Edison Pace School

Inspection report for early years provision

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136245 Unique Reference Number 26 March 2008 Inspection date Karen Louise Prager 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children on outings.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years. She is currently minding one child under five part-time during the day and one child over five before and after school. The childminder also cares for one child over eight years. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to collect children. The childminder belongs to the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play and rest in surroundings where there are good standards of hygiene and cleanliness. They are protected from the risk of infection by the childminder’s established practices, for

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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 example, by ensuring that children learn about the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet. The childminder checks the garden before each use to ensure there are reduced risks from animals and is aware of the diseases that are notifiable to Ofsted.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder asks parents for information about their children’s health, and she discusses with parents when they should keep their children at home if unwell. She has all the necessary consent forms in place, and seeks to ensure individual children’s needs are met with regard to diet and food allergies. This combination of regular discussion and clear documentation helps her to provide effective care for children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinks at snack and meal times. At meal times, they sit together, and enjoy the sociable atmosphere. Children have a wide range of healthy and nutritious foods, some provided by the parents and some by the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that support their good health, including regular opportunities for outdoor play. The- childminder has an enclosed garden which is used under supervision. Children use this regularly in the dryer weather and also regularly visit local parks where they develop skills in managing their own body to create intended movements. Older children enjoy playing football whilst younger children have the opportunity to attend a weekly Gym Tots session and ride the tricycles in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment that is both safe and secure and they enjoy the childminder’s bright and child friendly family home. They move around confidently. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of how to ensure the environment is made welcoming to children. The childminder has furniture, equipment and toys that are safe and appropriate for the needs of children. A selection of toys are made available in the lounge where they are able to self-select and play on the carpeted floor. Further toys are available in the dining room or on request by the child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely because the childminder is vigilant, and supervises them closely. She has effective safety regimes in place, both indoors, and when taking children out. For example, the childminder does not have hot drinks during the day when young children are around. Children are also taught about road safety as they walk around the locality. A secure garden is available for children to play in throughout the year.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder makes children’s welfare her first concern. Through training she has acquired a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. However, the she has not ensured that she is familiar with the most up to date local information .She shares her role with parents, so that they can work together to get the best outcomes for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a warm and affectionate relationship with the childminder, and respond well to each other. They benefit from the childminder’s enthusiasm and motivation, which encourages them to try new experiences and practise skills. Children spend their time usefully, both playing on their own and with individual adult interaction as they explore the toys made available in the lounge. Children’s learning and development is well supported and extended by the

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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 childminder through effective questioning and observation. Through good support from the childminder, who is sensitive to their needs, they become confident and self-assured and are very happy and settled.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to engage in imaginative and child-led play, as well as more structured activities. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development, and enjoys helping children to get the most from each activity. Her experience as a parent and childminder, coupled with an interest in observing the children means that she builds up a good knowledge of the individual child and is then able to offer activities which support their development. For example, having watched the baby developing fine motor skills with connecting bricks the childminder introduces puzzles to further aid hand-eye co-ordination.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is effective at meeting the differing needs of all the children in her care. All children are treated with equal concern. They have equal access to toys and activities, and to the childminder’s time and attention. Children benefit from regular visits into their local community when they visit the local park, shops and gymnastics group. The childminder understands that some children need additional support to achieve their potential, and she has a proactive attitude to assisting children who have additional needs. Children start to learn about others through the childminder’s inclusive approach to the needs of the children in her care. The childminder has a few resources and activities to enable children to explore and reflect on the wider world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. They respond very positively to the childminder’s sensitive approach and gentle guidance. The children benefit from the childminder’s clear behaviour policy that is discussed with parent’s and implemented to suit the individual needs of the different children. For example, younger children are distracted and diverted towards activity that is more positive so that their behaviour remains very good. Children are helped to develop caring and co-operative relationships as they play together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a willingness and commitment to working with parents to enable her to effectively promote the child’s welfare and development. Parents are updated daily about the activities the children have been doing and time is taken to allow for discussion about their development. The childminder seeks agreement from parents about their child’s care and parents receive copies of the relevant policies that are in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder’s effective organisation of her service. For example, she arranges the space and resources in her home to best meet children’s needs. Children benefit from organised routines which allow for regular meals, rest and play. She has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities as a childminder. She is motivated to further extend her skills and knowledge relating to children, and has just updated her first aid training. She is also developing her knowledge of forthcoming changes in regulation in order that she is able to effectively adapt her provision when introduced later this year.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good awareness of the records to be kept and the importance of these. For example, children’s attendance is fully maintained and personal details are recorded prior

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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 to children attending and updated as necessary. All documents relating to childminding are neatly stored, kept available for ready reference and are available for inspection.

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Organisation

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 one recommendation to improve documentation and children's health was agreed. As a result the childminder now requests written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment allowing appropriate health care to be sought if necessary.

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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 knowledge of the local child protection procedures is up to date

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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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