Dinas Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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401162 Unique Reference Number 05 February 2008 Inspection date Jacqueline Patricia Walter 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and three children aged 14, 12 and nine years in Selby, which is in North Yorkshire. Toilet facilities on the first floor and the whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding 11 children aged between one and 14 on a part time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler club regularly.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. For example, she has a first aid kit, which is appropriately stocked and a detailed sickness policy is implemented, which includes good arrangements in place if the children become ill. The childminder follows good nappy changing procedures. For example, she uses gloves and nappy bags, which in turn helps to prevent cross contamination. The medication system is excellent. For example, in addition to signing records detailing the medication and giving permission for it to be administered, parents sign records giving permission for treatments, such as sterile dressings, plasters and the use of micro-pore tape. They also receive written records of what medication has been given. All this in turn, ensures children receive medication and treatment very safely. Parents also receive

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Helping children to be healthy

copies of detailed accident records, which include diagrams that indicate the location of injury. This means that continuity in the children's care is upheld well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished through the childminder and parents working effectively together. The childminder ensures that healthy and nutritious food is provided for children. For example, she provides snacks of fruit at least twice a day along with light meals, such as sandwiches and pasta with cheese. In addition to this, she does not cook with salt and offers the children wholemeal bread. Children are offered regular drinks of milk, water and juice with no added sugar. They are easily available and young children are confident in asking for these as and when they require. Dietary needs are fully taken account as a result of the childminder working well with parents. For example, information is collected on record sheets and through discussion, on the children's likes and dislikes, as well as their parents wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to enjoy and develop their physical skills both inside and outside the setting. They learn about healthy living through the childminder talking to them about the reasons for hygiene and how they can eat healthily. They sometimes go to the shops to buy fresh fruit with the childminder and they also have opportunities to read books together that promote further understanding of healthy eating. In addition to this, there are posters within the setting, which help them gain awareness of other healthy issues, such as cleaning their teeth and engaging in exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has good knowledge of signs and symptoms of child abuse and is aware of the possible signs and symptoms. For example, she is aware of the need to record unusual bruising or existing injuries and to note children's changes in behaviour and moods. She is confident in knowing the procedures to follow if concerns are raised. For example, she would approach parents if possible and refer concerns to social services as well as informing Ofsted of her actions. The childminder has relevant guidance and contact numbers easily available and has updated her training in child protection issues since her last inspection. As a result, the children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to develop a good sense of belonging in this warm and welcoming accommodation. Space is organised safely and used effectively. For example, older children, when present, are able to use a dining table in another room for their smaller equipment.

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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 Children have free access to all rooms, which helps them to extend their play and learning and equipment and activities are safely organised and set out before they arrive. This in turn helps them to develop some independence and confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for well in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. The childminder takes positive steps inside her home, such as fitting a guard around a fire and using safety gates to deny access to areas, unless children are supervised. In addition to this, kitchen cupboards and outdoor garden gates are locked. This means that children can access all areas in the setting safely. Children are appropriately protected from the risk of fire and they are kept very safe on outings. For example, in addition to the childminder taking a mobile phone with contact numbers with her, the children wear luminous wrist bands so they can be safely seen. They have good opportunities to develop understanding in keeping themselves safe. For example, they participate in evacuation procedures, talk through and follow good initiatives, such as 'stop, look and listen' when crossing the roads. The childminder also takes time to involve them in discussing

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the consequences of dangers, such as running in the setting. As a result, younger children in particular are beginning to understand such dangers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to acquire new knowledge and skills from a good range of stimulating activities, that cover all areas of learning. For example, older children who attend after school can participate in board games, use the game console or relax whilst watching television. Younger children are able to access construction equipment , enjoy baking activities and develop their imagination using role play equipment, such as cash tills, food, plates and a cooker. The childminder plans some basic activities, such as outings and trips and uses her knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to promote outcomes for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond very well to challenge. For example, when reading books together all children enjoy the experience and respond enthusiastically to the childminders open ended questions. They are also able to focus for short periods. For example, when the childminder introduces new initiatives into their role play, such as making a dinner for her as an alternative to baking a cake.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They are developing good confidence. For example, one-year-olds settle very quickly and are happy to independently explore the environment. Slightly older children are interested and involved in their activities most of the time and are inquisitive and not afraid to ask questions. Children are able to use some initiative. For example, they can access some equipment that is set out before they arrive and older children are able to ask for favourite toys and help themselves to resources in a low cupboard. However, when younger children lose interest in activities that are available, the childminder has to ask them what they want. Children then struggle to reply as they are unable to see or remember what is available. As a result, they often rely on the childminder making suggestions and this in turn limits their choice and decision making skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There are very professional and friendly partnerships in place with parents and as a result, children's individual needs are effectively met. For example, very good information is collected on children and their families that include details, such as the children's basic health history

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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 and their comfort toys or equipment. The childminder also works effectively with parents ensuring routines are same as at home which in turn, ensures consistency is upheld and helps the children to feel secure. Information on the children's development and learning is shared well with parents. For example, each child has a carbon copy book where the childminder details their sleeping, eating, nappy changing and activities in and older children's parents are spoken to both before and after care. Information on the setting is shared extremely well. In addition to copies of very detailed policies being given to parents, they have access to a wealth of information. For example, activity plans, non-smoking signs, photographs of children's activities and examples of their work, as well as information on the early years Foundation Stage and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the 'Birth to three matters' framework are all displayed in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have good opportunities to develop understanding of responsible and positive behaviour through very good, age appropriate methods that are effectively implemented. For example, the older school age children take part in devising the rules and expectations of the setting, which are then displayed in the setting and the childminder talks consistently to younger children explaining what is not acceptable and why. She encourages them to suggest why their behaviour is inappropriate and invites them to help and to take care of others. Younger children are also encouraged to work harmoniously with others by sharing their toys and working together. For example they are asked to tidy toys away together before their next activity. As a result, younger ones play well together most of the time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have good opportunities to learn about the diversity of the wider world through a good selection of resources and activities that promote positive images. For example, in addition to accessing cultural dolls, books and puzzles they are able to view posters in the setting that depict positive images of disabilities and culture. Children participate in art and craft activities that reflect different celebrations and festivals. For example, they make pancakes on Pancake day, eat Chinese food and make red and gold cards in celebration of Chinese New Year. Children are also able to develop an appropriate a sense of belonging in the community. For example, they regularly visit the library and the local toddlers group.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Robust vetting procedures ensure children are well cared for and protected. For example, the childminder does not leave the children with any other person and she ensures relevant and required checks are completed on all adults within her home. Documentation, such as children's attendance records are up to date and demonstrate that the adult to child ratio appropriately supports the children’s care, learning and play.

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Organisation

Children's overall care and learning benefits from the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of child care and development. For example, in addition to completing required qualifications, she holds qualifications in early years child care, which she previously obtained and she continues to develop her skills. For example, she has completed training courses in Health and safety, Food Hygiene and the early years Foundation Stage. In addition to this, she regularly evaluates aspects of the provision, writes up and successfully implements annual action plans which promote children's overall development.

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Organisation

All required documentation is held, maintained and stored appropriately. All policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The policies, procedures and children's details are also regularly reviewed. This in turn underpins the children's overall care, development and learning.

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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 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

At the last inspection, it was recommended that the childminder improve children's awareness of emergency evacuation procedures. As a result of this, she has improved opportunities for children to develop their understanding of safety by increasing the times they practise and discuss the evacuation procedure. For example, they now undertaken evacuation drills every three months.

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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 complaint 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): • provide further opportunities for younger children to self select their toys, play materials and activities.

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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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