Dixons Trinity Chapeltown

Inspection report for early years provision

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144743 Unique Reference Number 30 October 2006 Inspection date Sue Vernon 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 1998. She lives in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire with her husband and three children aged 19, 15 and nine years. The whole of the childminder's house is used for minding and there is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups and takes children to local parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family has two cats. 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 benefit from established routines that promote good hygiene practices. They know to wash hands regularly using their own flannels and towels for example, before eating at snack time. They benefit from regular drinks of water or milk and enjoy healthy snacks including fresh fruit. Children enjoy peeling and preparing a variety of fruit including oranges, strawberries and kiwi fruit to share between them. The childminder works well with parents to support any special dietary needs and ensures that she follows them consistently. This helps children feel secure.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a clear written medication and sickness policy which she shares with parents. This helps them understand why infectious children cannot be minded and therefore helps prevent possible cross-infection. Clear records are kept regarding any administration of medication which are signed appropriately by parents. This supports consistency of care for the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical play both in the enclosed garden and with visits to local parks and soft play units. They enjoy climbing and exploring the equipment and younger children additionally enjoy toddler groups with opportunities to ride wheeled toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks have been identified well and effectively minimised with the use of appropriate safety equipment such as stair gates, fireguards and socket covers. As a result children can move around safely whilst enjoying their play activities. For example, they enjoy moving from floor play with construction toys in the living room to craft activities in the kitchen. Toddlers are able to safely access all areas and enjoy the appropriate equipment such as low tables and chairs set out with books and puzzles. Booster seats help toddlers join older children in craftwork at the kitchen table. There is a good range of toys and play resources for the different age groups which include small world imaginative play, books, puzzles and games. These are stored nearby so children can self-select activities which promotes their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety issues have been addressed effectively and appropriate equipment is in place including both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The childminder has drawn up an evacuation plan that is thought through with the children. This promotes awareness of a safe environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear written child protection procedure which she shares with parents. She has a good understanding of the different areas of child abuse and a satisfactory understanding of the procedure to be followed if any concerns arise.

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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 enter happily and settle quickly to play due to the childminder's forward planning of activities. Attractive, suitable toys are set out ready for the different age groups which promotes a smooth transition to the childminder's care. The childminder spends time playing and encouraging the children effectively which ensures that children are happily involved in their play. For example she gives praise and support during an art activity when the children are making autumn pictures. She prepares activities in advance and keeps suitable resources to hand to extend play ideas. This enables her to maintain the children's interest and build their concentration.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder builds good relationships with the children as she minds them long-term. She responds well to younger children as they try to communicate by repeating their words and extending the sentence which encourages their language development. She offers a good balance of self-selected play and adult-led activities. Children can choose toys and books from low level storage which builds their independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Photographs are used to make books which show children's progress which are shared with parents. The childminder relates activities to the Birth to three matters framework which helps her ensure she offers activities that promote children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Each child's individual needs are known because the childminder works closely with parents. For example, she knows about changing sleep patterns for toddlers and plans how to support them. Any special needs are discussed and the childminder implements any requirements from professionals such as speech therapists which ensures consistency for the child. Children learn about the value of diversity from the selection of play resources that include positive images of equal opportunity issues. All children are included in play with both boys and girls enjoying dressing-up and play with construction kits.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive methods to encourages good behaviour. She gives praise and encouragement which helps children share and play well together, for example sharing craft resources when making pictures together. Distraction is used effectively with younger children and discussion helps older children consider the effects of their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships with parents are in place. These are built through settling-in visits and the sharing of clear written records and policies which have most details in place. The childminder works closely with parents which builds consistency of care for the children. She gives good feedback on the child's day both through daily discussions and with written diaries. These include a photographic scrapbook which shows how children are developing.

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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 good. The use of the childminder's rooms is well-planned in order to meet the care and play needs of the children attending. For example, activities are set out on low tables for toddlers whilst toys for older children are ready on the dining room table. Cots are ready upstairs for children's naps. Clear records are kept for recording attendance, accidents and medication and these are shared appropriately with parents.

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Organisation

The childminder develops her skills through additional training which supports the quality of care offered for the children. She holds a current first aid certificate and meets ratios. Paperwork is well-organised and policies are in place. Records are retained for inspection and are stored with regard for confidentiality. 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 was asked to develop her record keeping for showing daily attendance and improve her records of medication administration and accident reporting. She now uses the National Childminding Association books which are kept up-to-date and provide clear records. This supports consistency of care for both the children and parents.

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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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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): • refresh awareness of the required child protection policy • share new details of the complaint record with parents.

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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 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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