Valley School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129515 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2006 Inspection date Kim Wailling 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 1998. She lives with her husband and one child aged ten in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The downstairs rooms of childminder’s house, the upstairs bathroom and one bedroom are used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to take and collect children from local school and pre-school groups. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family has a guinea pig.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder gained Hertfordshire Quality Standard in 2004.

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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 good health is adequately promoted as the childminder has in place useful systems and ways of working. These ensure that children's individual health needs are met. Parents, for example, are asked to complete individual profile sheets about their children recording health concerns and possible food allergies. These are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. Children are helped to develop personal independence skills. They are encouraged to follow good routines, such as washing their hands after using the toilet. Children use a communal towel for drying their hands which is kept within easy reach and a step is available for younger children so that they can reach the sink and soap. The childminder follows a good nappy changing routine, for example, ensuring that soiled nappies are disposed of appropriately. If children are unwell the childminder takes immediate action to make sure that they receive

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Helping children to be healthy

appropriate care. Discussions with parents and carers about when it is appropriate to exclude children who are ill or infectious take place before minding starts. This is underpinned by a well written sickness policy. Consequently, children's health from cross-infection is effectively protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health, if they have an accident, is appropriately safeguarded as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Documentation is kept to record accidents, which is clearly written and shared with parents and carers. There is a fully stocked first aid kit which is replenished on a regular basis. This means that minor injuries to children are dealt with confidently and efficiently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are frequently offered drinks in their own individual beakers. Older children are encouraged to use a free standing water dispenser which means that they can quench their thirst easily. All children bring packed lunches from home which is eaten together at a small kitchen table. In the summer months picnics are taken to the park. Parents are encouraged to provide a balanced healthy lunch for their children. Main meals are supplemented by morning and afternoon snacks consisting of fruit. Dietary needs of children under two are very well met. The childminder keeps daily diaries which inform parents and carers about the amounts of milk and weaning foods taken as well as the children's food preferences. As a result, children are helped to develop good appetites and are well nourished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children, in the absence of being able to access the childminder's garden, are offered many opportunities to develop their physical skills. They are regularly taken to the local park and enjoy the freedom of being able to play in open spaces. In addition, visits to parent and toddler groups means that children can make use of the good range of equipment on offer. This includes climbing frames, slides and see-saws. Children can rest and sleep according to their needs. The daily routine is well organised to fit in with children's individual sleep patterns. Infants are offered a quiet room equipped with a travel cot and individual bedding so that they can sleep undisturbed. Older children who do not require a sleep are offered a quiet time with the childminder, for example sharing stories such as Jack and the Beanstalk, after lunch. As a result, children are well rested.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean, tidy and welcoming family home. Children can move around freely as the furniture and storage of toys has been arranged to create uncluttered spaces. Younger children use equipment, such as a high chair and car seats, that are of suitable design and age-appropriate. The areas that children use are well maintained so that possible hazards to children are minimised. There are clear emergency evacuation procedures for children to follow. This means that children are cared for in a safe indoor environment because the childminder ensures that proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of the need to be vigilant. She ensures that at all times children are in sight or hearing, particularly when attending parent and toddler groups. Children are encouraged to think about keeping themselves safe when on outings or when travelling in the childminder's car. Children, for example, are encouraged to follow safety rules when crossing roads and to wait until it is safe before opening car doors. Children's welfare is extremely well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues underpinned by relevant documentation. Consequently, children's welfare is effectively safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show eager interest in the very wide range of toys and activities on offer. They can freely access toys and initiate their own play. This includes creating their own games, such as playing with model cars, which are satisfying and rewarding to them. Children enjoy taking part in planned activities and outings. Children talk enthusiastically about what they enjoy when in the care of the childminder, particularly a recent visit made to a local farm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is very well promoted. The childminder has a good understanding of how to stimulate children's interests and keep children busily involved. Levels of interaction are high and the children respond to the childminder's warm and friendly approach. She sits and plays with the children, engaging them in meaningful conversation. Children are given choices and involved in decision making. When children are involved in activities such as drawing, the childminder uses her understanding of children's development to promote useful skills, such as colour recognition, and develop children's understanding. Older children are offered age-appropriate resources, such as books and electronic games, which are of interest to them. The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is incorporating many of its aspects into her practice. Younger children are also taken to local parent and toddler

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

groups which offer activities such as music sessions. As a result, children are settled, secure and make good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happily settled and valued. They form positive relationships with the childminder and with each other. Children play happily together as social skills, such as sharing, are

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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 encouraged. Children are helped to manage their own behaviour as the childminder has a good understanding of behaviour strategies. She works effectively with parents to help children, who are finding difficulties in playing cooperatively with others, make friends. Children have a sense of belonging as the childminder knows their likes and ensure that favourite toys and books, such as 'pop-up' books, are always available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Information about the setting is available for parents and carers and discussed. Appropriate written consents, for example for children to travel in the childminder's car, are gained from parents and carers before childminding starts. However, only verbal agreement is sought when emergency childcare cover arrangements are used. The childminder has a complaints policy but no system to record complaints made against National Standards. Subsequently, documentation that supports partnership with parents and carers is underdeveloped. As a result, parents and carers are not fully informed to enable all to work together to support the children's well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are helped to gain an understanding of the wider community as the childminder has an adequate range of resources, such as a children's multi-cultural cookbook, which promotes this. In addition, children are taken on outings to local groups and parks which increase their knowledge about the local community. Arrangements to settle children into the childminder's care are negotiated taking into account the needs of children and the requirements of parents and carers for flexible childcare. Consequently, children are well supported in the transition between home and the childminder so that they become confident and make good progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the efficient organisation of the childminder. She is very committed to ensuring that a high standard of care is offered to children. She is part of a supportive childminding group and uses this to evaluate her practice. Appropriate training, such as 'Birth to three matters' is accessed which promotes children's development. Most policies, records and procedures are in place which promotes children's well-being. These are regularly updated and well organised in a portfolio so that they can be easily accessed. The childminder successfully gained the Hertfordshire childcare quality standard in 2004.

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Organisation

Children's enjoyment is well promoted as the childminder has organised her daily routine very well. This means that children are given time for unhurried play, rest, relaxed meals and snacks. Children feel comfortable and at ease in the childminder's home. Consequently, children are confident to form friendships, initiate their own play as well as enjoying being involved in planned activities. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of equal opportunity issues and practise emergency evacuation plans. Both areas have been addressed. This has resulted in a positive impact on the safety, care and learning of children.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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): • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken • obtain written consent from parents and carers confirming emergency childcare arrangements.

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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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