Star Academy, Sandyford

Inspection report for early years provision

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139226 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2006 Inspection date Samantha Powis 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 registered to care for children since 1999. She lives with her sister in a house in Bridport. Situated locally are facilities such as schools, pre-schools, and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for child minding and the master bedroom on the first floor is available for sleep purposes only. The garden is not registered for use.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for up to six children. There are currently seven children on roll.

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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 learn about healthy lifestyles and benefit from being provided with nutritious snacks during the day. They enjoy the freshly prepared apples, grapes and pear during the morning, and have access to drinks at all times. They demonstrate an understanding of their own health needs, as they talk about having five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, to keep them healthy. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs and complies with them to ensure children remain healthy. Parents provide a packed lunch for their child, and the childminder encourages them to have the sandwiches and fruit, before moving onto any treats.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about the importance of keeping healthy through the daily routines followed by the childminder. For example, children are reminded to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. She provides them with liquid soap and paper towels, which further minimises the risk of cross infection. The childminder discusses with parents her policy regarding the exclusion of children who have infectious illness. This reduces the chance of illnesses being passed on. Clear records are maintained of any accidents or administered medication, which helps to support children's ongoing health and well-being. Children are protected in the event of a minor injury, as the childminder maintains a well stocked first aid kit and is trained to administer first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to develop physical skills due to the outings and activities the childminder plans. There is no secure garden area on the premises, so she makes sure they regularly go to play areas and open spaces, where they can use equipment or run around and kick a ball. Activities are also set up indoors, such as using tents and tunnels and dancing to music, which promotes children's fitness. The children are sometimes taken swimming or to tumble tots, which offers them opportunities to develop new physical skills.

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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 safe home where hazards are identified and minimised. The childminder uses a good balance of supervision and effective safety measures to protect children from harm. She checks all areas regularly, to ensure they are suitable for the ages and needs of children attending. Stairgates are used to prevent access to the stairs and safety film is fitted on low level glass. This allows children to move around safely as they choose their toys. Children have independent access to a good selection of well maintained age appropriate toys and suitable equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe when on outings. This is due to the good procedures followed by the childminder such as teaching children about road safety. Clear fire and emergency procedures are in place, these are practised with the children to ensure they know what to do in an emergency situation.

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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 secure knowledge of child protection procedures which supports her in her role of safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content and have a warm relationship with the childminder. They benefit from good interaction and lots of physical contact from the childminder which helps them to feel settled and secure. The childminder prepares activities well before the children arrive, which allows her to spend all her time directly with them as they play. Children's learning is promoted due to this. For example, she pretends to be the patient while the children play doctors and nurses, talking to them about different parts of the body and what they can do to make her feel better. Children are becoming independent, they choose what they want to do, and can select toys and equipment for themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enthusiastically get involved in a variety of interesting and stimulating activities and play experiences. They have fun making paper plate faces using a range of materials. All children participate at their own level, confident that their work will be valued by the childminder. From an early age, children have regular opportunities to use their senses to explore and experiment with paint, playdough and craft materials. Children enjoy using the musical instruments to play along to songs they sing. This provides a fun and enjoyable play environment for all the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder refers to the Birth to three matters framework to extend the learning outcomes for the younger children. They enjoy regular experiences outside of the home such as visits to the local library, trips to feed the ducks and days out to places such as monkey world. This extends children's experiences and increases their interest in the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are made to feel valued and included, as the childminder gives thoughtful consideration to their individual needs. Children's awareness of other cultures and ways of life is developed through discussion and by having access to a range of resources that offer positive images of diversity. For example, the children regularly play with the small world toys, which includes a bus with wheelchair access.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They are familiar with the childminder's clear boundaries and expectations. She uses simple explanations and discussions to help them understand their own actions and the feelings of others. Children help her to tidy up toys before getting out more, and learn to share and take turns as they play their games. The childminder acts as a good role model, encouraging good manners and a kind and caring attitude. She uses lots of praise and encouragement with the children, which helps them to feel proud of their achievements and encourages good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are continually discussed with parents which contributes to their general well-being. Detailed written records are maintained which enables the childminder to meet the individual needs of the children effectively. The childminder keeps parents well

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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 informed about their child's day, by allowing time for discussion. She also uses written records with some of the younger children, to ensure parents receive accurate information about feeding and sleeping patterns. She discusses her policies and procedures with parents, however, their understanding of these is not fully promoted, as there is no written information available for them to read or refer back to.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are settled and confident to explore within the welcoming environment created by the childminder. Space is well organised to allow children to play freely with different activities. Safety is generally promoted well. The childminder's daily routine takes account of the children's individual needs, and she provides rest and sleep times as required. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to developing her own practices. She regularly attends courses and workshops relating to aspects of childcare to update her knowledge. This contributes towards the children's care and wellbeing.

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Organisation

In general, documentation is well organised and maintained, with individual contracts formulated with parents. However, there is a lack of written information about the childminders policies and procedures, for example, the complaints procedure, to be shared with parents. The childminder is mindful of confidentiality when dealing with personal information relating to children and their families.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, four recommendations were raised to improve the care offered to children. The childminder agreed to increase the range of resources she had to meet the children's needs, set up contracts and obtain written consents from parents, increase the information included in medication records and develop her own awareness and understanding of child protection procedures. A good range of quality resources are now freely available to the children, and these include resources that promote children's awareness and understanding of diversity. This means children can select resources that support their learning and development. She has set up written contracts with all parents, and obtained written consents, this encourages a strong relationship with parents, which benefits the children's care. She has reviewed her procedures for recording administered medication, so that it fully supports children's ongoing health and

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Improvements since the last inspection

well-being. The childminder has attended child protection training, and now demonstrates a good awareness of different signs and symptoms of abuse, and the procedures she needs to follow should she be concerned. This supports her in her role of safeguarding children from harm.

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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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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): • increase parents awareness of policies and procedures, including the procedure they should follow in the event of a complaint, which includes details of how to contact Ofsted • give further consideration to maintaining security

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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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