St Agnes Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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142242 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2006 Inspection date Susan June Stone 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?

The childminder has been a registered childminder since January 1999. She lives with her husband and their two daughters, who are both aged over eight years. They live in a three bedroom semi detached house in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Children play on the ground floor of the premises which consists of a lounge/diner and conservatory. They also have access to the kitchen. The toilet is on the first floor and the main bedroom is used for sleeping children. There is a garden at the rear of the property which is used for outdoor play. There are local parks and shops within walking distance of the property.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. At present she is caring for a total of four children who are all aged under five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a dog and a cat, which the children have supervised access to.

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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 are cared for in a clean, well maintained family home. They learn good procedures for their personal health and hygiene through daily routines and good examples set by the childminder. The children are familiar with the routine for washing their hands. They know they must wash their hands before meals and snacks, and after using the toilet. The childminder supervises children when they wash their hands. She provides separate flannels for each child and they use liquid soap.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides snacks for the children each day which usually consist of fruit and a plain biscuit. Parents provide most meals for their children, which is suitably stored by the childminder and reheated if necessary. The childminder ensures that all special dietary needs are discussed with parents and addressed. Drinks of juice or water are available to the children throughout the day. This all contributes to the children's healthy growth and development. The childminder plans the day to allow children the opportunity to be outside in the fresh air. The children regularly enjoy playing in the garden. They also visit the local play park and soft play centre. These activities help to develop and improve the children's physical skills and coordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Through the childminder having appropriate first aid training and a well stocked first aid box, children’s emergency medical needs can be dealt with effectively. Records to detail accidents and medication administered are in place. This information is shared with parents to help to ensure consistency in the children's care and well being.

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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 secure family home in which high standards of safety are evident. The childminder provides a range of safe and well maintained furniture and equipment, which means that the varying needs of the children can be met. She ensures good levels of safety are maintained in all areas used by the children, for example, ensuring the children cannot access the hallway to the front door and stairs, and ensuring all kitchen hazards are addressed. This helps to ensure children's safety at all time, and allows the children to move about freely and safely under the childminder’s supervision. However the fire blanket is not easily accessible to use in an emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The space available is well organised to allow the children to play in comfort. The children use a range of toys and resources, which are in good repair and conform to safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises the toys that the children play with to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Through the childminder providing a range of safe and well maintained furniture and equipment, the varying needs of the children are met, thus promoting their welfare and development.

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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 The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection procedures and a very clear understanding of her role in the protection of children, ensuring the children's safety is always a priority. This contributes to safeguarding the children's safety and well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and at ease in the childminder's house. They are confident and settled within the setting. They make themselves at home and are familiar with the daily routines and where things are kept. They are developing good relationships with the childminder and her family. Children choose from the range of toys and activities that are available each day and play happily together. The childminder encourages the children to work together, share and take turns, like sharing the playdoh shapes and cutters and water toys. This helps the children to learn to respect and to co-operate with others. They use their imagination well and play happily together, such as making their own pretend picnic in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the development needs of children. She offers a range of activities and opportunities for the children. The childminder is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework but has not yet introduced it into the setting, and does not always specifically plan activities to encourage individual development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from regular outings to the local play park, soft play centre and toddler groups. These outings give the children opportunities to indulge in new and different experiences to help them learn about the wider world. They also help to develop the children’s social skills by interacting with other children and adults. The childminder interacts well with the children, and she is involved in their play at an appropriate level. She is encouraging and reassuring and offers lots of positive praise and reinforcement. This helps to develop children's confidence and self esteem. Children respond well to the childminder's friendly involvement with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder knows each child well, she is very aware of the children's particular requirements and meets these appropriately. She interacts well with the children, encouraging them to feel included and part of the household. The childminder provides regular opportunities for the children to enjoy visits to the local toddler group, park and other local amenities. This helps them to learn about their surroundings and how they fit in to the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and respond well to the consistent boundaries set by the childminder. The childminder has a calm approach and uses positive, sound methods for managing behaviour which makes the children feel valued. The childminder sets very good examples in her behaviour. The children are learning what is right from wrong, and manners are encouraged by the childminder. The children respond well to the childminder's positive guidance and praise. The childminder uses appropriate explanations and guidance to the children when behaviour is not as expected. Such as gently explaining not to play with the ball indoors and asking the children

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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 not to play squirt the water at the dog. This helps the children to understand why their behaviour and actions are unacceptable. She encourages the children to be fair and to share items like the playdoh cutters and shapes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents are good. Children benefit from the childminder's friendly, yet professional relationship with parents. The childminder is aware of the need to keep a complaints log, but parents are not given details of how they may make a complaint. Document records and information regarding the children's care are in place. Written agreements with parents help to ensure that children's individual needs are met. This sharing and recording of information allows individual needs to be clearly identified, and ensures that appropriate care is offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well ordered, family environment where their individual needs are identified and appropriately addressed. The childminder organises time well to meet the needs of the children attending. She provides a variety of activities and experiences which offer appropriate challenges for the children. Children feel comfortable and safe within the childminders home, where she ensures they are well cared for, using her sound knowledge and understanding of childcare. Required adult to child ratios are always maintained, allowing the children to receive sufficient adult support and attention so they feel happy and settled.

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Organisation

Required records and documentation are in place, which are used effectively to promote the care and welfare of the children. The regular exchange of information and discussions with parents helps to contribute to the consistency of care.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were three recommendations from the last inspection which were to: ensure records of medication administered include times and are signed by parents; to keep a record of all accidents involving children; and to make sure that premises are secure and that children are unable to leave them unsupervised. Medication records now contain all relevant information including times that medication is given. These records are also signed by parents to acknowledge that the medication has been administered. A suitable record of any accidents occurring is now kept. With regards to the security of the premises, suitable measures are now in place and the doors remain locked when minded children are present.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 the fire blanket is suitably placed in the kitchen and available to use in an emergency • further promote learning and development for children aged three and under, for example, through implementing the Birth to Three Matters framework. • provide parents with details of how to make a complaint

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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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