Boothferry Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 129315 Inspection date 19 July 2005 Inspector Jill Nugent

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 in 2001. She lives with her two children, aged three and six, in a house in Welwyn Garden City. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet goldfish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding three children, all under five. She 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's health is promoted through the appropriate maintenance of medical records. Children are protected from cross-infection as the childminder does not look after any who are ill. Young children rest during the day according to their needs. They are well nourished. Some bring their own food and the childminder provides meals for others. They have a healthy diet which includes plenty of fruit and vegetables. Children eat meals altogether. They learn about healthy eating and develop good social skills. They have access to drinks at all times. Children are becoming increasingly aware of good hygiene practices. They know why they need to wash their hands after toileting. The childminder takes care to be hygienic herself and children play in a clean environment. Young children enjoy plenty of space indoors for toddling around. They have fun pushing toys along the floor and jumping up and down. All children enjoy outdoor play in the garden and

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Helping children to be healthy

local park. They are developing physical skills through the use of a range of resources.

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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 safe setting. There are good fire precautions in place. The childminder has a written evacuation plan in case of an emergency. Children are kept safe from dangers in the home through the effective use of cupboard locks and stair gates. They are kept secure as the doors and the garden gate are always locked. On outings children wear stickers with the childminder's contact details to ensure their safety. Children are learning to keep safe when out and about. Older children hold onto the buggy or wear reins. They are becoming aware of road safety and 'stranger danger'. They learn to keep safe when playing on garden toys, such as, the trampoline. They choose from a wide variety of indoor toys, all of which are safe and suitable for young children. Children are further protected because the childminder has procedures in place regarding child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play happily alongside the childminder. She is very responsive to their interests. They enjoy playing shopping and fishing games, doing puzzles and listening to stories. They are developing skills while they play. They name colours, and shapes, and count fish. They are increasing their vocabulary and learning to use new words.

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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 Children are attempting to take part in conversation, for example, telling the childminder that a fish is 'wet' or 'crying'. The childminder models speech for children to encourage their communication. She has a copy of the Birth to three framework and concentrates on helping children learn through play. Children are building relationships with her and particularly enjoy her involvement in their floor play. They respond well to challenges. One child is fascinated at discovering how to make a toy train roll along a cardboard tube. Children have good opportunities to take part in a variety of activities. They like mixing with other children at playgroups and tumble tots. They enjoy drawing, sticking and playing with play dough.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have a sense of belonging. They keep busy and this helps them to develop harmonious relationships with each other. Children are well supported. They enjoy the attention of the childminder, sometimes laughing spontaneously while they play. They like a cuddle when needing a bit of security. They are learning to make choices. They enjoy the flexibility of being able to take a toy of their choosing downstairs for play. Children are beginning to understand their own needs, for example, realising they have got wet after water play and need a towel. They are becoming aware of different cultures when they talk about festivals. Children behave well. They respond quickly to a 'no' from the childminder. They are learning to distinguish right from wrong. Older children have a little 'time-out' if necessary to calm down. The childminder liaises with their parents if she has any concerns. Children benefit from her close relationships with their parents. She works

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Helping children make a positive contribution

in partnership with them and they exchange information daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy the play space available in the childminder's house. They have easy access to the back garden. The rooms are organised so that children can be easily supervised. The childminder has a relaxed and chatty personality and children are very comfortable in her care. She has all the necessary parental permissions in place. Her documents are kept neat and tidy in one file. Children's care is enhanced by her well organised paperwork. However, her first aid certificate is due for renewal very shortly. At the moment the childminder is not in a position to attend training courses easily but she has found that her qualification in social care is very useful. Her practices and procedures promote children's well being and their needs are met appropriately.

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Improvements 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 The childminder now ensures that Ofsted is informed of any significant changes.

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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): • ensure that the first aid certificate is renewed

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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