Broadfields Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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101260 Unique Reference Number 02 November 2007 Inspection date Jenny Read 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 2000 and may provide care for four children under eight years at any one time. She currently cares for two children under three years on a part-time basis throughout the year. The childminder walks to local schools and attends the local parent and toddler group and 'Music with Mummy' group on a weekly basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and their two children of 10 and 12 years in Bishops Cleeve, to the north of Cheltenham town. The whole of the house is available for childminding. The main areas used are the open-plan sitting room and conservatory, dining room and downstairs bedroom and toilet facilities. There is an enclosed rear garden with grass and patio areas for outside play. The family has two pet rabbits and tropical fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The detailed infection and disease control information, a poster from the health protection agency, the informative health and hygiene policies and procedures together with the

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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 childminder's secure knowledge and experience, ensure children are well protected from infection. They benefit from the warm, clean environment and the childminder's good example. The wearing of non-latex gloves for nappy changing, displaying hand-washing pictures in the toilet, implementing regular hand washing routines and using paper towels prevent the spread of infection and help children gain a thorough understanding of their personal care. Children gain good awareness of how germs make them poorly through useful discussion. Professional understanding of the administration of first aid and medication and carrying a travel first aid kit when on outings ensures children receive appropriate treatment for minor injuries to promote their healthcare needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily fresh air and many opportunities to challenge their physical skills, co-ordination and control of their body. For example, they enjoy daily walks to and from school, use a range of equipment in the garden and gain confidence using swings and climbing equipment at the local play park. Children discover and learn about their body as they have fun splashing in the water during weekly swimming sessions and crawl, climb and scamper in, on and over the toy library soft play equipment. Babies are learning to sit up with cushions to support, roll over, crawl and practise their early walking skills with good support from the childminder. They have plenty of space to investigate and improve their dexterity and control as they learn to hold spoons, colourful play rings and their bottle of milk or water. Children are well protected from the weather as they are placed under the gazebo in the shade when it is

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a good awareness of healthy eating habits through eating a balanced vegetarian diet, drinking water regularly and helping the childminder to recycle food waste in the garden composter. Although children occasionally plant strawberries, pick and try the apples and plums in the garden, extending their exploration and understanding of healthy food through practical activities, regular discussion rarely takes place. The clear food policy and nutritious sample menu provides useful information to parents and enables them to comment and share valuable information to the childminder about their children's dietary needs. Children take an active part in mealtime routines. They help get their plastic plates, cups and cutlery to lay the table and all sit together to share news and stories. This creates a social occasion and promotes children's enjoyment of food.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a bright, cheerful and spacious setting where good emphasis is given to making sure the play area is welcoming to aid their enjoyment and development. Posters, photographs and children's pictures decorate the entrance and conservatory to create an inviting environment. The childminder regularly rotates the good range of interesting toys and play materials depending on the children's interests and ability and extends these through regular visits to the toy library to broaden their choices and experiences. The childminder ensures the younger children can easily access the well-maintained toys for themselves and places items for the babies around their play mat on the floor. Other toys are stored on the low-level shelving unit in the conservatory and in the outside shed in labelled boxes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and security is given good priority by clear explanations for safe play and implementation of the sound health and safety policies and procedures, such as lost child, outings and fire procedures with a plan of the house displayed in the entrance area. Installation of socket covers, a fireguard, stair gate and implementation of a newly devised risk assessment safeguards the children and ensures hazards are effectively minimised. The childminder is

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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 vigilant and supervises the children closely. This ensures the childminder is able to respond swiftly to their aid, for example, when the baby is learning to balance and sit up or children are learning to cross the road safely. Children are gaining good awareness of safety issues and are learning how to keep themselves safe in an emergency through monthly testing of the smoke alarms and practise of the escape plan.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The use of passwords and daily discussion with parents ensures the childminder is knowledgeable about collection arrangements and safeguards the children's welfare. Children are well protected from abuse and neglect as the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues. She has completed appropriate training and is clear about the signs and indicators of abuse and her responsibility to report any concerns. The detailed child protection policy includes up-to-date referral details and is shared and signed by each parent to confirm their knowledge of the procedures followed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of stimulating activities and outings throughout the week, which engage their interests and develop their sensory experiences. For example, they explore painting, baking, play dough and weekly visits to the local parent and toddler groups, library and 'Music with mummy' sessions. This helps broaden children's experiences and encourage their confidence and social interaction in a group situation. The childminder knows the children well and has a developing awareness of the Birth to three matters framework to provide a child-centred approach to childcare. She is currently developing the basic daily and weekly observations and planning to assess and plan children's learning more effectively. Older children contribute to the plan of activities for the summer and winter months and are involved in helping to organise these. They enjoy visits to the garden centre, Strawberry Fields play barn, nature walks and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

have fun planting sunflowers and grass seeds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy close and loving relationships with the childminder, which increases their well-being and sense of trust. They receive plenty of cuddles and physical affection and benefit from the warm, homely and relaxed environment. The children gain confidence and self-assurance as the childminder shows interest and offers plenty of encouragement, such as 'that's a good noise' as they investigate sounds when shaking and banging a collection of spoons and explore rolling the ball along the floor. The babies begin to imitate play and actions shown by the childminder and readily express their feelings as they smile and kick their legs with excitement when looking at themselves in the different shaped mirrors. The children show interest in the pastry brush, gurgling as they examine the bristles and merrily making sounds and using gestures as they touch and taste the childminder's necklace while developing their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are valued and well met because the childminder works closely with parents and carers to gain valuable information about their interests and care needs. The childminder has experience and a positive approach to the care of children with a learning difficulty or disability. She attends training, for instance, 'Count me in too', works closely with the area special needs co-ordinator, attends regular meetings with parents and all agencies

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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 involved with the children and helps devise individual educational programmes to support and encourage the children's progress and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children gain good awareness of the wider world and learn how to care for their environment, for example, helping the childminder visit the recycling centre each week to recycle household waste. Children benefit from a range of bi-lingual books and play people that reflect positive images of diversity and enjoy a number of planned activities and festivals that help develop their awareness of our multi-cultural society. For example, they design Mehindi patterns, create hand patterns in the sand, make Diwali sweets and use the library and internet to source useful information about the different cultural festivals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is consistently supportive, gentle and calm in her approach and offers frequent praise and encouragement. This promotes children's self-esteem and values their achievements. Older children help to devise and agree the house rules and boundaries for expected behaviour and display these in the prospectus and on the notice board. This gives the children ownership and enables them to manage their own behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the professional and close working relationships and detailed, informative contact between their parents and carers and the childminder. Parents are very happy with the level of care from the childminder and praise her effective communication. The childminder actively encourages a two-way exchange of information and provides good information about the day-to-day organisation of the setting. This keeps parents well informed. The informative prospectus shared with parents at the initial meeting includes the well-written policies and procedures, such as 'Working with Parents' policy. This clearly outlines the childminder's and parents' role and expectations. Parents readily contribute to the setting to help them feel involved in their children's care through the yearly parent questionnaire and daily diaries.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed, enthusiastic and professional in her approach and works closely with parents and carers to provide good quality childcare. She has a high regard for children's welfare and a strong focus on ensuring children are happy, have fun and are developing appropriately. The childminder is highly motivated to attend training to promote good practice and is currently working towards the Diploma in Home-based Childcare. She is presently reviewing her practice and implementing new systems, such as risk assessments and planning, while going through the process to become an accredited network childminder. This enables the childminder to highlight and address any issues and ensure outcomes for children are positive.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of her well-written policies, implements them successfully and ensures parents have a secure awareness about the procedures in place. She has a suitable knowledge of the regulations and ensures documentation is well organised, regularly updated and kept confidentially in individual named folders in a lockable filing cabinet. All records, such as the attendance, medication and accident records contain accurate detail, are routinely completed and shared and signed by parents at all times. Children benefit from the good use of space and plenty of resources suitable for their individual age and stage of development. This maximises their play opportunities and promotes their enjoyment. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended the provider made available for inspection the accident and medication records and completed a daily record of children's attendance. Children's health is promoted because the childminder routinely records all accidents and medication in the National Childminding Association booklet and ensures parents are well informed by obtaining parents signature and giving them a copy. The record of attendance indicates clearly children's times of arrival and departure to show accurately who is present at any one time in the event of a child protection concern or emergency.

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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 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 extend the activities and discussions to help children gain greater awareness of the importance of healthy food on their well-being. • continue to develop the planning, observation and assessments of children's development.

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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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