Longshaw Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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147179 Unique Reference Number 16 July 2007 Inspection date Anahita Aderianwalla 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children. They live in a four bed roomed house close to the shops, parks and local schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The back garden is not used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

It is a non - smoking household. The family have five pet cats. The childminder attends mother and toddler groups and childminder network groups with the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for within a very well maintained and hygienic environment as good effective procedures are in place in relation to the personal hygiene of the minded children. The childminder employs effective and thorough hygiene routines, which ensure children are kept healthy at all times. Children understand the purpose and need to keep themselves healthy and are actively encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet and after certain activities, for example, children know they need to wash their hands after playing outside

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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 or a messy activity. Children independently carry out these tasks with little need to be reminded, and are supported in these tasks by the childminder. A written sickness policy which is shared with parents and carers ensures all children are cared for within a very safe environment which is free from infection. The childminder obtains written permission from parents for seeking any necessary emergency medical treatment. This contributes to children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children access drinks on a regular basis throughout the day and they are confident to ask for snacks and drinks when feeling hungry or thirsty. They enjoy a range of very healthy and nutritious food and drinks throughout their minded day. The childminder liaises closely with parents and carers regarding meal provision, allergies, or preferences. The childminder provides a very wide variety of fresh and nutritious meals, which are suitably stored and served.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder offers many opportunities for physical play both inside and out of the home. The childminder positively encourages children to walk to all outings and groups and regularly visits a local park and nearby woodland areas, zoos and farms, taking them out in all types of weather; and ensuring they are suitably dressed. For example, minded children love to "hunt for puddles". Children's opportunities for physical exertion and exercise are made a highly enjoyable experience.

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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 environment where the childminder completes regular risk assessments, identifying possible risks or hazards. This ensures children are cared for in a very safe, secure and supportive environment. The use of suitable safety equipment, such as smoke alarms and safety gates to prevent accidents ensures children's safety and well-being is promoted. Children develop physical skills and skills of independence as they freely select activities and toys from the wide selection provided with constant supervision from the childminder. The childminder has a clear fire escape plan and displays a clear understanding of the emergency evacuation of the premises which ensures children staying safe in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are confident and enjoy their play as they select toys from the range set out for them, from various storage boxes and from those offered to them by the childminder. They are able to freely access the toys and equipment which are age appropriate, safe and hygienic. The regular checking of furniture, toys and equipment ensures that the children are kept very safe at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected in relation to child protection because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection and has developed policies and procedures which are shared with parents. Parents and carers are made aware that the childminder's ultimate responsibility is the safety and welfare of the children she cares for. This enhances children's safety and well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy regular access to a wide range of stimulating resources. They access a wide range of stimulating activities and experiences, both within and away from the childminding setting, which support the growth of children's development across all areas. During the inspection children were motivated and actively engrossed in playing in the role area, a kitchen unit with an assortment of play foods. They use a variety of equipment, toys and different areas of the

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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 available space to create their play. However, a limited access to a range of resources that reflect multicultural and disability themes do not fully allow children to understand diversity. Good interaction from the childminder sustains children's interest and enables them to successfully develop their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities are child-centric and children can self-select from well-prepared craft activities, like painting, printing, colouring sheets, dolls, trains and an assortment of books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are cared for by a warm and comforting childminder who interacts well with them in their imaginative games, playing a character in role play and playing physical indoor games with them, like "hide and seek". Children's welfare is well promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of children's emotional needs and treats them with respect. Children settle very well in the setting and appear happy and confident in a familiar environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder asks a good range of questions throughout children's play to encourage their imagination and speech development, for example 'Do you like cooking? What things have you cooked for me today? Children respond with enthusiasm and confidence. Children show good levels of imagination, for example one child discusses the items they have cooked in the kitchen. For example, "tomatoes and carrots". The childminder's strong understanding of children's needs ensure that their welfare is always paramount to the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered a very good range of different play experiences and activities on a regular basis which enables them to learn new skills and consolidate existing ones. For example, children attend a variety of child-centred settings away from the childminding premises. These encourage the development of social skills as they meet and socialise with other children. They experience the wider community as they play outdoors, go for walks, visit local parks and other places of interest, such as zoo and farms.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The provision is good. All children are welcomed and have equal access to all activities and experiences offered which are stimulating and age appropriate. Although children do not have access to a range of resources that reflect multicultural and disability issues. Children's understanding of others is encouraged through well planned themes and spontaneous activities. Children play cooperatively together, sharing and taking turns are encouraged. The childminder has an understanding of working with children with learning disabilities and would ensure that all children's individual needs are known. She would plan and adapt care accordingly to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very happy and content in their play and their self-confidence is evident and is very well promoted as they receive lots of positive praise and encouragement from the childminder, resulting in their enjoyment and contentment. Children's behaviour is very good, which is a result of the childminder's support and encouragement. The childminder is clear about the need to promote children's positive behaviour and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the good partnership with parents and carers. Children's individual needs and requirements are discussed carefully and in detail with parents and carers prior to placement and on an ongoing basis as they develop new skills. Feedback on children's development and general well-being is given in an informal, verbal way on a daily basis. Parents and carers have access to information on what the childminder has to offer, information about

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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 Ofsted and records. They also have been given a copy of the childminder's policies and procedures including the procedure for complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is conscientious and is confident in her childcare practice. The childminder is aware of the need to incorporate any new training which might enhance her provision for children. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and direction and uses her time and resources very well to support children's care, learning and play. Children are comfortable in the well-organised, and inviting family environment.

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Organisation

All procedures work very well in practice to promote children's health, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. For example, all necessary parent agreements, insurances, child details and records of medication are organised and accessible.

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Organisation

The childminder regularly updates her knowledge of child care to ensure that she is always able to offer the best practice for the children in her care, using the local authority and literature to maintain and improve her skills.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of all the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to record children's attendance and ensure that information includes the time they leave. A daily attendance register is now very accurately kept showing arrival and departure times for every child.

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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 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): • ensure that children have access to a range of resources that reflect multicultural and disability issues.

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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 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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