Ysgol Eifionydd

Inspection report for early years provision

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401674 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 Inspection date Sarah Morfett 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 four children aged 20, 18, 13 and nine in Woolwich, in the London borough of Greenwich. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of an approved childminding network and has completed a recognised quality assurance scheme.

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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's understanding of good personal hygiene is promoted well. For example, they have pictures and signs to remind them what to do and are provided with good resources to support them such as, their own towel. The childminder reminds them to wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. Younger children have good nappy changing routines which ensure privacy. There is an effective sickness policy in place which ensures that children who are infectious do not attend. Therefore, good steps are taken to prevent the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

There is a suitable system in place for the recording of accidents, incidents and existing injuries. However, not all accidents are recorded; therefore, the system is not fully secure. Appropriate medication records are kept and written permission is obtained before it is administered. Other written permissions are in place such as, seeking emergency medical advice and treatment, taking photos and going on outings. Therefore, children's health and well-being is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to be active during the week. They attend several pop-ins and toddler groups where they use large play equipment. Therefore, their physical skills are being developed. Parents provide the children with food each day and the childminder ensures it is stored appropriately and reheated correctly. Children enjoy a snack of fruit mid-morning, tucking in to tangerines. Their understanding of healthy eating is promoted through a range of interesting activities. Access to fresh drinking water ensures they are kept suitably hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is warm and welcoming for children. They arrive to an inviting display of toys and resources which are easily accessible; ensuring they have good opportunities to self select. They move around confidently making the most of the child centred environment. The wide range of equipment is kept clean and in good repair because the childminder follows effective cleaning routines. Therefore, the children benefit from the good condition of all the resources. Daily risk assessments are carried out to provide a safe and secure place for young children to play. All children know the sound for an emergency and follow the procedure confidently because they regular practise the drill. They learn about safety when they are out, knowing they must hold hands walking along the road. They learn how to use crossings appropriately looking both ways as they walk across the road. Therefore, children learn to keep

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A well written and informative child protection policy clearly states the childminders duty of care to the children she looks after. The childminder has a good knowledge of the procedure to follow should she have a concern about a child in her care. Therefore, all children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well settled in the childminders care. They show confidence as they move around and make choices about what they play with. They thoroughly enjoy the activities provided and begin to learn through play. For example, they can role play acting out familiar

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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 situations and count as they play developing their understanding of maths as well as using language such as 'more' and 'less.' The wide range of toys and resources offers good learning experiences for the children and they make good progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts well with the children. She uses questions such as 'how' 'why' and 'what' to make them think. Young children's communication skills are promoted through good conversation. The childminder takes time to repeat new words so they can develop their vocabulary. Children are thoroughly engaged in the activities as the childminder makes them fun and exciting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good relationships are developed. The childminder is warm and affectionate using lots of praise as they play. For example, she claps and says well done when the child has achieved something. Therefore, children feel acknowledge and affirmed. The children enjoy visits to local toddler groups and pop-in centres during the week where they socialise with children of their own age and play with toys and resources which challenge them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain a wide view of the world around them. There are many toys which reflect positive images of diversity. For example, musical instruments from around the world, dolls and play people from other cultures. The childminder has an extremely positive attitude to including all religions and cultures in her planning. The children take part in festivals and celebrations from different religions enjoying a variety of activities which promotes their understanding of people’s differences. The childminder has a positive attitude to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards behaviour management. Appropriate strategies are used to help children understand right from wrong. Lots of praise and encouragement ensures that children are confident individuals and have good self esteem. Parents enter into strong written agreements and contracts to ensure their wishes are respected. There is a wealth of useful written information to keep them up-to-date with the service provided and they are invited to make comments through parents’ questionnaires. Good two way communication is promoted through a contact book where parents are kept informed of their children's progress. Therefore, parents feel fully involved and children receive continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well-organised environment. Space is utilised well. Young children move freely around the home, can easily access the toys and resources and are thoroughly engaged in activities which promote their learning experiences. The childminder is extremely pro-active in accessing training and has, over the years she has been minding, developed her knowledge and understanding of child development very well. Therefore, children benefit greatly from her commitment.

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Organisation

Good procedures are in place to protect the children, for example, all adults are suitable vetted, a visitors book is used to record those who are not and the childminder ensures that children are supervised at all times. All paperwork and documentation are very well-maintained, kept securely, confidentially and ready for inspection. For example, the registration certificate is

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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 displayed and the attendance register records actual times of arrival and departure. The childminder understands her duty to investigate any written complaint made under the National Standards and has developed a secure policy which informs parents. All regulations are met. Overall, 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 last inspection the childminder was asked to make her electricity meter inaccessible to children. She has boarded the meter in making a cupboard which she has secured with a lock. Therefore, it is safe and children are protected.

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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 all accidents are recorded

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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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