Ysgol Gynradd Groes-Wen Primary

Inspection report for early years provision

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402469 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2008 Inspection date Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom 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 and lives with her husband and two children in Leftwich, which is approximately one mile from the town centre of Northwich.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has an assistant and is able to care for a maximum of six children under eight. There are currently seven children on roll. The minded children have access to the ground floor for play purposes and have access to the upstairs areas under supervision. The children also have access to the rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy physical play. The childminder places strong emphasis upon the importance of both indoor and outdoor play to help children exercise and so to contribute to children's good health. Therefore, children experience large motor play daily, either in the park, garden or

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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 indoor play centres. She has a good range of outdoor equipment to develop their confidence, coordination and stamina.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective methods are in place to protect children from illness and the spread of infection. Young children are developing good skills in their personal care. They wipe their hands and faces before and after snack times and are learning about hand washing after toileting. They understand that germs are bad for you and can make you ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample fluids as they have access to their cups, which are close by at all times. They benefit from a range of healthy snacks, as the childminder is keen to ensure that children understand the importance of healthy choices. Young children enjoy fresh and dried fruits, they explain that these snacks are good for you and provide you with energy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a warm and welcoming environment, where there is plenty of space for them to move around freely and play in comfort and safety. Children develop independence as they select from the low-level toy boxes and cupboards. As the resources are of good quality and suitable for different ages and stages of development, they meet children's needs effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The risk of accidental injury is minimised as children are very well supervised by the childminder. She has clear and effective procedures in place in the event of any emergencies. The childminder also gives priority to helping young children understand how to keep themselves safe and maintain their safety outside the home. There are clear rules to be adhered to, for example, when climbing up and down steps, holding hands when walking on the pavements or crossing the roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a commitment to protect children, as she has a clear understanding of child protection procedures in order to keep them from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and extremely happy in the care of the childminder. She has very good relationships with them and encourages them to become confident and independent through her continued support and frequent praise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have lots of fun with the childminder as she spends lots of time sitting with them, and effectively poses questions to encourage and extend children's thinking and learning. Therefore, young children's language and understanding is promoted very well. They are very good communicators, for example, they use number in their play whether it is counting how many pieces of toast are left on their plates, or the pieces needed to complete their jigsaw.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder actively contributes to children's care and learning as she plans for them using aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She offers a variety of interesting activities, experiences and spontaneous events which ensure children make good progress. All of these tasks are completed with sustained interest and concentration as the childminder skilfully enables children to investigate and explore, only intervening when necessary.

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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. Children are treated with equal concern as the childminder has a very good understanding of their stages of development as she plans for their future learning needs. They feel secure and their self-esteem is promoted very well. Young children clap their hands and are delighted as their efforts and achievements are consistently recognised and celebrated by all of those present.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is skilled in managing children's behaviour, as young children are learning about turn taking. She is sensitive to children's feelings and consistently turns potential conflicts into positive experiences for children with kindness and humour. Children respond well to her as she helps them to learn right from wrong because they are secure and happy in her care. Young children are learning to be kind and caring as they help each one another, this is acknowledged and praised by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is very strong as the childminder is committed to working with parents in the care of their children. They are well informed about her childcare practice as they have access to detailed policies and procedures about her service. Feedback is given daily about the children's day, their sleep and nappy routine as well as the activities provided for them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is enthusiastic and motivated in providing children with a wide range of learning experiences. She offers a child-centred approach, so ensures she is flexible in her planning to offer a good balance of child and adult-led activities and experiences. Young children feel at home in the warm, friendly environment because the childminder spends time with them. She makes sure that through the day children can rest or be active, according to their needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has suitable arrangements in place to ensure children are protected from persons who are not vetted. She has also completed the necessary training along with numerous training workshops to improve her practice.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are organised well and generally of a good standard in order to provide for the welfare of children. There are numerous detailed policies and procedures which contribute to the smooth and effective organisation of the setting. Although, she does not have all the relevant contact numbers readily accessible in the event of a safeguarding concern. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to make two changes to improve the quality of care for children. She now has in place a detailed written statement about managing behaviour which is discussed and agreed with parents prior to placement. The childminder has also completed child protection training to ensure she remains up to date with child protection procedures.

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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 to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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 all relevant contact details for safeguarding children are readily available

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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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