feed the ducks, visit local shops and make weekly trips to the library. The childminder welcomes children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She has an extremely positive approach to making adjustments and working closely with parents to ensure their specific needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder establishes and maintains very positive relationships with parents. She ensures parents make pre-start visits with their children and discusses in detail the children's needs and parents' wishes regarding the care of their children. She uses contracts with parents and these are reviewed on a regular basis. Verbal information is exchanged daily at delivery and collection, and the childminder makes a point of ringing parents in the evening if there are specific issues to discuss. She provides continuity of care for children and parents. Many of the children she has minded have come to her as babies and have remained in her care until they go to school. Parents are very pleased with the quality of care provided, and the childminder has thank you cards and letters from parents and children expressing their appreciation.

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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. The children are at ease and develop their independence to a good level in the well organised environment and regular routines. They become increasingly confident as they initiate their own play and learning, and independently access resources. The childminder organises her time well to effectively meet all children's individual needs.

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Organisation

Systems are in place to meet the requirements of the National Standards for documentation and record keeping. The childminder has not been required to administer any medication, she has a system for obtaining parents' written consent. However, this needs to be extended to include a record of medication administered and provision for parents to sign to acknowledge they have been informed, in order to fully protect children's health. Documentation is well organised and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality.

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Organisation

The childminder is an experienced child carer and has a positive approach to the inspection process and her own development. She keeps abreast of changes through reading information she receives through the post from Ofsted and the local authority, and uses the internet to access their websites on a regular basis. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure parents were supplied with Ofsted's contact details and a system introduced for recording medication.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained Ofsted's parents poster and this is displayed, ensuring parents are aware of Ofsted's contact details. There is now a system in place for obtaining the written consent of parents to administer medication. This needs extending further to include a record of medication actually administered which parents sign, in order to fully protect children's good health.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 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 all children are provided with opportunities to practise the emergency evacuation procedure and increase knowledge of the procedures for the reporting of child protection concerns • continue to develop learning outcomes for young children, for example by fully implementing the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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