Woodland Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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151024 Unique Reference Number 09 June 2006 Inspection date Judith Reed 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 outstanding. 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 lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and 3 children of school age in Stubbington, Hampshire. All areas of the property, are used for childminding however, this normally occurs downstairs, and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 8 children at any one time, when working with her husband, or 6 children when she is working alone. She is currently minding 9 children, mainly on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and pre schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park. The family have a pet rabbit.

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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 outstanding. Children relish the frequent opportunities to play outside and this contributes to their very good health and excellent physical development. They enjoy many opportunities to use the garden, effectively flowing freely between inside and outside play. Children confidently use the swings and learn to use their legs to propel themselves backwards and forwards. They also push a large teddy in the baby swing, or dolls in prams and push chairs. Children climb on both the climbing frame and the steps on the slide. They also spend time building sand castles in the sand tray and using water from the water tray. Children often sit quietly under a shady tree to complete a puzzle or play a game with the childminder. They are encouraged to bring toys from the play room into the garden. Older children use the safely netted trampoline in the front garden. Parents give individual written permission for this activity and one of the co

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Helping children to be healthy

childminders remains with the children at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a very healthy diet. They begin to have a good understanding of healthy eating because the childminder offers a choice of fruit snacks. They discuss the shape and colours of the fruit while they eat their healthy snack. Children are offered frequent drinks and choose from water, fruit juice or milk. Packed lunches are stored appropriately in the refrigerator and the childminder is very aware of each child's individual dietary requirements. Parents sign a document to state they are aware the childminder gives children healthy snacks and promotes healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to be independent and follow good hygiene routines, washing their hands after using the toilet and before having snacks or meals. Children also clean their teeth after they have eaten lunch. Individual hand drying towels are available at all times. The childminder follows good hygiene procedures when changing nappies, ensuring changing mats are cleaned thoroughly after use. Soiled nappies are wrapped and disposed of hygienically. Procedures for dealing with injuries, accidents, medication administration and caring for sick children are clear and are shared with parents. A well stocked first aid kit is available and the childminder has completed the required first aid training course every three years. The childminder has obtained permission for emergency medical treatment, as well as for administering sun cream.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children make choices from a wide range of toys and equipment which is stored accessibly in the conservatory play room. They help themselves to toys from the large, clear, plastic storage boxes. The childminder ensures all equipment is carefully cleaned every week and that equipment is suitable and safe for the children present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where they move around freely. Children enter through a padlocked gate to the rear of the premises, directly into the conservatory play room. The garden is fully fenced and secure and the well is kept securely locked at all times.

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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 Children use the kitchen for meals and the sitting room for quiet activities such as reading and watching television. They remain with a childminder at all times when inside the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by the childminder due to her very clear understanding of safety issues. The childminder ensures children remain safe at all times through excellent use of safety equipment as well as by working closely with her co childminder, to remain with the children. All low level glass is protected and socket covers are in place. A stair gate is available when required. Fire evacuation has been carefully planned and practiced with the children and the fire brigade has visited the property to discuss the fire safety arrangements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures and understands her professional duty regarding child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are busy and very well occupied at all times. The childminder allows children space to play freely without being directed or instructed. She encourages children to make their own choices and move around the garden and house. Children play in the conservatory, brushing the floor with the dust pan and brush. They bring a toy to the childminder which requires new batteries. Children are very interested in the method of changing the batteries and watch the procedure carefully. The childminder encourages them to predict what will happen next and the children are pleased when the toy computer works again. Children set up a tea party with cups, saucers and play foods. They bring play sandwiches they have prepared, to the adults present, to share in their game. Children move on to do some colouring and choose their own crayons and pictures to complete. They regularly enjoy opportunities for creative and messy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play, displaying their painted pictures and models built from boxes, tubes and tape. Later they relish the opportunity to sit outside, under a tree, and complete puzzles with the childminder who helps with colours and shapes. They also play games, taking turns and sharing well. Children concentrate hard during a threading activity and practice shoe lace tying. The childminder encourages this activity and praises the child. Children set up the garage and play houses together with the train set. They transport small world people around the "town". Children use figures from other cultures as well as those with disabilities. Children observe a range of posters around the room which are displayed at child level. They notice the numbers and letters included. Children involve the childminder in their imaginary games. The childminder was asked to be the Daddy and to help with the child's outfit. She choose to wear play shoes and a fairy costume.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The child decided this outfit was too large and the childminder offered a further range of clothes suitable for the child's size. The child chose another dress as well as the Santa Claus jacket and hat. She proudly modelled her ensemble for all present. Children enjoy frequent outings to a number of local country parks and the beach. They are also taken to a play park as well as the childminding support group.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children receive an excellent level of consistent care due to very thorough communication between the childminder and parents. Parents complete all necessary documentation and a range of permissions. The childminder ensures parents sign all accident and medication records as required. The childminder provides a daily diary for younger children to keep parents informed. Parents are given copies of the policies and procedures and are made aware of the complaints procedure. A complaints record is available. The childminder has built a very positive relationship with parents. Parents state that they are very happy with the care provided and they are kept informed about their children's activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated as individuals and the childminder knows them well. They begin to develop an understanding of diversity through the range of toys and books available. Children enjoy opportunities to cook and try foods from around the world. The childminder explains carefully when children ask about small world people with disabilities. She ensures children begin to understand why people may require aids such as wheel chairs. All children are offered equal access to toys and equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has little experience of caring for children with impairments, but has a very positive attitude towards additional needs and would work closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure children's individual needs are met. She is planning further training in this area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved and polite. They are encouraged in their activities and gently reminded about sharing when necessary. The childminder ensures she is fair regarding praise and encouragement for all children. She keeps a close watch on children at all times and praises them for being helpful. The childminder works closely with parents and her co childminder to support all children, as well as to build their confidence and self esteem. She discusses behaviour management issues with parents when necessary to ensure consistency at all times.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are very comfortable and feel at home in the extremely well organised environment. They are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children have space to play freely and are taken out frequently. The childminder ensures she remains within ratio at all times and keeps a separate record of when she works together with her husband, who is also a registered childminder. The register of attendance clearly records times of children's arrival and departure.

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Organisation

Children's care is enhanced due to the training undertaken by the childminder, as well as through the joint experience of both childminders. The childminder plans further training later in the year. Children are not left with anyone who is not vetted and the childminder is aware of the requirements of her registration. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 The childminder is well organised and keeps all documentation confidential. She keeps necessary forms and information to hand and ensures emergency information is available at all times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was required to keep children safe around accessible heater, ensure documentation regarding medication administration is maintained and that the register clearly states who is responsible for the children, when working with another childminder.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The heater has been made safe by enclosing it with a fixed fire guard. Records of medication administered are held and signed by parents as necessary. Both the co childminders complete a register to record who is working with the children throughout the week.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was received on 19 January 2006 about: over minding (National Standard 1 Suitable person); safety issues raised by the degree of over minding (National Standard 6 Safety); and concerns about the safety of dogs(National Standard 7 Health).

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Complaints since the last inspection

An unannounced visit was made. The inspector made observations, looked at relevant documents and discussed concerns in full. There was no evidence to suggest over minding. The childminder does not own any dogs.

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Complaints since the last inspection

We are satisfied that the National Standards are being maintained and the childminder remains qualified for 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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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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 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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