Ynysfach Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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400998 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2007 Inspection date Christine Tipple 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Marton-cum-Grafton, she is close to local facilities in the area. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children under eight years. She currently has five children on roll who attend on a part-time basis. The family has a guinea pig, cat and fish. There are also golden pheasants and doves which live in an enclosure in the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, the local childminder group and the day care providers' cluster support group.

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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 have a very good level of independence in all areas of their personal care. The effective routines and facilities provide the children with all they require, such as individual towels, liquid soap and additional equipment to enable them to reach the sink themselves. Children are well informed about the importance of washing their hands especially after feeding the fish. The childminder spends time with the children discussing keeping healthy and the reasons for them having good hygiene practices. She is conscientious in her approach in caring for children when they are ill, to minimise cross-infection effectively. Details are in place which provide guidelines on the appropriate exclusion periods for children which are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Quality physical play, activities and fresh air are daily experiences for the children. This approach promotes a strong emphasis on the children having daily exercise all year round. The garden is accessed every day and the children walk to and from the school as well as additional walks in the area to places of interest. The resources and equipment are highly effective in developing children's skills, they access sit and ride and wheeled resources, and participate in various ball and golf games. The children use larger equipment and experience more challenging activities through visits to the toddler group and activity centre. Children benefit greatly from the opportunities provided both in the home and outside, which include using smaller tools to cut, shape and manipulate materials with.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have tasty daily snacks with the childminder. She is happy to provide healthy cooked meals as discussed with parents, however parents currently provide them as agreed with the childminder due to the dietary needs of some of the children. They are offered a varied selection of healthy and nutritional snacks such as fresh and dried fruits, vegetables and breadsticks. There is a good range of information which is highly effective in promoting healthy eating and the '5 a day' of fruit and vegetables for the children. They have opportunities to grow foods and eat these, which supports the childminder's commitment to the children's diet of healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The premises are very welcoming to both the children and parents. There is excellent provision for the children to eat together, rest and sleep. The space, facilities, resources and equipment in place offer children a high quality environment which has variety and challenges to maximise their learning opportunities through their play. These are very well maintained and in a safe condition. Children have very good access to the space and provision, which enables them to be independent and competent in using all areas allocated for their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in surroundings where the standard of safety is at a high level. The childminder is vigilant in her approach to minimise accidents both indoors and outdoors. This approach does not prevent the children taking a level of risk and responsibility in their personal safety, to explore and be physically active. A detailed and informed risk assessment is carried out on the property as well as daily checks by the childminder. Regular practise of the evacuation procedure is managed very effectively, and the children are fully involved and confident. Children have daily opportunities to practise road safety along with posters and information shared with

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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 them this has been very successful in developing the children's skills in using the Green Cross Code.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has clear and up to date information on safeguarding children. This is supported with a robust and detailed policy which is shared with parents. She has attended training to keep her knowledge up to date, which has a positive impact on ensuring children's welfare and safety are paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled with the childminder. There are lovely, warm and caring relationships established and this is reflected in the children's eagerness to participate in the range of rich and stimulating activities and resources provided. The childminder is experienced in her approach with the children in understanding their individual needs and effectively supporting their ongoing development. Plans for the year are in place which reflect the seasons and this provides a basis for what the children will do. There is a positive emphasis on free play where the children make choices in what they want to do. This is further extended by the childminder recognising the children's interests and developing these with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to assist her in supporting younger children's needs. She has detailed evidence of the children's activities and various experiences portrayed through the collection of their art work as well as photographs. However, the evidence collated is not extended to link into the 'Birth to three matters' framework to demonstrate each child's ongoing progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are self assured and are becoming skilful communicators and learners. The ongoing language and communication with the children is very good, time is given for them to discuss what they are doing through appropriate questioning. Numbers and simple mathematical language are part of every day activities, such as baking, and are fun. The children regularly explore and investigate their environment, such as feeding the fish and the pheasants, and collecting resources from their nature walks. They are involved in recycling and making compost and planting seeds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to use pens and crayons to mark make with. Children have a good selection of books and enjoy story time. Creative activities are varied and offer the children positive experiences with a variety of mediums and materials, which are displayed and kept in children's folders. Children access musical instruments and sing, they construct and make models. The children are motivated and enthusiastic about all that is provided by the childminder. This is very effective in promoting their confidence, independence and enjoyment in their learning through quality play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are well supported in a positive environment where their individual needs are fully recognised, nurtured and valued. They learn about the wider world through a positive approach to celebrations which include other traditions and cultures. The equal opportunities policy in place promotes a positive, balanced and informed approach to the childcare offered. Children have access to all the activities and resources provided. Excellent regular outings in the community with the children extend their experiences of meeting people, such as visiting the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 local shop, the church and local farm. There is a well balanced selection of resources which promote, inform and reflect diversity very effectively with the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder is a positive role model for the children through her caring and respectful approach and attitude with them. She is sensitive to their feelings as well as clear in what behaviour is acceptable and what is not, time is given to discuss any issues with the children. This ensures they are comfortable and respond to the childminder's requests because they are secure and familiar with the boundaries in place, which remain consistent and relevant to their levels of understanding. The childminder is skilled in reassuring and promoting the positives with them, to encourage and praise which is highly significant in developing their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The relationships developed with parents are excellent. They are provided with substantial well informed policies and procedures and other additional information relating to childcare, which are reviewed to ensure these remain up to date. Younger children have daily sheets which record details of sleep time, food taken and their personal care. The childminder ensures she has time on a daily basis to talk with parents and offers additional opportunities at other times when more convenient. There are good relationships formed with the parents and their views on the care children receive are of the highest level. This was fully supported through letters from all the parents which were clear and detailed on the trust and confidence they have in the childminder. They commented on the range of excellent opportunities, activities and experiences provided and how their children have progressed, and the importance of the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relationships their children have with the childminder's family. Information is recorded in relation to parents' contracts of agreement and additional consent. There is a lovely selection of evidence of the children's work and the activities they have taken part in. The collection of photographs provides an ongoing record of their time with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children are happy and engaged in all aspects of the care provided and in making excellent use of the space and resources provided. The childminder is competent and efficient in managing her childminding provision. The range of information provided is well presented and reflects her commitment and professionalism. She has attended ongoing training to update her skills and knowledge on childcare matters, such as food hygiene, safeguarding children and developing professional practice. This has a positive impact on the children she cares for in raising quality. The childminder has evaluated what she does, reflected on her practice and has drawn up actions on where she needs to improve and extend.

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Organisation

The documentation and records are systematically monitored to ensure they are relevant and remain up to date. The childminder is involved with the local childminder support group as well as the childcare cluster group which shares ideas, skills and good practice. All information is stored securely and ensures confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last care report recommended that the childminder develop her procedure to cover lost children.

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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 has extended her information to include clear and informed details on the procedure which covers lost and uncollected children.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen 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): • extend the link to the 'Birth to three matters' framework of the children's development and progress.

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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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