Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn

Inspection report for early years provision

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401910 Unique Reference Number 10 January 2008 Inspection date Bridget Richardson 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 three children aged 15, 13 and 10 years in Southwater. The children have the use of the ground floor with toilet and sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler groups and takes children to the local library and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding six children all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Each child has individual flannels and towels to help minimise the risk of cross infection. The

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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 childminder ensures areas of her home used by children are maintained in a clean and hygienic condition and that toys and resources are cleaned on a regular basis. The childminder encourages and supports children to wash their hands before touching food, after toileting and creative activities giving clear explanation as to why important. Children who are infectious do not attend, which helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a relevant first aid certificate. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. She gains prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder offers a range of healthy and nutritious meals for children to help them to understand foods that are good for them. She gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history. This ensures children's individual dietary and medical needs are met. There are effective storage procedures for the food provided by parents to prevent spoiling. Fresh drinking water is available at all times and children are encouraged and reminded to drink plenty. This helps to encourage children to think about their personal needs. Children enjoy daily physical exercise that contributes to keeping them healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder organises her home effectively to ensure the needs of the children cared for are met. Children have easy access to a wide range of toys and resources, which are rotated on a regular basis and are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed a visual risk assessment of her home and has generally ensured a high standard throughout to promote children's safety. For example, a stair gate is placed across the lounge door to prevent young children from leaving unsupervised, chemicals are stored inaccessible to children and fire-fighting equipment is installed appropriately with clear procedures in place for an emergency evacuation. However, outside the garden gate is not visible from the house and is not sufficiently secure to prevent access from the outside. This means the risk to children's safety has not been sufficiently minimised. The childminder has clear procedures when on outings to help keep children safe. She sets realistic boundaries, uses clear explanation as to why these are in place and teaches children how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has a concern about a child in her care. This promotes and safeguards children's wellbeing when with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and familiar in the setting. They confidently look to the childminder for support indicating good trusting relationships are built. The childminder knows the children well; this helps her to meet their individual needs. For example, the childminder confidently recognises when children in her care need comfort and reassurance by offering lots of cuddles and support to children at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder confidently follows the children's interest and interacts positively with them. For example, children asked the childminder if she would read a story. The childminder

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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 encouraged the children to choose books independently and then read to them. The childminder ensures all children are included in the activity and adapted the story to meet the varying ages of the children attending. She confidently asked children simple questions to make them think, praised and encouraged each child's achievements promoting their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered a good range of opportunities to socialise with others by regularly attending toddler groups where they are able to mix with other children of the same age. The childminder organises a wide range of opportunities for children to ensure their all-round development. She interacts positively with the children at all times; extending their knowledge and valuing what children have to say.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain an understanding of the wider world through a range of resources and activities that introduce them to other cultures. The childminder has clear procedures in place to support all children that she cares for. Close liaison with parents helps to ensure children's needs are well planned for and met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement, and from some basic ground rules that are consistently applied. For example, the childminder encourages children to show concern for each other and their feelings, and gives the children clear explanation as to why some behaviour is not acceptable. She acts as a positive role model and supports and guides children appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are friendly and supportive. There are informal and some formal systems in place for the childminder and parents to share information about children's day. For example, a diary sheet is given to parents of children under two years to ensure they are fully aware of the child's routine whilst in the childminders care. The childminder makes herself available for discussion at different times of the day and ensures all parents have relevant telephone numbers so that she can be contacted at anytime.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder plans her days well offering children time for quiet and active play. As a result, children make themselves at home, lead in their play and are not afraid to ask for what they need. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive good support from the childminder, which helps them feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. However, there is a weakness in the childminder's practice, which impacts on children's wellbeing. The garden gate is not visible from the house and is not sufficiently secure to prevent access from the outside. The childminder holds an up-to-date first aid certificate. This means she is able to give appropriate care if there is an accident. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, two recommendations were set to obtain an up-to-date copy of the District Medical officer's memorandum of childhood illnesses and infectious diseases and up-to-date information from the Area Child Protection committee to share with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has gained up-to-date copies of both recommendations. She shares this information with parents to ensure they are fully aware of her role and responsibilities in these areas.

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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 the garden gate is secure.

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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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