Alcester Grammar School

Inspection report for early years provision

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136622 Unique Reference Number 16 November 2007 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 a registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 13 years. They live in a house situated in the residential road in Beckenham. The home is accessible to local parks, shops and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor and additional sleeping provision is available in one of the bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have one hamster and tropical fish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. Currently there are five children on roll aged from under one to two 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. The children are cared for in a clean and well organised home. The childminder uses good hygiene procedures to ensure children are protected from cross-contamination. For example, they have their own towels and bed linen and the childminder wears disposable gloves and wipes the changing mat clean after each nappy change. The childminder has a written sick child policy, however, information about exclusion periods are unclear. The childminder is first aid trained; has parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment and clearly records any accidents. This ensures accidents are dealt with appropriately and parents are kept informed. The childminder records pertinent health information about each child to be able to provide appropriate care. The childminder is well aware of healthy eating and has attended training. Presently the parents provide the food for their children; the childminder stores and prepares

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Helping children to be healthy

this safely. The childminder cuddles and talks to babies while feeding them a bottle, this helps to support their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that play resources offered are appropriate for the age and stage of the children playing with them so they can play safely. She ensures her equipment for childminding is in good condition and buys them from reputable sources. Space is organised effectively to create a child friendly environment which enables the children to move freely and explore because the childminder supervises appropriately. Children are cared for in a well maintained home, where the childminder has taken appropriate action to reduce any risks. For example, safety gates are in place, all electrical sockets are covered and her boiler is regularly checked. Fire safety is good. There are interconnecting smoke alarms on all floors of the premises and a fire blanket is situated in the kitchen. The childminder recognises her responsibility in safeguarding children and has attended training in child protection to increase her knowledge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow if she were concerned about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children regularly socialise with other children as the childminder attends groups on a daily basis. They participate in a varied and stimulating range of activities which helps them develop. The childminder takes into account the birth to three matters framework when she plans the children's day and has attended training to increase her knowledge. The childminder promotes the children's self-esteem because she supports them well by anticipating their needs and by valuing what they say. Children develop a sense of belonging through the consistent routine and positive relationships they have with the childminder and each other. The childminder interacts in a calm and gentle manner and the children go to her for cuddles and support. The childminder has attended training in speech and language development which has helped her to provide a rich language environment in her home. The children are confident and communicate

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

both verbally and non verbally with the childminder who listens to them closely, often repeating what is said to reinforce language and to let the child know they are understood.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder's realistic expectations, use of praise and distraction help children to behave well. Her gentle guidance ensures children play harmoniously. Her comprehensive written policy and attendance on a training course to promote positive behaviour has ensured her practice is good. Although she has no experience in caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, she has a very positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. She ensures her play resources are varied and are rich in positive imagery, taking care not to gender stereotype children's play. She ensures she values each child's own needs and beliefs. The childminder treats children as individuals and takes detailed information about them to ensure appropriate care is given. Parents are well informed about their child's day. The childminder uses a contact book to exchange information with one parent and shows parents photographs

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Helping children make a positive contribution

she has taken of the children involved in daily events and activities. The parents are well informed about the service provided in the childminder's comprehensive port folio and are given copies of the childminder's policies and procedures. Parents made comments, such as 'childminder is kind, warm hearted, reliable and conscientious'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are well informed about their child's progress and the service provided. They enjoy an environment where they receive sufficient adult support to help them feel secure and confident. They are cared for in a welcoming home where they are able to eat, play and rest in comfort. All the required documentation is in place and well maintained to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. The childminder has attended relevant training to keep her practice up-to-date. She has a good understanding of the National Standards and how this relates to her practice to meet all requirements. The childminder has clear written policies and procedures most of which fully support her good childcare practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has devised a behaviour management policy and has shared it with the parents. She has also attended a behaviour management course which has increased her knowledge.

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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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Complaints 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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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): • improve the sick child policy to include exclusion periods for infectious diseases.

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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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