Our Place School

Inspection report for early years provision

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136260 Unique Reference Number 11 December 2007 Inspection date Charlotte Jenkin 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 first registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter in a three-bedroom, semi-detached house in Yate near Bristol. The families that use this provision come from the local community. The childminder is able to take and collect children from the local school. Local amenities that are used include the park and library. Public transport is used to take the children further a field.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the downstairs of the property, and upstairs is used for toilet facilities and for sleeping children. The fully enclosed garden with grass and a patio is suitable for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, four of whom are under five years.

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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 play and rest in warm, clean premises where good standards of hygiene are maintained. The childminder is very aware of the need to promote good hygiene within the setting, through hand washing routines and making sure surfaces are cleaned regularly. Children are encouraged to learn about the importance of hand washing, and hand drying arrangements prevent the spread of infection. Children benefit from the childminder's up-to-date knowledge of first aid and her awareness of the correct administrative procedures to follow if children have an accident or require medication whilst in her care. However, she does not routinely ensure parents acknowledge medication given to their children, and this has the potential to compromise their health. The childminder has a sickness policy in place which is formally shared with parents. Details of exclusion periods for infectious illnesses are available. This ensures sick children are

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Helping children to be healthy

not cared for, hence, limits the spread of illness within the setting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their awareness of healthy eating through the nutritious snacks and meals they enjoy whilst in the setting. They make healthy choices with regard to the food they eat, choosing kiwi fruit and apple for snack, which they enjoy. The childminder liaises with parents regarding children's dietary needs prior to a child commencing in the setting. These discussions are recorded, and any needs and preferences are catered for. Children have access to drinks at all times and this means they have enough fluids throughout the day. Hence, children's dietary needs are well met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to fresh air and exercise daily, with walks to school daily. Children go for walks in the woods where they enjoy seeing the squirrels, and often feed the ducks. They also visit local parks where they have access to a variety of large apparatus, and also visit soft play centres. Children play in the garden where they have access to various toys that promote their physical skills. Children have their physical development well promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and rest in welcoming premises where the best use has been made of the available space to meet the children's needs. Children have specific areas for eating, messy play and resting, as well as plenty of floor space for play. The environment has been made welcoming to the children, with displays of their art work around. This helps promote their self-confidence as they talk about their creations and are keen to share these with others. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment that promote their development in all areas. These are stored at low level to encourage the children to make choices in their play with regard to those they wish to play with. This encourages the children's confidence and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in safety as the childminder has identified potential hazards in the home and minimised these to promote safety and prevent accidents. For example, sockets are covered, safety gates prevent access to the kitchen and stairs, the premises are secure. Children are well supervised and their safety is well promoted in the home. On outings, the childminder follows clear procedures that promote the children's safety at all times. All fire precautions are in place and the evacuation plan is practised with the children to ensure it is effective in keeping children safe in the event of a fire.

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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 The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. She formally shares her child protection policy with parents in her policy file and this promotes the children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely settled and happy in the childminder's care. They happily explore the toys and initiate their own play. For example, playing with the dolls and taking them for a picnic to the park. The childminder supports the children very well during their play, getting down to their level, talking to them about what they are doing and helping them with tasks. For example, with dressing the dolls. Children demonstrate a good relationship and secure bond with the childminder. Whilst dressing the dolls they laugh together as a hat covers the doll's eyes, then try to find another one that fits it. The childminder interacts very well with the children during their play. When reading books she encourages conversations about the pictures. This encourages their self-confidence as the children are being listened to and also promotes their language development. Children readily approach the childminder to request play activities, which she

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

quickly responds to. For example, reading stories together and sharing songs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a wide range of activities that promotes their development in all areas. They have regular opportunities to engage in role play, art and craft activities, playing games and solving puzzles. They are able to make choices with regard to the toys they wish to play with, and confidently do so. Children also have regular opportunities to socialise with other children, both at toddler group, meeting with other childminders and visiting soft play centres.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who knows the children in her care very well and values and respects their individuality. She offers the children appropriate challenges and encourages them to make the best out of their time in her care, utilising activities to enable them to reach their full potential. This promotes the children's self-esteem and their good levels of confidence whilst in the childminder's care. Children have access to a good range of equipment that promotes positive images of diversity in their daily play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder is an excellent role model to the children, is calm and respectful, and consistent in teaching the children right from wrong. Children learn to share and take turns in their play, hence, they are aware of the rules and are respectful to one another. They receive plenty of praise for their achievements and this helps them to feel good about themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have their routines respected by the childminder, and are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Parents are able to exchange information with the childminder daily, and this enables childcare issues to be easily discussed, and any changes in needs catered for. Parents receive comprehensive information from the childminder regarding the policies and procedures she is required to follow as a registered childcare provider. Therefore, they are made aware of how their child will be cared for. Children take home items they have made, and this enables them to share their day with their family.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

Children are cared for by a suitable and experienced childminder. She has attended some training to support her professional development and this has enabled her to gain a better insight into up dated ways of working with children. She has implemented some new ways of working with the children into her practice, especially with regard to updating her paperwork and re-organising this to the benefit of the children. The register is accurate and shows a true record of when the children are in the care of the childminder. She maintains the required adult to child ratios at all times. Hence, children receive good adult support and this enables the childminder to meet their individual needs well through interaction and play.

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Organisation

All required documentation is stored securely and is readily available for inspection. The childminder implements her policies and procedures in a way that promotes good outcomes for children. However, the childminder has not updated her complaints policy to inform parents of her duty to respond to written complaints and of their right to view the complaint log upon request. Consents have been gained from most parents for their children participating in activities and routines. This promotes the children's welfare and ensures care agreements with parents are respected.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure the first aid box does not contain medication or creams, and to improve fire safety by practising the emergency evacuation procedure.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The first aid box now contains the required contents and no medicines or creams are inside. This protects the children's health. The fire evacuation plan is now practised and this ensures it is effective in keeping children safe in the event of a fire occurring.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection no complaints have been made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the national Standards. 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):

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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 • ensure the complaints procedure is updated to inform parents of the childminder's duty to respond to written complaints and of their right to request to view the complaints log • ensure parents acknowledge medication given to their children

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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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