Engage Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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145432 Unique Reference Number 23 August 2006 Inspection date Paul Martin Kitchen 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her two children aged five and nine in Westbury, Wiltshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day, and two children before and after school. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant, who may sometimes have sole charge of the children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family have one dog. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties/disabilities.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder follows consistently high health and hygiene practice. Floors and toilets are kept clean and hygienic. Children learn they must wash their hands to remove germs which may cause them harm. They are encouraged to play in the garden outside most days experiencing fresh air and exercise. Nappies are changed and disposed of according to current health and hygiene procedures. Children have their own labelled wet wipes and in the toilet disposable drying towels. They have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder records information accurately from parents. This includes records about allergies and special diets. The childminder has a comprehensive sickness policy that informs parents that their children should not attend if they have an infectious illness. Accident and medical records are all correct. Children rest or sleep according to their needs. The Birth to

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Helping children to be healthy

three matters framework is used expertly using tracker charts that ensure all areas are covered. Parents provide children with main meals and snacks. Children easily access drinks which are provided in the form of fresh drinking water or juice.

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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 cheerful, warm and welcoming environment. A purpose built playroom is decorated with vibrant colours and children's art work. Toys and equipment are laid out as children arrive so they feel a sense of belonging and continuity. All areas are secure and suitable for the purpose. Children enjoy free access to play facilities throughout the ground floor and rear garden. There is an excellent range of toys and equipment for the ages and development of the children registered. All are well maintained, regularly checked and kept hygienic. Children are kept safe from a range of safety measures. These include socket covers, safety gates, and window locks. However there is no written parental consent for use of the trampoline in the garden. The outcome is that children are at risk from a high risk activity without parents written consent. The childminder has a proficient level of fire safety precautions including smoke

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

detectors. There is a fire blanket and a written fire escape plan that has been practised regularly. The children are well protected as the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with procedures from Local Children's Safeguarding Boards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a dazzling range of play and learning activities. Core activities are planned for most days in which children contribute, to what they would like to do. Children enjoy play at a soft play centre, visits to the park and at other childminder's. They visit the pottery where they learn to make pots and bowls. The next day they decorate them and return them to be fired. The childminder ensures children are taken out most days and regularly with another childminder. Children benefit from the exceptional organisational skills of the childminder. These include sport days which are arranged for the children of the two providers. Children

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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 develop confidence and self esteem as they learn new skills in craft and bead work. They develop positive relationships enjoying friendships with the childminder's own family. Children benefit from a range of challenging activities that stretch their learning and creative skills. They play co-operatively in the home using the vast range of dressing up clothes. Children have a close relationship with the childminder, they go to her for comfort and reassurance. Routines are superbly well maintained replicating home, such as periods of sleep, according to parents wishes and the needs of the child. Children are happy, contented and clearly enjoying the experience.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children feel a sense of belonging as they are welcomed into the childminder's house and family. The childminder provides an inventive range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. This also increases children's awareness and understanding of others. The childminder has a positive attitude to learning disability and works with parents to identify and meet the needs of children. Children benefit from a childminder who can effectively manage their behaviour. They are rewarded by the use of praise and encouragement and positive behaviour is promoted. Star charts additionally are used to reward good behaviour, which children particularly enjoy. Children behave well and are kind and polite to each other. The childminder works in partnership with parents. Contracts and other information are regularly reviewed and information about children's daily needs are exchanged. Parents are well informed

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Helping children make a positive contribution

in writing about the new complaints procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are protected as the childminder ensures all visitors and members of the household are suitable to be with minded children. Space is well-organised to allow children to feel welcome, move freely and choose their own activities. The daily routine is structured so that children feel secure but is flexible enough to allow their individual needs to be met. Children feel at home and their care is enhanced in a well planned environment. The childminder has a high regard for children's welfare as she maintains sound child to adult ratios. This ensures children are happy and settled. All records policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. These are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. There is a comprehensive portfolio of information for parents to view at initial meetings. All records are kept confidential and

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding about the procedure to follow if an allegation of abuse is made against her or others; and ensure parents sign the attendance register. Procedures are now available which are clearly understood by the childminder should there be allegations made. Parents now sign the attendance register

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Improvements 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 for the entry against their child, conforming they agree with the record. Overall this helps the setting meet the needs of the children and ensures their wellbeing.

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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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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): • obtain written parental permission for use of the trampoline.

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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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