Ampleforth College

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 121735 Inspection date 05 January 2006 Inspector Debbie Molly O'Callaghan

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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 1996. She is registered to look after 6 children, 3 of whom can be under the age of 5. The childminder provides overnight care. She lives with her husband and three sons ages 9, 12 & 14 years, in a detached house in a residential road, local shops, park, library and schools are within walking distance. There are currently six children on roll all attending part time. Minded children have access to the ground floor play room with toilet facilities in this area. The lounge room and study are used for sleeping children, but not generally

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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 used for play space. The enclosed garden area consists of a patio and a large grassed area. There are currently no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a worthwhile range of activities, which help to promote their good health. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet. Meal and snack times are sociable; children sit at the table with the childminder. Children are provided with a range of healthy snacks including fruit and organic snack bars, encouraging them to develop healthy eating practices. While parents currently provide packed lunches for the children, the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices. She encourages the children to make healthy eating choices and older children are offered opportunities to be involved in the preparation of their food. Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. They attend drop-in groups, visit the park and have regular access to outdoor play. Younger children

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Helping children to be healthy

have opportunities for physical development. They move freely around the safe furnishings to pull themselves up. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can move about the playroom freely, they are aware of where toys are stored, and feel confident in accessing the resources. Children have access to a wide range of good quality play resources and equipment that the childminder cleans regularly and ensures is safe and appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. The childminder adapts activities and directly supervises the younger children's play, to enable minded children of differing ages to play together. The childminders premises are safe with most of the necessary precautions in place, however the fire blanket is not sited appropriately. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has a very good understanding of issues surrounding child protection.

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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 The provision is outstanding. Children are provided with an excellent range of early learning experiences through play. Activities are extremely well balanced. Children are positively encouraged to use their imagination and explore their creativity and are encouraged to share their views about the types of activities they like to do. Children settle well at the childminder's home, they relate positively to each other and have frequent opportunities to socialise with other children through regular attendance at local drop in groups, walks and outings. Children's independence is encouraged by having the facility to choose activities and resources. Children spend their time purposefully and the excellent resources in place support them in carrying out day-to-day activities by themselves. Younger children express themselves

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enthusiastically using sounds and gestures, which the childminder clearly understands and responds to. Language and communication skills are gently encouraged through daily activities, reinforcing vocabulary and conversation, to encourage repetition of words and sounds. Children's achievements are valued by the childminder who displays their work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are learning about diversity through the childminders positive attitude. There are posters around the room promoting positive images of disability, culture and diversity. Children are encouraged to ask questions when they are out and are given positive answers, there is a very good selection of books and puzzles for children to access. The childminder values children as individuals and effectively works with parents to ensure she meets their health, dietary and care needs. The childminder has a good relationship with parents. They are kept well informed about their child's progress and are reassured that the childminder is taking an active interest in their child's welfare and development. When settling the children, parents are invited to stay with their child and have lunch. The childminder shares all policies and procedures with parents. Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement, they behave well and are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

learning right from wrong. They have some basic ground rules which are consistently maintained by the childminder. Older children help in the setting of ground rules. The childminder has appropriate behaviour management strategies in place according to the age and stage of development, for example, distraction with young children, calm intervention and good explanation.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very at home and benefit from the well organised play space provided.

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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 They receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well, helping them feel secure and confident. Documentation relating to childminding activities is very well maintained and is open to parents, although some record keeping is not confidential. The childminder has an ongoing commitment to further childcare training and development courses. The childminder is well organised and has well written plans and routines to meet the individual needs of each child. She ensures each day is varied and interesting for children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to keep written documentation about children's developmental progress, she now has adequate written records on children's progress.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since 1 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): • Ensure entries for recording accidents, existing injuries and medication are kept in a confidential manner • Ensure the fire blanket is appropriately sited.

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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 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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