Wymondham College Prep School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

147857 Unique Reference Number 04 April 2006 Inspection date Victoria Vasiliadis Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1984. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 14, 22 and 24 years. They live in a residential area of Harrow, the ground floor of the home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children under 8 years. At present she is currently caring for 8 children on a part time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is Quality Assured and is a member of the Harrow Childminding Network.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have access to a good range of activities which contribute to their good health. There are regular outdoor activities such as walks, visits to the park, activity centres and play in the garden. Garden games and regular visits to the park improve children's physical health and skills.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where they are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene. For example, children learn to wash their hands before eating and after handling pets. The childminder has effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection when attending to children's personal needs and caring for them when they are ill.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder such as sandwiches with a selection of fillings, pasta, fresh vegetables and fruit. Special dietary requirements are taken into account to ensure children remain healthy. The childminder has completed food hygiene training to ensure appropriate procedures are followed when preparing children's food.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to an environment that is safe and free from potential risks. The childminder has identified and minimised hazards within the home. For example, clearly written fire evacuation procedures are in place along with smoke alarms and a fire blanket.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good selection of resources. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, appropriate and suitable for their ages. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has the required documents and procedures in place. For example, the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures to be followed if abuse is suspected. She has also completed Child Protection training based on the Safeguarding children framework to keep herself updated of recent changes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is comfortably furnished and equipped enabling children to make good use of space that is well organised with the child in mind.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are becoming independent as they choose from a good range of resources that are well organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning and are enjoyed by the children. They play enthusiastically with the resources available to them but particularly enjoy sorting and dressing the dolls and having stories read to them.

p.3

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 The children are developing their language skills as the childminder engages children in conversations and asks them open ended questions which help them to think. The children have many opportunities to chose books, listen and participate in stories as the childminder actively involves them in the stories.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy warm and secure relationship with the childminder, which enables them to extend their learning in a supportive and caring environment. The children's feeling of being secure is enhanced, as the childminder provides familiar daily routines. This provides a stable environment that helps the children to look forward to their day.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy regular outings to child friendly settings such as local parks, toddler groups, libraries and indoor activity centres. This provides many good learning experiences for children and develops their physical skills.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are provided with a meaningful range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world whilst increasing their awareness of diversity and understanding of others. For example, resources such as play people, dolls, puzzles and books reflect positive images and are used by the children on a daily basis. The childminder acknowledges festivals such as Diwali, Easter, Christmas and St. Patrick's day.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Good partnership with parents and carers contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder ensures that parents know how their children are progressing and developing. Information is shared verbally with parents on a daily basis and through the use of journals. The childminder also has an extensive range of policies, procedures and an information folder which she shares with all parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages, children are beginning to learn right from wrong. The children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has a very good understanding of the needs of children with special needs and has clear written policies and procedures in place. She has also completed training on working with children and young people with special needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures in place that are consistently applied. Good record keeping that is regularly reviewed contributes to children's health, safety and well-being.

p.4

Organisation

The children feel at home and at ease in the environment provided by the childminder. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled enough to initiate their own play and learning.

p.4

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 The childminder has kept herself updated and has attended several training sessions organised by the Local Authority and her local college. Her procedures are regularly shared with parents to keep them informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made to provide more resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. She has now achieved this and is increasing the children's awareness of diversity and understanding of others.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

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

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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):

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5