One In A Million Alternative Education

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 141604 Inspection date 23 February 2006 Inspector Maxine Coulson

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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?

This childminder has been registered since 1996. She lives in a three bedroom semi-detached house on a residential road in the centre of Olney. The whole of downstairs is used for childminding with access to the bathroom and two bedrooms upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, pre-school and schools. The childminder is registered to provide care for 6 children under 8 years. She currently cares for 8 children, of these 1 is over 8 years. Children attend for various days and sessions.

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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 flourish in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand why they must wash their hands after going to the toilet and this helps reduce the risk of infection. Children benefit from a well-balanced diet and snacks and meals are healthy and nutritious. Children are becoming aware of when they are hungry and ask for snacks and have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There are regular outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, riding on wheeled toys, use of balls, and walking to and from school. Regular visits to local parks improve children’s physical skills, such as climbing steps on slides or using climbing frames.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a secure environment because the childminder identifies and minimises risks through vigilance and the use of different safety measures, for example, socket covers and cupboard locks. This means children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are under constant supervision when off the premises and appropriate use of buggies and wrist bands ensure they stay safe at all times when on outings and routine trips. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder, through careful supervision, ensures toys and equipment are safe and appropriate for children's ages and stages of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare well through her sound knowledge of child protection issues. She shares information about child protection issues with parents to ensure they are aware of her duties as a registered

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate well to the childminder and are confident and happy in their surroundings. They are able to choose from a good range of toys, equipment and resources helping them to develop their independence. Children are beginning to develop social skills by having opportunities to play with other children of a similar age through attending local toddler and childminder groups.

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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 Children have access to a variety of fun activities to encourage them to progress in all areas of development, including imaginative and creative play. For example, use of a play kitchen gives children opportunities to re-enact familiar scenes, such as cooking and serving food, helping to extend their thinking and language. Children have access to areas that allow them to move around freely and take part in spontaneous play. They clearly enjoy the toys and resources that are provided helping them to learn and progress through their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are active, interested and enjoy a variety of different types of play, which means they behave well. They have discussions with the childminder to help them be aware of house rules and to begin to understand right from wrong. Children are developing a good sense of self-esteem through consistent praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children are beginning to develop their independence through making their own choices of toys and activities. They have opportunities to learn about their local community through visits to parks, farms and libraries. However, children have limited access to toys and resources that help them learn about different lifestyles and promote a positive view of the wider world. The childminder has an understanding of meeting the needs of children with special educational needs, although none currently attend. The childminder has discussions with parents and carers to ensure she meets

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's individual needs and routines, helping children feel confident and secure. She gathers this information and keeps it within the children’s records to help meet their needs on a daily basis. Children receive good support and appropriate care through the childminder's good practices. For example, she provides written feedback to parents of younger children on a daily basis to inform them of how their child is settling in and progressing.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home within a relaxing and homely environment that contributes to their sense of belonging. They have good adult support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting. Children have access to a good amount of space that the childminder organises well, allowing them to move around easily and to be able to express their ideas during free play. The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures. She has the necessary documentation in place and with parental permissions, promotes the welfare, care and learning of children. She provides parents with necessary information and they regularly share verbal and written feedback, which contributes to continuity of the children’s care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom

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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 she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to record all incidents on the day that they occur. The childminder now keeps a record of any incidents that occur containing all the necessary details and this information is shared with the parents. This ensures the children's continuing care, welfare and safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

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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): • develop range of toys and resources that reflect diversity and positive images.

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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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