The Wilnecote School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 138936 Inspection date 09 November 2005 Inspector Helen Ann Woods

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 lives with her 2 teenage children in a house in Ruislip in the local authority of Hillingdon. The ground floor is used for the care of the children where the lounge, conservatory and enclosed garden are the main play areas. A toilet is accessed off the hallway. The house is close to Eastcote Station, local bus routes, a park and schools. Children are taken out regularly to activity groups and places of interest. The childminder is currently caring for 4 children aged under 8 years. The family have 2 cats.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands. For example, after using the toilet, before handling their food and particularly after handling the animals when visiting a local farm where special sinks are provided to reinforce the need to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Garden games and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children's physical skills. They become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies, knowing when they need to drink or have a rest after running. The younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder makes good use of the Birth to Three Matters framework. Meal and snack times follow children's home routine as discussed with parents. Healthy and nutritious meals and snacks are freshly prepared by the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Through innovative activities such as picking their own fruit and vegetables and reading recipe books, children learn about healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the spacious home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children's choice of toys and equipment is supervised by the childminder to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues and minimises risks for children with constant supervision both indoors and when out in the garden or on visits. This means that children are able to move about and play in safety. Suitable and well-maintained furniture is readily available to meet children's individual needs, for example child size table, chairs and car seats. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, for example the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She has a good understanding of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection procedures which she keeps updated by attending regular training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are eager to attend and demonstrate excitement and enthusiasm when

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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 playing in the safe setting. They are lively, dynamic and persist for extended periods of time at activities. Children are confident and have good self esteem which is fostered well by the childminder as she listens with interest and praises their achievements. Children express themselves and communicate confidently using gesture, expression and language. They learn new skills and make connections with other experiences from a range of activities outside the setting such as visits to museums, local libraries and farms. Children have opportunities to refine and strengthen their small and gross movements through the daily routine; they ably paint, stick, climb, jump and run. Toys and equipment are well placed so allowing children to help themselves and make independent choices. Children involve the childminder in their play and they receive

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

lots of warm, individual attention which enables them to successfully extend their learning and experiences. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development. This means that children's personal, social and emotional development are well supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and children with special needs are warmly welcomed by the childminder. She ensures that the resources positively represent the children who attend as well as individuals from the wider community. This enables them to learn about other people and understand the differences in others. Children enjoy visits to the Kings Langley Bury Farm where they learn about animals and their habitat. Individual children’s needs are met as they enjoy taking part in a range of stimulating activities to help their development. For example, climbing and balancing which helps their dexterity. Children are provided with materials that are accessible to all of them. The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong identity and feel good about themselves, their family and others. Children are learning to take turns and share. They are very well-behaved as the childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

provides consistent boundaries and offers lots of praise and encouragement. Children’s needs regarding diet and routine are discussed with parents and incorporated in the planning of the daily routine. Parents are kept well informed about children’s learning and wellbeing, as the childminder provides parents with weekly contact sheets of the children’s activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children use all available play space in and outside the home. Children benefit from a variety

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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 of outings such as picking their own fruit and vegetables, local farms, the park and pre-school groups where they are able to socialise with other children. The childminder keeps up-to-date with new childminding developments by attending regular training programmes in order to develop her skills and improve the service she provides to children and their families. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children, for example, by making use of Birth to Three Matters. All documents are in place according to regulation. They are stored securely and made available for inspection. She regularly shares them with parents but needs to record any concerns separately to secure confidentiality. The childminder keeps parents well informed about the care that is provided. The childminder meets the

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Organisation

needs for 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 become more familiar with the local area child protection procedures. The childminder was asked to ensure that agreements are in place with all parents and that written consent is obtained for seeking emergency medical treatment, outings, travel in car and specific written permission from parents before administering medication to children. The childminder has attended a course recently on Child Protection and obtained a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures to be followed. She has signed written consent for emergency medical treatment, outings, travel in the car and specific written permission for administering medication to children. As a result the children's safety and wellbeing is enhanced.

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • record any concerns separately to ensure confidentiality.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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