Orchard Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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138605 Unique Reference Number 22 August 2006 Inspection date Helen Ann Woods Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2000. The childminder lives with her husband and three children all aged over eight years. They live in a house in West Drayton which is situated close to West Drayton station and has easy access to the M4 and Heathrow Airport. Currently there are seven children on roll two of whom were present during the inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, this includes a ground floor toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of a Quality Network, set up by the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) in close liaison with the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because their physical, nutritional and health needs are very well met as a result of effective procedures and practices employed by the childminder. Children enjoy an excellent range of activities and experiences indoors, outdoors and away from the childminding setting which actively contribute to their very good health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands. For example, after using the toilet, before handling their food they wash their hands and use their own colour coded towels.

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Helping children to be healthy

Games in the well organised garden and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children's physical skills. They become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies, knowing when they need to drink or have a rest after running. The younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children to be healthy

Meal and snack times follow children's home routine as discussed with parents and are a social occasion. Healthy and nutritious meals and snacks are freshly prepared by the childminder in discussion with the children so they look forward to meal times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the spacious home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children's choice of toys and equipment is supervised by the childminder to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues and minimises risks for children with constant supervision both indoors and when out in the garden or on visits. Children discuss and are made aware of fire risks by visiting the fire station, colouring in pictures where they colour in the hazards such as candles, unguarded fire and trailing flex. This means that children are aware of keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Suitable and well-maintained furniture is readily available to meet children's individual needs, for example child size table, chairs and car seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted although recording of any concerns needs to be kept separate to ensure confidentiality. She has a good understanding of child protection procedures which she keeps updated by attending regular training.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy, settled and relaxed in the company of the childminder. They are motivated, eager and actively participate in the activities and experiences offered to them. Children are extremely confident and self assured because of the excellent support and encouragement they receive from the childminder, for example, encouragement as they pretend to make sandwiches with play dough. Children are confident and relate very well to each other. The childminder is enthusiastic and experienced; she uses her wealth of experience to plan an extensive range of opportunities and activities that enable the children to develop their imagination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a keen knowledge of Birth to three matters and implements the framework with ease as part of her planning. This ensures that activities are planned to meet the individual needs of the children so that each child makes excellent progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access a wide range of stimulating activities and experiences both within and away from the childminding setting which support the growth of children's development across all areas. Children are highly motivated and actively engrossed in imaginary play in the pretend kitchen making their sandwiches. They use a variety of equipment, toys and different areas of the available space to set the scene. Access to a wide range of multi-cultural resources and themes help children understand diversity. Children are animated and excited when adults present take an interest and listen carefully to what they are saying and join in with them in developing their play. Access to very good resources and interaction from the childminder sustains children's interest and enables them to successfully develop their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered an extensive range of different play experiences and activities on a regular basis which enables them to learn new skills and consolidate existing ones. For example, children attend a variety of child-centred settings away from the childminding premises.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s sense of belonging is fully fostered through the warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere and the childminder’s overwhelming dedication to their care. Children’s awareness and understanding of the diverse community is promoted well. For example, the resources, activities and discussions display care, respect and true admiration for others and their equality.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through organised activities, socialising at activity groups and outings to local places of interest. This positive approach enables the children to develop their social and cultural awareness.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. Parents' views about their child's needs and interests are actively sought before the childminder starts caring for their child. Each day the children's routines and activities are shared with parents.

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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 Children with special educational needs are fully involved in a wide range of activities and opportunities. Their development and care has been excellently promoted through the outstanding loyalty of the childminder. For example, she has been significantly involved in the writing and implementation of children’s Individual Educational Plans and held review meetings at her home to aid the procedure of providing children with a statement of education.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s continuity of care is significantly promoted through the childminder’s valued relationship with the parents. They are welcomed into the childminder’s home and opinions are shared at initial visit. This rapport continues to develop through the paramount importance of ongoing communication.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children’s care is promoted through the detailed documentation with regard to the outstanding organisation of the childminder. She has systematically added to the already substantial policies and procedures to address all recent changes to the National Standards for Childminding.

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Organisation

The childminder’s portfolio evidences her commitment to providing good quality care for children. As well as extensive and well written policies and procedures, which are a true representation of the excellent care provided it includes many certificates from additional training courses attended. All necessary documentation is completed correctly, is up to date, reviewed regularly and is well organised.

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Organisation

Children’s space is organised in a highly effective manner and all resources meet the children’s requirements. Individual needs are extensively met through the childminder’s attention to each child’s routines and requirements. For example, trips and outings either spontaneous or planned ensure that children’s needs are complied with.

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Organisation

Children’s care is fully promoted through the childminder’s meticulous approach with regard to confidentiality and children benefit through the childminder’s remarkable relationship with parents.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no recommendations made at the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints 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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Complaints 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

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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 that recording of concerns is kept separate to maintain confidentiality.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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