Ysgol Cwrtnewydd

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 400614 Inspection date 06 December 2005 Inspector Rosemary Beyer

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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 December 2000. She lives with her family in a semi-detached house in a cul-de-sac on the eastern side of Pickering. The children have full use of the ground floor and only go upstairs to access the bathroom. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property for outdoor play. Currently the childminder is caring for 12 children in total, all of whom attend on a part time basis. Children with special needs are cared for and children with English as an additional language would be welcome. There are links with Pickering County Junior, Infant and Nursery Schools and Potter Hill Playgroup where children are

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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 collected and dropped off. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association and is currently undertaking the North Yorkshire Kite Mark Quality Assurance scheme. There are two working dogs at the property which are kept in their own enclosure in the garden. Children are able to have supervised access to other animals, subject to parental approval, at the childminder's small holding away from the childminding premises.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The premises are clean and well maintained with good hygiene practices in place to ensure the children are protected from the spread of infection. The childminder has antiseptic liquid available on her person at all times. Children know they need to wash their hands to remove germs after personal care, touching animals and before food. They help themselves to tissues and cover their mouths when coughing. Children are learning about the need to eat a healthy diet to keep themselves fit and well, although some of them are reluctant to eat all the food provided. Menus are discussed with parents to ensure any allergies or special dietary requirements are met. The childminder has attended training to ensure she uses good food preparation techniques and storage. She holds the Certificate in Food Hygiene and a City and Guilds qualification. Children develop their fitness through regular walks out and about in the local

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Helping children to be healthy

community and while playing on the childminder's smallholding. They are also learning about road safety, crossing the road with the Lollipop Lady when going to school and holding hands when near the road. Children are able to sleep or rest in the sitting room, depending on their need.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has developed comprehensive written safety policies and procedures. These are displayed in the home ready for use, including the evacuation procedure devised after consultation with the local Fire Prevention Officer. However, the fire blanket is not easily accessible. They include action to be taken in the event of an accident or emergency in the home, when using the car or out of the home on foot. The premises are secure to ensure children cannot leave unsupervised and there is no access to unauthorised persons. Children access toys and resources safely and independently from shelves and boxes in the playroom. They know they need to ensure toys are used safely, putting things away after they have used them, most of the time. They move around the premises comfortably and with control. Meals are eaten in the kitchen with children

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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 sitting at the breakfast bar or in high chairs. Children are also protected through the childminder's sound knowledge of the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance. She has undertaken training to ensure her knowledge is up to date and makes her written policy available to parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has started to use Birth to three matters to develop the activities for the younger children. However, she is awaiting a training course to enable her to implement it fully. She uses a range of activity books to ensure she provides a wide range of learning opportunities for all who attend under school age. Older children make suggestions for activities depending on the weather or their interests. Children develop their vocabulary well through conversation with the childminder, when they are encouraged to think through open ended questions. They talk to each other when playing and develop imaginative games together. Their communication skills are developing well and their mathematical language is being well fostered. They use numbers, shapes and colours in everyday activities, such as counting the yoghurts or when using the trains. The children are currently involved in craft work for Christmas, such as the salt dough

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

tree decorations, taking a long time to bake before they can be painted. They enjoy baking and making models all through the year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are all settled and comfortable in the childminder's care and make themselves at home on arrival. The written behaviour policy statement succeeds in providing a positive encouraging environment where children behave well and develop their self esteem. They are all learning to share and take turns. The older children know they need to take care of the younger ones and be patient with them. For example, if they break the train track. Contracts and information sheets are completed when minding starts to ensure the children's needs are met. In addition to verbal feedback, the childminder provides a daily laminated picture record for parents of the child's time in her care. This includes information about activities, food, sleep and general well being, with space for additional notes or messages. The sheet is returned each day when the children come back. Children enjoy discussing the pictures and tell their parents about the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

day. A twice yearly newsletter is also produced with details of the setting and any changes made, including holiday dates. Parents have been consulted about steps to take when a child needs an ambulance. They have given permission in writing for the child to go with the paramedics and the other children to stay with the childminder, as getting emergency cover could be

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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 difficult as no other childminders live nearby. Parents have also given permission for outings, either in the car or by other means, such as the train or bus. Resources are available to support children's understanding of diversity, but the childminder is to attend a training course in the New Year to develop her own knowledge and implement more fully her policy for equal opportunities. All children are able to use the full range of resources, with no stereotyping of activities. Children with special needs are welcome in the setting and the childminder has experience of caring for children with different needs. She works with parents and other professionals to ensure their needs are met. A written complaints procedure is in place, with records and actions signed and available to parents. This record is also available for inspection.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder displays her certificate at all times. She has a current first aid certificate and has undertaken a variety of training courses over the years to support her professional development and enhance her practice. She has already completed the Bronze Award for the North Yorkshire Kite Mark Scheme. The policies, procedures and recording systems ensure the childminder manages the setting safely and efficiently. She has the necessary permissions in place and keeps her paperwork up to date. The setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The record of medication is now kept safely and securely for more than two years after the child has left.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

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 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): • ensure the fire blanket is easily available in an emergency • continue to develop resources and activities to widen children's knowledge of diversity.

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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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