Bolton School Infant & Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 149361 Inspection date 11 July 2005 Inspector Diane Mary O'Neill

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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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12,15 and 18 years in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. The whole of downstairs accommodation is used for childminding and a main bedroom for sleeping arrangements. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and one child over five after school. The childminder drives and also walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group as well as

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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 using local amenities which include parks, playgroup and a school all within easy reach. The family has a pet rabbit 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 and well maintained home where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through good role modelling from the childminder. For example washing hands before and after meals, after touching the rabbit or when visiting the farm and touching the animals. This helps to teach them about the importance of good hygiene practice to stay feeling well. She has effectively increased her knowledge of current first aid and emergency treatment from attending a first aid course. She has all relevant documentation for the recording of accidents and giving of medication. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of a healthy diet and meals times are a happy and interactive time. Children are encouraged to try new tastes such as fruits, Nan bread and poppadoms. The childminder takes consideration of parent's wishes and provides meals and snacks that are nutritious and appealing to

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Helping children to be healthy

children, taking account of preferences and dietary requirements. Children's physical well being is well promoted with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. They improve and develop their skills through good use of outdoor play equipment in the garden and visits to local parks and farm.

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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 welcoming and safe environment as the childminder is aware of risks and has taken positive steps to minimise these. She carries out informal risks assessments daily and regularly checks the equipment as well as getting the children involved, this helps them to learn about safety. There is a clearly written fire evacuation procedure that has been practiced with the children so they learn the importance of staying safe in an emergency. Trips to the local fire station and obtaining information leaflets both beneficial for children and adults helps with the overall learning opportunities for the children. Children have good opportunities to access suitable play space both inside and outside. This contributes to developing their independent skills, through choice of activities and play materials which the childminder has available to them. The childminder supervises all activities to ensure they are safe and appropriate to the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

age of the children. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection and has some relevant

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 documents and guidance in place to ensure children's welfare is safe guarded. She has gained this knowledge by doing a child protection training course and is interested in updating this information to ensure she can continue to protect children in her care. Although she has a copy of the local child protection guidance, a recommendation has been raised that she obtain the Department of Heath leaflet 'what to do if you are worried a child is being abused summary', to update her information in line with the requirements of the National Standards for Day Care and Childminding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very settled, secure and happy in the childminder's home. This is achieved through children having a good relationship with the childminder and her ability to use effective interactive and communication skills that enable children to be relaxed in her care. Children are supported well by the childminder who provides a broad range of stimulating and challenging play experiences. Children have good learning opportunities through the various planned and unplanned activities available. For example, shape sorters, tactile type toys for very young children and more advanced toys such as building blocks, puzzles and art and craft activities for older children. Children have good opportunities to extend their play and learning through trips out to the park, the farm, train journeys and going to toddler group, which enables them to mix with other children, helping to further develop their social skills such as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sharing. Children's learning and understanding of the wider world is well promoted through trips out, looking at books, food tasting and playing with toys at the childminders and toddler group. The childminder further develops children's learning through answering their questions especially when out in the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are beginning to learn about their community and the diversity of the world around them. This is achieved through the childminder's positive attitude and use of resources that she uses to extend their learning. For example books, learning about different cultures and tasting food from various other countries. Trips out to the park, farm and toddler group help to further extend their learning about their local and wider community. Children's needs are met very well as they follow their daily routine. The childminder has built up a good and trusting relationship with the children that enables them to feel confident and happy within their surroundings. The children are starting to foster good relationships with one another and this is achieved through the positive contributions by the childminder. Children are beginning to learn and have an

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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 awareness of boundaries and rules, such as sharing and taking turns. Through skilful management the childminder effectively reduces any situations that may arise. The childminder has developed a good partnership with parents which impacts on the confidence and security of each child. Each parent has sufficient time to discuss their child's progress on a daily basis. The childminder willing shares all relevant information with the parents to keep them updated. Children's well-being is well promoted because the childminder is committed to work in partnership with the parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel relaxed, secure and comfortable within the well organised environment . This enables them to be confident, energetic and engage well in their play together. They seek adult support when needed clearly showing confidence within their surroundings and the good relationships formed with the childminder. The childminder has well organised records and documentation which is used effectively to promote the care, welfare and learning of each child. Verbal information is shared regularly with parents so they are fully informed about their child's well-being, progress and achievements. This contributes to a trusting relationship which impacts positively on the children. Through on going training such as first aid and child protection the childminder has further developed her knowledge in child care practices, which enable her to successfully meet the emotional and developmental needs of children in her care.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no areas for improvement raised at the last inspection.

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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

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): • obtain the Department of Health leaflet 'what to do if you are worried a child is being abused summary'.

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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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