Lady Zia Wernher School

Inspection report for early years provision

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109745 Unique Reference Number 16 April 2007 Inspection date Dinah Round 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 registered to care for children in 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 20 years. They live in a house on a residential estate close-by the centre of Poole, in Dorset. The childminder's husband is registered as an assistant. Childminding is carried out in all areas of the house, with the first floor used for sleep provision only. Toilet facilities are accessible on both levels of the premises. Children have access to a rear enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. She currently cares for four children on both a full and part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, the local childminding network and a local childminder's group. The childminder has an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in childcare and education.

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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 are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. Their health is promoted well through the childminder's effective practices and daily routines. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene, such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They use liquid soap and individual towels which helps prevent germs from spreading. For example, a child explains that her towel is the green one with a ladybird on it. Good nappy changing procedures are followed which ensures children's health is maintained. The childminder shares with parents her policy regarding the exclusion of children who have infectious illness, which reduces the risk of spreading illnesses. Clear, detailed accident and medication records are maintained and signed by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children can easily reach their individual drink containers which means they have regular access to drinks throughout the day. This makes sure that their fluid levels are maintained and they do not get thirsty. Children's food is mostly provided by parents. The childminder offers healthy snacks of fresh fruit or breadsticks, she discusses children's dietary needs with parents to ensure their needs are met. The childminder made a poster of healthy foods with the children to help develop their understanding about healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise through good use of the garden and frequent visits to local parks. They have access to a varied range of outdoor play equipment to help promote their physical development. For example, one child enjoys playing with the hula-hoop and concentrates carefully to learn to swirl it round. Children enjoy outings to places of interest, such as Upton Country Park, Farmer Palmers and trips to the beach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe through a combination of direct supervision and the provision of a safe and secure environment. This includes measures such as safety gates to prevent access to the stairs and safe storage of cleaning materials. Regular risk assessment are completed to identify and minimise potential risks to children to ensure their safety. This allows children to move freely and safely around as they choose their toys. Children have access to a wide selection of clean, good quality play provision and equipment. The childminder makes sure that toys are suitable for the children's age and stage of development, and organises resources in separate boxes around the room.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe due to the childminder helping them learn how to play safely, such as on the climbing frame. The childminder follows clear procedures to protect children when taking them on outings. For example, use of age appropriate car seats, checking venues are safe and suitable, and teaching children road safety. A fire escape plan and evacuation procedures are in place, these are practised with the children to ensure they know what to do in an emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and procedures which supports her in her role of safeguarding children. Her child protection policy is shared with parents to inform them of her responsibilities to protect children.

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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 receive good interaction and lots of physical contact from the childminder which helps them to feel settled and secure. The childminder is aware of the children's needs, she follows younger children's individual routines to make them feel comfortable and secure. Children are becoming independent as they explore activities for themselves, and are encouraged to wash their own hands before snack time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with a variety of interesting activities and play experiences which take account of their ages and individual needs. This includes art and craft activities, such as cutting and sticking, playdough, painting, drawing, and icing biscuits. The childminder has some understanding of the 'Birth to three matters framework', however, the full opportunities for younger children to use their senses to explore and experiment are not always maximised. Children use their imagination well through role play, happily making a picnic and creating different meals for the childminder. Children's learning is promoted due to the childminder continually supporting and encouraging the children through their play. For example, one child suggests playing a game of 'eye-spy' and enjoys choosing pink items for the childminder to guess, then happily looks for the particular 'blue' toy the childminder selects.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy frequent experiences outside the home such as, visits to the local library and parent and toddler group. The childminder meets with other childminders and children which means that children socialise regularly and helps develops their confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder is aware of their particular requirements through close liaison with parents, and adapts her provision to ensure children are well supported. Children feel included as the childminder balances her attention very well to keep them occupied. For example, she talks to children and offers them books, as she cuddles and comforts the new baby. Children are developing an awareness of other cultures through regular access to resources reflecting positive images of diversity within the play provision.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They benefit from the childminder's clear understanding of their age and stage of development. Clear 'house rules' are displayed to provide children with consistent messages. Children are helped to learn to share and think of others, for example, the childminder calmly explains that there are enough train carriages for both of the children to have one each. The childminder acts as a good role model, encouraging a kind and caring attitude.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are continually discussed with parents at the beginning and end of the day, which contributes to their care and well being. The use of daily diaries for younger children ensures that information about a child's sleep times, food eaten and nappy changes is successfully shared with the parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Most children are settled in the familiar environment. The space is effectively organised to provide separate areas for sleep and play provision, which includes use of a designated play room. Many of the resources are positioned to encourage children to access them by themselves.

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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 Children are offered an interesting range of play activities, although, the opportunities for younger children to take part in sensory activities are not fully explored. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder having completed some training relating to her role. The written policies and procedures support the childminder's working practices and provide positive outcomes for children. These are shared with parents to make sure they are kept informed about the provision. Documentation is well organised, up to date and stored securely to ensure confidentiality. Individual contracts are formulated with parents which include all written consents to provide for children care and well being.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop further awareness of the Code of Practice for the assessment of special educational needs. The childminder has increased her understanding of the Code of Practice and feels she is more knowledgeable about the process in the identification and assessment of special educational needs.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made to 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): • develop further the play opportunities and experiences to improve the learning outcomes for younger children.

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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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