Westfield First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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130034 Unique Reference Number 11 October 2007 Inspection date Sheila Harrison 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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and three sons aged 15, 10 and four years. They live in a detached house in Bricket Wood near St Albans which is within walking distance of shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have two dogs as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children aged under eight years. She is currently minding three children on a part time basis. The childminder regularly attends parent and toddler groups and local attractions.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have a balanced diet as they are offered healthy snacks and freshly cooked nutritious meals. They are helped to enjoy their food and try new tastes. Children are offered foods from other cultures and they particularly enjoy noodles. Children are encouraged to choose the fruits

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 they have for snack and are given the apple whole to ensure they can manage the fruit in their lunch box when at school. Parents are fully informed of the meals offered and children’s dietary and religious needs are well met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy living as they accompanied the childminder on a food and fitness course run by the National Childminding Association. There are pictorial reminders in the bathroom to remind them to wash their hands after the toilet. They wash their hands before meals and after playing in the garden and the childminder gently explains that germs will make them ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is promoted as there is a comprehensive sickness procedure and records of medication and accidents keep parents informed. The childminder has a proactive approach to protecting the children as she has renewed her first aid qualification before it is required and attended a level two food hygiene course. There is sufficient first aid equipment in the home and for outings. Children have rest and sleep according to their individual preferences and needs. The childminder has sufficient equipment to allow children to sleep in separate and peaceful surroundings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy worthwhile physical exercise. They can play in the garden in the better weather where they have a range of equipment which is suitably graded for the children’s stage of their development. Parents provide appropriate clothing to ensure children have frequent walks to the park.

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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 welcoming secure environment. The surroundings are comfortable and inviting where the children’s pictures and posters are displayed at a low level. This ensures children feel valued and respected. Risks are identified and minimised with the appropriate safety equipment easily available. However, the fire blanket is not fixed to the wall and this means that its use is potentially impeded in the event of a fire. Children have sufficient space to move freely and play on the ground floor. They choose from an ample range of resources kept in good order. The toys are appropriate for their developmental needs and rotated to extend their interests.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are developing an awareness of how to keep themselves safe as they follow the house rules and learn the consequences of their actions. They understand not to run indoors or climb on the furniture or they will hurt themselves. They are learning to cross roads safely by remembering to stop, look and listen. Children are safe on outings as the childminder ensures they wear wrist bands during outings with her telephone number to ensure they are quickly returned in the unlikely event of them getting lost.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues with the required documentation. Parents are aware of the childminder’s duty to report any concerns to the relevant authority. This ensures the children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and busy as the childminder provides a suitable range of resources which are of interest to them. They play games together, taking turns, they know and follow the rules

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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 of the game. They help clear up the toys for the childminder to put away before choosing the next game. The childminder is aware of the child’s stage of development and gently steers the children to puzzles they can complete satisfactorily. Children are encouraged to develop their language skills as they describe how the insect’s legs tickled as it crawled on their hands. They have valuable opportunities to talk about starting school to each other and the childminder. The childminder helps young children progress as they enjoy number puzzles and rhymes. They are beginning to use a range of toys outside, with which to learn, with large movements. For example, drawing with large chalks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s individual needs are well promoted as there is an excellent partnership between the childminder, parents and other carers. The childminder’s relationship with parents is positive, friendly and open. This helps ensure children are settled and secure. Parents have clear information about the care their children receive and they praise the childminder highly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have valuable chances to learn about the wider world as they visit local attractions. They acknowledge festivals important to themselves and others with various craft activities at parent and toddler group. Children enjoy playing positively with a range of equipment representing people with cultures different to their own and toys that represent disabilities. The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of supporting children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She has a system in place to gather information from the parents to support the individual needs of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well as the childminder gives appropriate praise and rewards. Close co-operation with the parents ensures children receive consistent care. Children are learning suitable social skills and the childminder recognises the behaviour that is unacceptable and uses suitable distraction techniques. Good manners are encouraged and the childminder reinforces rules that help to keep them safe.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease as they receive consistent care to maintain their comfort and security. This care is enhanced by the childminder’s efficient organisation. Procedures are individual to the setting and work in practice. Records are clear and up-to-date, easily accessible and stored securely. Children’s well-being is promoted by a knowledgeable childminder. She reflects on her practice and attends training courses to protect children and promote their welfare. Overall the children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure the hazards inside and outside are minimised. Increase the range of toys including resources that reflect the diversity of society and to ensure the accident record is fully completed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder adequately protects the children’s safety as she has identified and minimised the hazards in the home. The pond has been filled in and the water butt covered. The door to the kitchen has been replaced. Accident records are suitably maintained to ensure parents are fully informed of the care of their children. Children have a suitable range of resources which

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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 includes toys for children aged over 18 months and those which positively reflect diversity and differences. The childminder is constantly improving the range by using the local toy library.

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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 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): • ensure the fire blanket is attached to a firm surface to allow its correct operation.

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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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