Bluecoat Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

145145 Unique Reference Number 12 February 2007 Inspection date Joyce Bowler Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1999. She lives with her four children aged five, eight, nine and 15 years in Ludgershall. There are shops, parks, schools and a castle within walking distance of the home. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are seven children currently on roll. The whole of the premises, except for the teenager's bedroom, is used for childminding. There are enclosed front and back gardens for outdoor play. The family have a dog, two cats, two tanks of fish and a hamster as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's hygiene is promoted through established routines such as washing hands before eating and after messy play or using the toilet. Children use anti-bacterial gel when away from home on outings. Minded children are protected from the risk of cross contamination by using separate paper towels to dry their hands on. The childminder has appropriate equipment for nappy changes but does not use disposable gloves to change nappies or clean up any bodily spills. This does not protect children from the risks of cross infection in these situations. Children's minor accidents are treated appropriately as the childminder holds a first aid qualification. She keeps three first aid kits for use in the house and the car and on visits away from home. The childminder has obtained parent's written permission to seek emergency medical aid or treatment. Children's health is protected as all records of accidents and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

administration of any medication are completed in full. The policy to exclude children who are sick or infectious is shared with parents and includes further useful information on diseases and illnesses which preclude children from attending. All family pets are up to date with inoculations and worming.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

All food for lunches is provided by parents in packed lunchboxes. The childminder provides snacks, drinks and cooked evening meals for all minded children including those she cares for after-school. There are no children attending currently with special dietary requirements. Weekly menus vary and include roast dinner, lasagne and salad and pizza. Snacks include choices such as toast and jam, cheese and grapes, hot cross buns and fresh fruit. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating which she is passing on to children by encouraging them to try different foods. She has food preparation training and holds an advanced food hygiene certificate. Jugs of water and juice and individual cups and beakers allow children to help themselves to drinks when thirsty during play.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have good access to physical play opportunities. The childminder has gone to great lengths to create an attractive and exciting play environment in her front and back gardens. This is supported by a timetable of weekly activities away from home such as swimming, toddler bowling, using soft play centres, cycling, walking and visiting local parks. Children have access to a huge range of resources to develop their large muscle groups and fine motor control.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment where risks are minimised by the childminder who takes steps to ensure safety. For example, she uses safety gates at the foot of the stairs and across doorways, socket covers are in place, kitchen cupboards have child proof locks and all electrical leads are secured away from children. She has put down play bark in the front garden and created a children's play area in the back garden. Children playing outside are protected from hazards as the childminder has installed fences and an enclosure for pets and risk assesses the area each time it is used. She provides back protection and riding hats for children aged under five who are learning to ride the family pony, who is stabled nearby. Minded children

p.3

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 are happy and familiar with all pets. All pet food, water and the litter tray are inaccessible to children. The childminder has devised an emergency evacuation procedure which is written down, shared with parents and practised regularly to ensure that all children are familiar with it. There are smoke alarms on both floors and a fire blanket in the kitchen. The childminder maintains her public liability insurance. Children's safety and welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has full contact details for parents and carries these with her at all times. She has a clear collection policy to ensure that children are only collected by nominated persons and prior agreement has been made. Children have adequate space to play indoors using the play room and sitting room. They benefit from having safe access to resources that are clean and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder is aware of the procedure to follow in case of a child protection concern. She has devised a policy and shares this with parents. She needs to review and re-write one procedure in order to comply with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board guidelines. The childminder refers to up to date guidance from the National Childminding Association, (NCMA).

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a range of stimulating activities at home and on outings in order to learn while they play. The childminder makes good use of local facilities to provide variety and choice for children. She is well aware of the interests of each child and plans her weekly timetable to take this into account. Children are settled and happy in her care. They have access to a good range of toys, games and resources which relate to their ages and stages of development. These include toys for babies and up to eleven years and older. Older children minded after school benefit from choices to suit their moods and interests after a long school day. Younger children have lots of opportunities to socialise at toddler bowling, swimming and the Clown-Around soft play centre in Salisbury. Children are taken to various activity centres including Paulton Park, Finkley Down and Monkey World. They have annual visits to the pantomime. The

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder takes some children to meet her pony and, with parents permission, they can learn to ride. When playing at home children enjoy art and craft, such as making their own slippers from foam cut-outs, laces and stick on decorations as well as simple cookery. Minded children are included in family celebrations such as birthdays for the minder's own children. They are encouraged to feel part of the family as they make cakes and help with the party preparations. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiastic approach to their play and her friendly and patient help. She has created firm bonds with children that she has minded for some time and demonstrates affectionate and caring relationships. Outside play resources support children's free play. She has created a little play village of four wooden Wendy houses which are kitted out as homes and a shop. The front garden is full of suitable play equipment to develop children's

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ability to balance, climb and slide. She has a copy of the Birth to three matters framework which she uses to inform her practice.

p.4

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

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs and interests are met as the childminder holds information from parents and has established an effective verbal exchange of information. She values her partnership with them and has produced a comprehensive folder of information which she shares with parents at the initial visit. They are then given a copy to take away and read before they sign the contract. The childminder maintains NCMA journals for each child which includes information regarding eating, resting and play activities for each day. Parents take these home and these books are a vital tool for parents to communicate their news first thing in the morning. All parental permissions are in place. Children are able to settle in well as the childminder encourages visits for the children to adjust to their new surroundings and to meet her family. She helps parents to settle children and gives them helpful advice on leaving them for the first

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

time. She has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility regarding any child with learning difficulties or physical disabilities. She is happy to offer care if she feels able to meet a child's needs effectively. She has experience of caring for children with special needs and with English as an additional language. Children are learning good manners and to play well together. The childminder supports this with her behaviour management policy which is shared with parents. She puts a good emphasis on children playing cooperatively and learning to respect each other with sensible levels of give and take.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children benefit from well organised routines which enhance their experiences and offer good opportunities to learn through play. The childminder keeps up to date by reading 'Who Minds', an NCMA publication. She demonstrates satisfactory record keeping and maintains all documentation required for her registration. The childminder has produced extra policies and procedures to support her minding and she shares these with parents. Some amendments are required to ensure that the policy and procedures for child protection are correct. The childminder displays her qualifications and her registration certificate.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to take action to address issues relating to safety and to ensure that all persons over the age of 16 with regular access to minded children are suitably vetted.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed all of these issues in full. She has ensured that her premises are secure at all times and no unauthorised persons may enter. She has mended fences and gates and keeps her doors locked when minding. Kitchen cupboards have safety locks and sharp utensils are out of reach. The cat litter tray is inaccessible to minded children. All smoke detectors are working and are tested regularly. Parents sign the medication book when any medicines are administered to their children. The register is now completed correctly and is up to date. Older children are no longer allowed to ride bikes unsupervised on the green next to the childminder's home. The childminder takes children for supervised bike rides. All persons in

p.5

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 the household or as regular visitors over the age of 16 have been vetted as suitable to be allowed unsupervised access at any time.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

All actions taken to address these issues have had a beneficial effect on the provision and raised standards of quality for children in the childminder's care.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents that they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

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): • consider using disposable gloves when changing nappies and clearing up any body fluids • review and amend the policy and procedures for child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board guidelines.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6