The Dales Junior High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129319 Unique Reference Number 23 February 2007 Inspection date Kim Wailling 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 2001. She lives with her partner and one child aged eight years in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor is 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 four children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups.

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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 satisfactory. Children thrive as the childminder follows satisfactory practices which meet the health and nutritional needs of all children. The childminder provides meals and snacks, including fresh fruit, which the children enjoy so that they are helped to develop good eating habits. The childminder works closely with parents of children under two to ensure that their individual routines are followed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health needs, including possible allergies and dietary restrictions, are discussed before childminding commences. Appropriate documentation is kept to record the administration of medicines and accidents. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification, which includes training in first aid for children and infants. However, the contents of the first aid kit are not checked frequently and replaced as necessary. This, potentially, impacts on ability of the childminder deal with minor injuries to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered opportunities to exercise, including visits to local playgrounds which have a range of equipment for both younger and older children to use. Children can freely access the childminder’s garden and make use of the good range of toys which promotes their coordination skills. Children can rest or sleep according to their needs as the day is well-organised to fit in with individual requirements.

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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 very clean, tidy and welcoming family home. Children can move around freely. Furniture and the storage of toys has been carefully arranged to create uncluttered spaces and room for play. Children use equipment, such as high chairs, that are age-appropriate. Regular checks are carried out, particularly in the garden, so that possible hazards to children are minimised. Children's safety when travelling in the childminder's car is given good attention. For example, the suitability of car seats is regularly checked to ensure that children are both safe and comfortable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are in sight or hearing at all times as the childminder is aware of the need to be vigilant. She 'teams up' with another registered childminder when attending parent and toddler groups so that children benefit from having the attention of two adults. Children are helped to gain an understanding of how to keep safe. For example, fire evacuation procedures are discussed and practised to reinforce children's understanding. Children's welfare is well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. Relevant updated documentation is in place which follows recently issued guidelines.

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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 show eager interest in the very wide range of toys and activities on offer. They can freely access toys and initiate their own play. This includes creating their own games, particularly using role play resources, which are satisfying and rewarding to them. Children are eager to take part in planned activities, such as watching an interactive music video and delight in singing and dancing. Children play well together, are helped to distinguish right from wrong and form a positive relationship with the childminder and with each other. The childminder is watchful and is aware that sometimes younger children can disrupt the play of others. On these occasions she skilfully intervenes to offer younger children alternatives so that older children can further develop their play. In addition, children have an opportunity to make new friends as the childminder occasionally meets up with two other nearby childminders. This helps children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is well promoted. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of following children's preferences and interests. For example, children who enjoy vigorous physical play, particularly after school, are taken to visit a nearby playground or use play equipment in the childminder's garden. The structure of daily routine helps children to feel settled and secure. For younger children this includes morning visits to local parent and toddler groups which are well resourced and offer a different range of activities. Events in the children's day and their achievements are recorded as the childminder keeps a daily diary which is shared with the children's parents and carers. The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is incorporating many of its aspects into her practice. For example, the childminder promotes younger children's language by engaging them in conversation and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

reading stories to them. Overall, all children are offered a good range of activities and experiences to promote their learning and enjoyment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well supported and settle quickly into the childminder's care. Arrangements to settle children are negotiated taking into account the needs of children and the requirements of parents and carers for flexible childcare. Information about the setting is available for parents and discussed before childminding commences. This includes a complaints procedure. However, recent changes to how concerns and their outcomes are recorded by the childminder have not been shared with existing parents. This impacts on the effectiveness of the childminder's complaints policy to keep parents fully informed to enable all to work together support children's well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children make friends and are helped to manage their own behaviour as the childminder has a sound understanding of behaviour strategies, such as asking older children to think about the consequences of their actions. This means that children behave well and enjoy the company of others. Children's sense of belonging is fostered. Children play in a well-organised environment. For example, a wide selections of toys, books and games are stored in the lounge so that children can reach them easily. Children are helped to gain an understanding of the

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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 wider community as the childminder has acquired an adequate range of resources, including books and dolls of differing skin tones.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the efficient organisation of the childminder. All records and most policies and procedures are in place that promote children's well-being. These are well-organised in a portfolio so that they can be accessed easily. The childminder is aware of changes to National Standard requirements and updates her policies when necessary.

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Organisation

Children's enjoyment and well-being is well fostered as the childminder has organised her daily routine very well. This means that children are given time for unhurried play, rest and relaxed meals, and are taken and collected from school on time. Children feel comfortable and at ease in the childminder's home. Consequently, children are happy, confident to form friendships, initiate their own play as well as enjoying being involved in planned activities and outings. Overall , children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and keep a written record, signed by parents, of any medicines given. Following the last inspection, the childminder immediately implemented a relevant procedure to safeguard children's health.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In addition, the childminder agreed to obtain a copy of the National Standards for Childminding and the Guidance to the National Standards for Childminders and obtain information about child protection procedures. This has been fully addressed and all documentation that is required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children is in place.

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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): • check the contents of the first aid box and replace as necessary • share details of the complaints policy with parents and carers.

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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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