Wilberforce Sixth Form College

Inspection report for early years provision

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129262 Unique Reference Number 03 May 2007 Inspection date Jo Rowley 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 1993. She lives with her husband in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family has a rabbit.

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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 five children under five all day, each on a part-time basis and one child over eight after school only, on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children and she attends the local toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has achieved the Hertfordshire Quality Standards certificate and she is a member of the National Childminder 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 are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained home. Their health and development is well promoted through their participation in a variety of physical activities. They are developing control of their bodies and a wide range of skills through regular opportunities for physical play, for example, children visit the local parks, toddler groups and enjoy regular music and movement opportunities. They are able to use ride-on toys in the garden, which is part paved and part grassed, whilst being fully supervised by the childminder. All of the children are able to fully participate in the activities because the childminder uses her experience and knowledge of child development to adapt these to a suitable level. The children are well supported by the childminder, promoting their confidence to try out new skills and experiences.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are clearly understood and they are offered nutritious snacks and meals because the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating. When hot meals are cooked the childminder uses fresh ingredients which can include a variety such as, fresh fruit, pasta and vegetables. Children are learning about healthy living through regular discussion with the childminder, they talk about food that is good for them and others that are not. For example, during a conversation about what the children drink, one child says "I have cows milk because it's good for my teeth". Routines are in place to limit the spread of infection and ensure that children are cared for in a clean environment. All documentation with regard to medication and accidents are clearly recorded and kept confidential.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is promoted. The childminder ensures that they are cared for in a safe and welcoming environment. She is aware of potential risks and takes appropriate steps to minimise these by completing a regular risk assessment. There is a clear evacuation procedure in place which the childminder practises with children, keeping a log of each practise. A whistle is used when the practise takes place and children are clear about what they need to do when the whistle blows. For example, one child says "we go to the door to get out when the whistle blows". Children use safe, clean toys and equipment and the childminder makes sure that these are appropriate for their ages and developmental stages. For example, older children use small equipment at the table so that younger children do not have access to small toys that could be hazardous to them. Children are beginning to build up their knowledge about keeping

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves safe as the childminder gives them clear explanations, for example, they are aware of the importance of not talking to strangers and holding hands whilst crossing roads. The childminder has the required documentation and contact details in place, if child protection concerns arise. She has a written child protection policy which has been shared with parents and there is an incident book in place, for recording such concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and very settled. They are enthusiastic about their time with the childminder and are encouraged to make choices about their play. They have a good relationship with the childminder, readily asking for help when needed. For example, whilst playing with the dolls the childminder is asked by a child to help with combing the dolls hair as it is difficult

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to get the comb through. The childminder had encouraged the child to try first, promoting the child's independence and then supports the child when it becomes difficult. Children spend their time purposefully, their self-esteem and confidence are promoted through the childminder's effective role in supporting their play, promoting children's thinking and recollection skills, for example, children talk about when they dressed up as policemen and firemen.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy a varied and stimulating range of activities which includes imaginative play, construction, art and craft, music and movement and visits to the local park and regular visits to local toddler groups where children have opportunities to socialise with other children. Their overall development is promoted and they are encouraged to explore and learn about their environment as the childminder has a good understanding of child development. She thoughtfully plans some activities and has an awareness for the 'Birth to three matters' framework. However, a greater understanding of the framework is required to further promote outcomes for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to feel valued and respected because the childminder ensures that she is aware of each child's individual needs and beliefs and therefore, is able to meet these consistently. Children are always treated as individuals, they are encouraged to respect each other as well as work together. Children from all backgrounds are welcomed by the childminder and they are well supported, although she has a limited experience in caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children benefit from the way in which the childminder works in partnership with parents, ensuring that they are fully informed of their children's progress and activities through talking with them and providing them with regular updates on their child's development and abilities. Children play well together and are learning about sharing and turn-taking. Their behaviour is good and they have an understanding of the ground

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Helping children make a positive contribution

rules which are regularly promoted by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to a range of resources such as books, dressing up clothes and dolls, helping to promote their awareness of other cultures. They participate in activities that celebrate different festivals, such as Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year. Children help make chinese noodles before eating them and therefore, their understanding of other cultures is being developed. The childminder has a complaints procedure, however, this is not kept up to date and therefore, parents are not fully aware of the required information. The childminder encourages communication between herself and parents, ensuring that they are kept fully informed of their child's progress. All parents have access to the childminder's parents portfolio where information is accessed on the policies and procedures that are in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall children's needs are met. Resources are effectively organised enabling children to determine their own play. The individual needs of children are generally met as the childminder makes sure that she has the required information about the minded children and ensures that she clearly understands this. The childminder supports the children in their general play, when following hygiene routines and in all aspects of their care. Their social and emotional needs are promoted through the childminder's organisation of her daily work. She ensures that there is time to offer children a range of play opportunities whilst meeting their rest and sleep needs

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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 accordingly. The children's overall welfare is generally promoted as the childminder organises her work to ensure that children are supervised at all times. The childminder displays her registration certificate and therefore, parents are aware of her conditions of registration. However, the childminder has not informed Ofsted of the building work that has taken place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children. Children's safety and welfare has improved because the parents have given written permission for the childminder to give medication if required.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 1 2004, Ofsted received one complaint relating to National Standard 6 : Safety. Ofsted received information which raised concerns in relation to National Standards : 3 (Care, learning and play), 6 (safety), 8 (food and drink) and 14 (documentation) following an alleged incident on 26 September 2004 in which a child was left unsupervised by an adult.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted conducted a visit to the childminder on 15 October 2004 to discuss the concerns. Upon investigation Ofsted were satisfied that there were no concerns in relation to Standard 3 and 8. The childminder was given 2 actions, one for Standard 6 and one for Standard 14, to ensure that children are supervised at all times and that all records relating to childminding activities are updated, readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times. A satisfactory actions response was received on 24 November 2004 and the childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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): • continue to review and develop the activities provided for younger children, for example by referring to the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework for additional guidance • ensure that a record of all complaints is maintained and appropriate information from that record is shared with parents • ensure that Ofsted are informed of all significant events or changes.

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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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