Wakefield the Park School

Inspection report for early years provision

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108312 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2008 Inspection date Clare Perry 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 registered in 1999. She lives with her family including her son aged eight years in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s property is available for childminding with toilet and sleeping facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family have a dog. The childminder is currently minding four children who attend on both a full and part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler and activity groups and takes children to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children keep healthy as they go outside and get fresh air, stay active, eat a healthy diet and use a clean and hygienic environment. Children follow and understand simple good health and hygiene practices, for example, washing their hands before eating, after using the toilet and playing outside, and after touching the dog where possible. Children independently go to the cupboard to get a tissue to blow their noses and then put it into the bin. Children learn about

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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 healthy living by talking about healthy diets, why fruit and vegetables are good for them, why they should take regular exercise and spend time outside.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are not able to attend the setting if they are unwell, except with everyday sniffles and colds and parents are given the option as to whether to bring their child if the childminders own son is unwell. This means children receive protection from the spread of infection from a clear sickness policy. Good nappy changing procedures also lead to children’s good health. Changing takes place in accordance with each individual child’s needs. The childminder wears gloves, ensures she washes her own hands after each nappy change and disposes of nappies straight into the outside bin. Records are made of all accidents to children, however, the childminder does not record times of any accidents which has implications for any future treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides some meals for children and parents provide the rest. If parents provide food which is not suitable and nutritious then the childminder explains that children need a balanced diet and she has a duty to ensure they receive healthy and nutritious foods. The children usually have cereal and toast for breakfast and a packed lunch. They have a home cooked meal in the evening, such as pasta, shepherds pie, fish fingers and toad in the hole. Children also enjoy making their own pizzas to eat. Children are encouraged to try new things and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables especially at snack time; treats are occasional. Children receive regular drinks of water, milk or juice throughout the day and on request to ensure they are not thirsty. Younger children use lidded cups which are always available and older children help themselves or know to ask for a drink when they need one. Mealtimes are

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Helping children to be healthy

happy social occasions where children receive praise and encouragement to be independent, show good manners and use cutlery appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy lots of opportunities to be outside and participate in physical activities. They go to the park, take walks around the community and visit soft play centres. They access the garden on most days, weather permitting, where they use the climbing frame and slide, ride bikes, play bat and ball, helping their physical development. Children participate in obstacle races in the park to raise money for charity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well protected because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She is able to describe what would cause her concern and who she would contact with these concerns. Parents are well informed of the childminder’s duty to protect children as she discusses this with them at initial interviews and it is clearly documented in her policies and files.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure in the childminder's care, as she reduces risks and hazards, and minimises dangers within the home and outdoors. Rooms have appropriate safety precautions, such as kitchen cupboards and drawers have locks, stair-gates are used, the front door is secure, the shed and garage are locked and the sandpit covered. The lock on the gate to next doors garden has broken in recent storms and will be fixed before children access the garden. Children learn about fire safety and evacuating in case of a fire, because the childminder uses an excellent evacuation plan, which she shares with them and helps them to understand with regular practice. She also records details of fire practices and weekly checks of her smoke alarms enhancing children’s safety in the event of a fire. Children learn to keep themselves safe and avoid

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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 accidental injury by following childminder's guidance on stranger danger and road safety when outdoors, and by not running around inside the premises, in case they slip, trip or fall.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in warm and welcoming premises, where they are happy and confident, and able to access resources and all areas of the home freely. Children confidently move around the premises and know where everything is. Children use a good range of suitable and safe equipment, toys and resources. For example, children can choose from dressing-up clothes, puzzles, creative activities, books, games, dolls, small world play, shape sorters, cars and train tracks. These are stored in large toys boxes, cupboards and drawers in the lounge, which are easily accessible to the children and they are able to make independent choices and help themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children participate in activities which further develops their existing skills and encourages new ones. They enjoy a large range of activities which are offered mainly away from the home setting. These include gym, toddlers, meeting with friends, train trips, picnics, visiting the farm and zoo, and feeding the ducks. Once a week the children meet in the local community hall with other childminders and their children for many arts and craft activities, and cooking. Children enjoy sharing books, either being read to or pretending to read a story themselves. Their understanding is encouraged by the good explanations they receive from the childminder. Children also enjoy colouring, making independent choices when choosing from plain paper or pre-printed colouring books. They commentate on what they are doing, concentrating well and using pencils correctly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

However, the television was switched on throughout the inspection and distracts children from the activities they are participating in, having a negative impact on their concentration and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make positive relationships with the childminder and each other. They approach the childminder freely for cuddles and reassurance, and they enjoy the company of other children socialising and playing together. Children receive lots of positive praise and encouragement for their attempts and achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have their individual needs met, because the childminder knows them and their families well and communicates with parents daily. She is aware of the children’s likes and dislikes, and where they are developmentally. For example, helping children who do not like getting their hands dirty with creative activities to try the activities and enjoy the different textures on their hands.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about their local community through walking around the neighbourhood and visiting places of interest. Children become aware of wider society and understand the wider world through the adequate range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. They access books, dolls, small world toys and dressing-up. All children are included in all activities, trips and visits according to age, and children are encouraged to include each other. Children also celebrate and acknowledge festivals and special occasions,

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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 such as Chinese New Year, Easter and Mother’s Day. Children feel a sense of belonging in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They are content and show their confidence in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although, the childminder does not currently care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, she has a good understanding of some of the issues. She is able to describe how she would care for a child with learning difficulties, by working with parents and other professionals to ensure children’s individual needs are met and acknowledged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, they understand responsible behaviour, knowing and understanding the childminder's rules. For example, children are aware of the house rules, know how to behave with the dog, know they need to share and be kind to one another. Unacceptable behaviour is managed with time out or distraction as agreed with parents and detailed in the childminder's policy. The childminder is always careful to explain why the behaviour is not acceptable, asking the children to say sorry if appropriate, think about what they have done and how this may make others feel.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive lots of detailed written information about the childminder and her service in the forms, policies and information files. Parents have a friendly relationship with the childminder who tries to be flexible and keep them informed. She provides written daily information about younger children’s well-being and feeds back verbally to parents of older children. Children benefit from the strong two-way relationship between parents and the childminder ensuring they are cared for according to their parents’ wishes and ensuring continuity to meet their needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a high regard for the welfare and well-being of all children. For example, she gets to know the children well and dedicates her time to caring for them; they are very much an extended part of her family. The childminder attends training to keep herself up-to-date with current childcare practices and to continue to improve her service. Children benefit from the good organisation of space and resources, for example, they can move around freely with lots of free clear floor space, they can use different areas of the home for different types of activities and play.

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Organisation

All relevant legal documentation is in place and very well organised with each child having a dedicated record file. Detailed and specific policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has reviewed her documentation and has obtained written consent from all parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This has improved the health and welfare of 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

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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): • ensure that times of accidents are recorded • review the use of television and monitor how long children spend watching it during the day to ensure it is beneficial to them and does not have a negative impact on their 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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