Bramhope First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 127894 Inspection date 18 July 2005 Inspector Cheryl Langley

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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 satisfactory. 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 2000. The childminder lives with her husband and 3 children aged 16, 10, and 7 years and 1 adult child in a house in Ware. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have one pet cat, a hamster and two birds. The childminder attends two local toddler groups on a regular basis. She is registered for a maximum of 5 children and currently cares for 5 children.

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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 enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They develop self confidence in their physical skills as they use different toys and equipment. For example, they climb and push themselves down the slide in the garden or on the large equipment in the park. Children enjoy physical games in the home. They use a variety of puzzles, arts and craft materials, thread cotton spools and enjoy mixing cake ingredients when they are cooking. Children benefit from regular fresh air when they walk to the park to feed the ducks. They have the opportunity to be active or rest according to their needs. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating food. Children gain an understanding of health issues from information books and discussions with the childminder. They are protected from infection because there are well planned

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Helping children to be healthy

routines for hygiene and suitable procedures in place. The childminder has the required documentation to ensure that appropriate care is given. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They know which type of food is good to eat. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day and are encouraged to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and works with them closely to provide a menu which includes nutritious snacks and meals that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well maintained environment. The organisation of the toys and equipment means children can move around safely and freely to independently access resources from around the room and garden. Children benefit from safety measures. For example, they know not to climb on the furniture in case they fall and hurt themselves. They develop an awareness of safety through practising codes for crossing the road with the childminder. Children know to keep safe when they feed the ducks by not standing close to the edge of the pond. In most areas the children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder is aware of the procedures to follow in accordance with the Area Child Protection Committee. She has attended basic and advanced child protection training, although she does not have all of the up-to-date information regarding child protection issues.

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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 can choose from a variety of play and activities. They receive adult guidance to give them extra support if needed. Children are relaxed and confident in the setting. The older children play happily with the resources on offer. They enjoy arts and crafts activities, imaginary play with small figures and sharing books with the childminder. However, activities to stimulate and engage children under 2 years of age are sometimes limited. Children's confidence and self-esteem is promoted. They share their paintings and drawings with their parents and are given responsibilities which encourage independence. They enjoy helping the childminder hang out the washing or dry up their cups and plates. Children learn to count and recognise colours and letters through play and every day

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

routines. For example, they count when they go up stairs, look at house numbers and street signs to recognise numbers and letters and use activity books for writing. Children enjoy making shapes with play dough using different tools for cutting. They enjoy learning about the natural environment when they walk in the park or watch the birds and insects in the garden. Children are beginning to make positive relationships. They enjoy a broad range of outings to activity groups and places of interest where they meet and socialise with other children and adults. The children are beginning to share and take turns. They are encouraged to settle their differences and consider others. For example, older children are sensitively reminded to share toys with younger children. Children have the opportunity to relax or take part in active play if they choose. Their sense of belonging is promoted by the childminder who values their achievements and gives

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals. They are beginning to develop a positive attitude to others. Children gain some understanding about the world through discussion, toys and books and celebrating traditional festivals. The individual needs of all children who attend are met. Children are learning to behave well. Older children understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the examples set by the childminder. Children are beginning to take turns and consider others when they play games together. Children benefit from a strong partnership between the childminder and parents who exchange information regularly. She shares a daily diary with parents for younger children to keep them informed of their routine and achievements. This communication helps the children settle well and become confident with the childminder who is aware of their likes and dislikes.

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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 The children's needs are met through effective organisation. Toys are stored so that children can access resources easily and independently which enables them to make choices. They benefit from routines to help them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat and rest as they need to. A range of activities and outings are organised or child led to provide children with a variety of play and experiences. Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. Policies and procedures are in place. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and continues to update her training to support her provision. The children's health and welfare is therefore safeguarded. Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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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 satisfactory. 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 procedures for child protection follow the guidelines in the summary "What to do if you're worried a child is being abused" • organise play and activities to meet the needs of children under 2 years of age, for example, as set out in the Birth to Three Matters Framework.

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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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