Audenshaw School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

136273 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2007 Inspection date Valerie Anne Curotto Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1995. She lives with her husband, two adult sons and two daughters, aged 12 and 11 years. The family home is in the Filton area of South Gloucestershire. The house is close to the local Further Education college and other community amenities. Minded children have access to the ground floor which includes toilet facilities. A bedroom on the first floor, to rest minded children and the family bathroom are also available, if required. Children have access to an enclosed rear garden. The family have three cats. There are five children currently on roll and the childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted by written procedures and good routines within the setting. Hygiene within the home is maintained well and the management of pets minimises risks to children's health. Children learn to take responsibility for their own health as they understand the reasons for handwashing routines. They develop a good awareness of healthy eating through discussion at meal times and role play activities. Children enjoy chopped fruit at snack time and are reminded to have regular drinks, which promotes their health. They are encouraged to try new tastes and their meals include a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Written information is shared with parents to protect all children's health, such as exclusion periods for sickness. Appropriate records are maintained to record children's medication and accidents, although there are some minor inconsistencies. For example, the format for medication and incident records is not consistent which results in a lack of clarity. Children benefit from regular physical play which promotes their health and physical development. Good use is made of local attractions so that children can use stimulating and varied equipment to develop skills. They enjoy scrambling and climbing activities at soft play facilities and adventure playgrounds. Children develop confidence as they use equipment at local parks and use sit and ride toys in the garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected within the setting through an effective combination of written procedures and practical measures. Equipment is in place to prevent children's access to hazardous areas, such as the kitchen. A safety policy outlines other measures in place, which promotes children's welfare. Children frequently practise fire drills which ensures they are familiar with evacuation procedures. Emergency planning includes details of another childminder the children have contact with, to promote consistency of care if required. Children develop an understanding of road safety during local walks and transport based activities. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities for child protection and local procedures are shared with parents.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of resources which are provided in an attractive and welcoming environment. Colourful posters are displayed at children's height and furnishings are comfortable and child-sized. Older children can safely access equipment from well organised storage in the play area. Open shelving enables younger children to see the range available and make their choice with support from the childminder. Space is organised effectively so that children have different areas of the play room to enjoy their activities. For example, they build a train track on the floor and roll dough at the table.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a good combination of activities throughout the week. Resources outside the home are used regularly to ensure children have a varied and stimulating range of experiences. These include opportunities for messy, physical and musical activities as part of their regular routine. Within the home, the childminder provides a warm and caring environment in which children are secure. They spontaneously sing along to favourite rhymes on a tape, repeating favourite sounds. Children are well occupied as the childminder ensures equipment is varied throughout the day and takes children's interests into account. Children have fun developing counting skills as they help the childminder find splashing ducks and blowing leaves in books. They are encouraged to think for themselves and ask questions as the childminder supports their role play. Young children are comfortable in their surroundings and confidently

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

express preferences when asked what they would like to do next. They take pride in their achievements and share their discoveries with the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children of all ages are included in a wide range of activities and their individual preferences are taken into account. Their individual health and dietary needs are met as relevant information is gathered from parents. Children have regular contact with their local community during a variety of outings. They enjoy trips to a local museum and show interest in fish and water features at a garden centre. Children develop an awareness of diversity as they use multi-cultural play figures and dolls during free play and enjoy craft based activities. Children behave well as clear expectations of their behaviour are gently reinforced by the childminder. They learn to play cooperatively together and show consideration for others. Useful information is provided to parents about the setting in a folder and noticeboard displays. This includes photographs of family members and a range of written policies. Children's developmental progress is recorded

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

well in daily diaries which are shared with parents, in addition to informal feedback each day.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to ongoing training and actively uses information gathered on courses, to benefit children in her care. She is able to identify her own training needs and is developing use of the Birth to three matters framework, to impact on her planning for children. Children's care is effectively supported by a range of policies and procedures, which are shared with parents. Documentation is generally well organised and the childminder keeps up to date appropriately, with information from the regulator. Placements are organised well to ensure children receive individual attention and their needs are met. Children benefit from a good variety of activities as space within the home and local resources are used well to offer stimulating activities. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendations that were made at the last inspection have been addressed appropriately by the childminder, to improve outcomes for children. Children's safety has been improved as the childminder has removed a swing unit from the garden, reduced access to potential hazards in the first floor bathroom and ensured the front lounge is clear of obstructions. Written permission is now in place from parents before medication is administered, to promote their health.

p.5

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. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 medication and incident records are consistently maintained.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5