Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Santes Tudful

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 401289 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Wendy Fitton

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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 has been registered since 1999 and is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She lives with her husband and daughter, aged 12 years, in a linked detached house in Ripon. There are no schools or shops within easy walking distance, but a short car journey takes children to the local shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. This includes a lounge, dining room, bathroom and front garden. Children rest and sleep in a bedroom.

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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 There is one pet cat. The childminder takes the children to the local toddler group, playgroup, parks, library and toy library on a regular basis. There are currently 12 children on roll who attend before and after school and during holidays. Some children attend part-time nursery school. The childminder has completed a number of training courses in early years and play. She has a first aid certificate and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are very healthy and are protected from infection. They are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill because the childminder follows current environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. She has copies of updated guidance through her local health protection agency and keeps updated with information about sickness, accidents, medication and ensures that children remain healthy. There are detailed recording systems and parents are fully informed of all children's health needs and practices. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene because the childminder sets a good example through her discussion with them. She encourages hand washing before food, after the toilet and after nose wiping. Children use individual wipes that are available on the table. The childminder continually talks to the children about why things happen in relation to germs and bacteria. Toys are regularly washed if any

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Helping children to be healthy

children have colds or coughs to prevent spread of infection. There are effective nappy changing procedures and disposal. The environment is very clean and the kitchen, bathroom, floor and work surfaces are wiped down with anti-bacterial spray. Children take part in regular physical activity both inside and outside the premises. Trips to the park, toddler groups, obstacle courses in the local play area and walking to nursery school feature daily. There is a range of physical play equipment for the garden including bicycles, trucks and rockers. Children are exercising their bodies as they play with toys on the floor or at the table; using their fine motor skills when constructing, using fingers and hands. Children rest and sleep according to their own needs. Children are well-nourished, having their health and dietary needs well met as the childminder works in partnership with parents. They bring their own packed lunches

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Helping children to be healthy

from home and have brown bread sandwiches, yoghurts and fruit. The childminder provides a cooked tea and this follows the written food policy and menu. Children enjoy a healthy variety of foods, including fish, meat, cheese, pasta, naan bread, fruit and vegetables. Daily snacks are provided and all drinks and foods are set up at the table where children can enjoy a positive social occasion with the childminder.

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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 well cared for in a very warm, welcoming, secure and safe environment. Areas of the premises are suitable for their purpose, risk assessed and the childminder follows clear polices and procedures. There are accident and emergency plans written and followed, a car breakdown procedure is written, an emergency in the home plan is documented, lost/uncollected child procedure, arrival and collection procedures and fire evacuation procedures all maintain children's safety. Children use the dining room for their main play and activities and the lounge is used for quieter activities and rests. The bathroom is upstairs and one bedroom is used for sleeping in a travel cot. Children access very suitable, safe and appropriate equipment. A high chair, dining-table and chairs, booster seats for the table, changing mat, step for the toilet, baby monitor, prams and buggies support children's all round development and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

maintain their safety. Toys and resources cover all areas of learning and provide challenges keeping children's interests. For example, books, bricks, jigsaws, threading and matching, art and craft materials, paint, sand and outdoor play equipment. Children are very safe and secure owing to the childminder following detailed safety policies. Doors are unlocked for easy access to the garden in the event of an emergency, there is insurance cover for the premises and the vehicle. Safety equipment is in place and includes a fire blanket, smoke detectors, fireguard, socket covers, catches on kitchen units and children are not exposed to any risks or hazards. Children are learning about their own personal safety when in the home, walking outside and on outings. They know to stay close to the childminder and hold her hand, use of wrist straps, not to touch the locks in the vehicle, not to climb out of the high chair without supervision and to stay in the buggy until safely stopped. Parents

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

have signed written consent for travel in a vehicle and for trips out. Children are safeguarded because the childminder fully understands her role in child protection and is able to put procedures into practice when necessary. For example, a detailed policy is in place that follows correct referral procedures, however, the procedure does not highlight to parents any allegations that they make against the childminder and their procedure to follow. The childminder has the relevant documentation and has an incident recording procedure. She has completed training and has just completed an online course to keep her updated with current practices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled as they follow flexible routines that meet their individual care needs in relation to free play activities, meals, outings and rests. Children have good self-esteem as the childminder continuously talks to them. She

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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 praises, supports and encourages them using positive language at all times, helping the children feel good about themselves. Children are continually extending their learning and understanding through the range of discussion times and open questioning. Children are involved in a broad range of planned activities both inside and outside the home environment. During the visit the children participated in a gluing activity at the table. They played creatively as they had colourful sponge shapes, access to glue and created their own individual pictures using their own ideas and imagination. After lunch the children played freely on the floor with Duplo Lego, animals, dolls house, small world people and some dolls and prams. Other activities include outings to the park, toddler groups, nursery and library.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children freely access resources as the dining-room is organised creatively and low storage units and clearly labelled containers enable the children to exercise free choice. There is evidence of books, jigsaws, board games, educational toys, role-play equipment, matching and sound games, creative materials and physical play equipment used in the garden. Children really enjoy their time with the childminder and were happy, smiling and content throughout the visit. They responded to the childminder as she showed interest in what they were doing and spent time explaining to the children about colours and textures, why things happen and helping the children to learn and develop through their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are really valued and included in all aspects of the provision. They are involved in clear routines that are appropriate to their individual needs. There is free access to all resources in the dining-room and equipment and resources meet the ages and stages of the children attending. The childminder works together with parents to provide good care and follows procedures in the event of a concern regarding any child's additional needs. Children can move freely around the premises and access all necessary facilities for their development. They feel a sense of belonging as they have good support from the childminder who gives genuine care and close contact to help them feel secure. Children really benefit from activities and resources that help them understand diversity. For example, the childminder has put great effort into making scrapbooks, purchasing dressing up clothes, books and small world people. All resources show

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and display, cultures, religions, festivals, disabilities and gender helping the children to understand differing family lifestyles and relate to everyday situations in society. Children respond to appropriate expectations for their behaviour. They respond to positive language and the childminder praises their efforts. They enjoy tidying up, using manners and sharing toys because the childminder rewards them with verbal praise and encouragement. Children are always busy and well-occupied and so the childminder states that she does not need to use any behaviour management

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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 strategies. Children learn to play harmoniously with others and played cooperatively on the floor during the free-play session, negotiating, sharing and helping each other. Children benefit from good relationships with their parents and the childminder, to help them feel secure. Parents have access to good organisational information which keeps them fully up to date with routines, activities and their own child's individual care routines. Parents are given a welcome booklet at the start of the care and this holds all policies and procedures that they need to be aware of. Parents have written letters of recommendation and state that the childminder is very conscientious, reliable, caring, consistent and that their children adore her.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an environment that is well organised to meet the needs of all children. The childminder has shown commitment to updating her practice through relevant courses and workshops and ensures that she has documentation and information to meet the revised National Standards. Children are protected as all adults have been vetted and are cleared to be in the presence of children. The premises are organised creatively and effectively to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for the children. The childminder has created a nursery style environment in the dining-room and this appeals to the children as they exercise free choice and become independent. Children play, rest and eat comfortably and safely with good support and supervision at all times. All records, policies and procedures for the safe, efficient management of the provision are well maintained and promote children's welfare, care and learning.

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Organisation

There is detailed information on the children's needs and parents are kept informed through daily verbal dialogue and daily diary sheets. All regulatory documentation is up to date, signed by parents and is available and accessible for inspection. Organisational policies and procedures are working in practice and helps to ensure that children are cared for safely and their welfare promoted. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to keep a record, signed by parents of any existing injuries that may have happened outside her own home and to continue to develop resources that reflect positive images of cultural diversity, gender, religion and disability. The childminder has now set up a system for recording incidents that may have happened outside the childminder's environment and so children's welfare is now protected. There are now a variety of resources that show positive images of cultures, gender, religion and disability, these include books, dressing up clothes, scrap books, small world people, calendars and dolls. Children are now learning and

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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 understanding about diversity and differences.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1st April 2004 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): • formalise the child protection policy to ensure parents are fully aware of contact and referral information.

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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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