Academy 360

Inspection report for early years provision

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145477 Unique Reference Number 13 June 2006 Inspection date Beverley Blackburn 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 1993. She is an active member of the local childminding group and the vacancy list holder.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family live in Trowbridge, The family home is a detached, four bedroom house. The minded children have access to all areas of the house as appropriate. For outdoor play the rear garden is accessible to the minded children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight at any one time. She currently cares for eight children some on a part-time basis.

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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 enjoy a good range of activities that contribute to their good health. They are involved in regular exercise through outdoor play and regular walks to the local school. These activities help the children to control their bodies and improve their physical skills. Children are able to rest and be active in line with their individual needs and parent's wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean and secure homely environment, where they learn to understand the importance of good hygiene practices and personal care through a well planned daily routine. Children use wet wipes to clean their hands before eating, and hands are washed after using the toilet, children are aware that clean hands help prevent the spread of bacteria.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from snacks that are nutritious and healthy, such as fresh fruits. They are provided with drinks throughout the day which are easily accessible to them. The childminder takes account of the children’s preferences and parent’s wishes. The meals provided by the parents are appropriately stored. Children are encouraged to develop their social skills by eating their snacks and lunches together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe and welcoming environment. They play freely without restriction in an environment where risks are identified and reduced. The children play happily under the supervision of the childminder in an environment with a range of planned and free play activities. The childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe outside and inside of the home by showing them how to cross the road safely. She carries out regular emergency evacuation practices with the children, which are accurately recorded after each practice. Younger children are securely strapped in their pushchairs when out walking and are made aware of their environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a very good range of good quality toys and equipment that are stored at their level. The toys are safe and in good condition, appropriate and suitable to the age and stage of development. The children's welfare and safety increase through the childminder's good understanding of the procedures she follows if she has concerns about a child or suspected child abuse. She has all the required procedures and documents in place, and is aware of keeping accurate and clear recorded information on any concerns. The procedures and documents in place are used effectively to ensure the children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are settled and happy and feel at home and at ease in a warm, caring and well-organised environment. They benefit from an excellent range of stimulating and purposeful indoor and outdoor activities: for example, craft activities making dragons for St George's Day, father's

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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 and mother’s day cards. The children show interest and enthusiasm as they make independent choices and select their activities from very good well-presented play activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The well-planned activities contribute to children's development and learning. They provide a high level of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development, such as growing sunflower seeds, beans and watercress. The more able children are able to increase their skills in writing by forming numbers and letters. Children are confident, animated and enthusiastic about their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take pleasure in each other’s company. They play together co-operatively, share and take turns. This promotes their sense of achievement and helps them to learn to negotiate. The older children are helped to develop good relationships between each other by working on a friendship poster together. Children receive consistent support and meaningful praise and encouragement from the childminder, which helps to enhance their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are listened to and have their questions answered. The childminder is very attentive to them, she clearly enjoys being with them and helping them to learn. Children are treated as individuals and their individual needs are met. They are cuddled and made to feel secure, which enhances their sense of well-being. The childminder has a very good understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and incorporates this into her practice to support children's learning and development such as planning activities that involves all the children including babies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have access to a range of activities and resources that promote a positive view of the wider society. This increases the children's understanding of others and the differences and similarities. However, the children lack experience of outings within the local community. Children can independently select toys from a good range of activities suitable for both boys and girls. Their individual needs are met through the childminder working with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from the childminder's good working relationship with the parents which involves sharing information and regular feedback about the child's day. The children settle well because the childminder works closely with the parents in discussing the individual needs of the children on a daily basis. The parents often show their appreciation for the good care their children have received through letters and cards.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good behaviour strategies in place; this encourages the children to be well behaved and polite. Children benefit from her ability to manage a range of behaviour taking into account the age and level of understanding of the children. The children play well together and value each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's safety is maintained as a result of a well-organised setting. The childminder's documents are very organised. The policies and procedures are used effectively to promote

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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 welfare of the children. The children benefit from the childminder's maintenance of an appropriate child to adult ratio; which ensures they are happy and well cared for. The space is utilised to meet the needs of the children effectively. The childminder meets the needs and range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to secure the loose slabs in the garden.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The slabs are now made safe and secure. Children can now play safely in the garden.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection in 2003, concerns were received in October 2004 in relation to the provider breaching the condition of registration by over minding and not complying with keeping an accurate register of attendance - National Standard 2 Organisation. The provider has since rectified the situation and a follow up visit showed the provider to be meeting the standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of the complaints made by the parents, which they can see on request. The complaints records 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): • improve the children's knowledge and experience of the local community

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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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