Ridgeway Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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149128 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2007 Inspection date Jenny Howell 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 satisfactory. 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 since 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12, ten and three years. They live in a house in Shoeburyness within walking distance of schools, pre-schools, shops and the park. The whole house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have two cats and four rabbits.

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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. She is currently caring for 10 children, including those over the age of eight, on a part-time basis, providing after-school care. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean environment. The childminder ensures that snacks are prepared in a clean area and her daily routines ensure that all areas used by children are kept clean. Children are helped to understand how to keep healthy as they talk about the reasons for hand

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 washing, especially after handling pets. The childminder follows appropriate procedures if children become ill in her care. She contacts parents quickly to update them and keeps all relevant records up to date. The childminder keeps a first aid kit close to hand at all times, and has up to date training in first aid. However, she has not yet obtained written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met. Snacks are varied and children have healthy options, such as fruit. Drinks are freely accessible ensuring that children are well hydrated, especially in hot weather. The childminder is aware of the individual likes and dislikes of each child and ensures that the food she provides meets these needs. Children have regular opportunities to exercise as they make use of the garden and take regular walks around the local area. Children visit the park to climb, slide and swing as well as using the garden to play and exercise. Children are able to rest according to their individual needs. A comfortable seating area in the living room provides older children with space to relax and unwind after their day at school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder has appropriate precautions, such as stairgates and socket covers, in place to protect children and checks that all areas used by children are safe at the start of each day. A fire blanket and smoke detectors are appropriately fitted to help protect children in the event of a fire. Children are kept safe on trips and outings. When travelling by car the childminder ensures that children use age-appropriate seats and restraints. When walking around the local area children learn about how to cross roads safely and follow rules such as not running ahead, to help ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely with toys and equipment which are regularly checked and washed. Toys are stored safely, to allow children to access them with ease and toys with small parts are kept out of the way if babies are present. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to protect the welfare of the children in her care. She has published guidance to refer to should she have any concerns and would seek advice from Social Services.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and relaxed in the childminder's home. They develop self-esteem as they are regularly praised for their efforts and achievements. Children take part in a range of activities which interest and engage them as they express their imaginations and become engrossed in their play. Children enjoy varied activities which are appropriate to their ages and interests. These include trips to the park, outdoor play, reading, puzzles, dolls and prams, cars, colouring and play-station games. During holidays children also enjoy trips, visiting places such as Marsh Farm, the beach and a 'safety road-show'. Children are able to access toys and equipment with ease, through the use of low-level storage boxes and shelves. This allows children to lead their own play and ensures that they are busy at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children talk freely, asking and answering questions during all activities. They are able to follow their own ideas and imagination when playing, frequently including others in their games. Children play well together. They select activities which others can play and have time and space to play alone if they choose. The childminder has not yet implemented the 'Birth to three

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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 matters' framework as she is not caring for children under three. However babies and toddlers would be appropriately cared for with access to suitable toys, activities and equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel comfortable and welcomed at the childminder's home. They enjoy equal access to all toys and equipment and are treated as individuals, with their specific needs and interests catered for. Children are helped to develop an understanding of the world around them as they talk openly to the childminder about the people and events they see. Children have further opportunities to learn about different traditions and ways of life around the world as they have access to books which reflect difference and diversity. All children have their individual needs met. The childminder is aware of any special needs children may have and works with parents to ensure that children are cared for appropriately and consistently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They are regularly supported and encouraged, which helps to reinforce their good behaviour. Age-appropriate strategies are used to discourage unwanted behaviour and the childminder talks to children calmly to help them understand why their behaviour has been unacceptable. Parents have an opportunity to talk in depth to the childminder about the care she offers, before choosing her for their child. They also receive a range of written policies and procedures which helps them to form a clearer picture of the care their child will receive. The childminder ensures that she gathers all relevant information about children before she cares for them and most written parental permissions are in place. Parents receive daily, verbal feedback about their child. The childminder is available to speak to at any time to keep parents up to date and encourages them to talk to her with any concerns or questions they may have.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well-organised environment. They have space in which to play, eat, rest and exercise, with access to a fully enclosed garden and regular trips around the local area. The childminder has completed all required training, including recent first aid training. The childminder is committed to improving and developing her childcare skills and has recently started training for an NVQ Level 3. The childminder ensures that she cares for children in line with her conditions of registration and as a result of this all children receive sufficient individual time and attention.

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Organisation

Documents are easy to access and kept up to date, with an accurate register, accident and medication log in place, which can be shared with parents at any time. Contracts are in place with parents, however, written parental permissions do not yet include permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. As a result of this the childminder is, potentially, unable to care for children in line with parents' wishes in the event of an accident or emergency. The childminder is aware of her need to care for children in line with the National Standards and to keep Ofsted informed of any relevant matters or changes.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve planning, to provide an increased range of activities and play opportunities for older children's development. The childminder now has an appropriate range of toys and resources which will interest and engage older children, ensuring that they are able to play happily, accessing a range of activities.

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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

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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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 to seek emergency medical advice and treatment.

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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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