Boston Spa Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 108091 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Margaret Moffat

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 registered in 1995. She lives with her family in Ascot. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder’s registration is to care for a maximum six children at any one time and she is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder supports children with special needs. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and takes the children to the local library and park. The childminder has a hamster.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean family home were they develop good personal hygiene routines and self-help skills. The clear hygiene procedures demonstrated by the childminder help protect the children from cross infection and learn good habits. Children enjoy a good range of activities, which contribute to their good health. This includes regular visits to the local park and walks within the local area. They have opportunities to develop their physical skills, exercise and have plenty of fresh air as the play with a selection of toys and equipment in the garden for example slide and wheeled toys. Children have their health and dietary needs met as the childminder works with the parents and respects their wishes with regard to their children’s needs. She prepares the meals provided by the parents and ensures the children develop their independent skills, as they are encouraged to eat meals using the utensils by

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Helping children to be healthy

themselves. Drinks are readily available for the children and they can access these when they are thirsty. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. Meal times provide an opportunity for the children and childminder to sit together and talk and further develop children’s vocabulary and conversation skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel safe and secure in their surroundings. The childminder keeps children under close supervision at all times, reducing risks and minimising hazards. Children play and learn in a secure environment where they can move around safely. Gentle reminders from the childminder help children learn about safety both in the home and outside such as sitting down when they get to the top of the slide and road safety. Children learn independence through being able to select from the good range of toys, resources and equipment available. The childminder ensures they have appropriate choices for their age and stage of development. The childminder has a good understanding of safety-related issues and has relevant policies and procedures in place to ensure children’s safety. She has a good understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow if concerned about a child. This contributes to the safety and welfare of the children.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. They confidently choose toys and resources for themselves and approach the childminder readily for help when needed. Children benefit from regular outings to the local park, library and toddler group where they develop their social skills and awareness of the local community. The childminder reads to the children and asks questions helping them to develop their language skills. Children develop affectionate relationships with the childminder making them feel comfortable and valued. The childminder is interested and involved in children’s play. She spends time talking and playing with them, consequently children receive good support and make good progress in their development. Children develop good relationships with each other. They are beginning to understand the need to share and take turns when

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

playing together. Children benefit from the good interaction of the childminder who knows them well and supports them in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children access a range of resources and outings that promote a positive view of the wider world for example books, puzzles, small world figures and visits to local supermarket and library. Children are valued and respected. They respond well to the constant praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder and behave well. The children develop good relationships with each other and they share and take turns readily for example when going down the slide. The childminder develops good relationships with the parents. She discusses the children’s individual needs thoroughly with them ensuring she meets their individual needs well. The childminder exchanges information, verbally, on a daily basis to ensure parents know about their children’s day and activities they enjoy. The children develop close relationships with the childminder and show affection towards her. She is warm, caring, and sensitive to their needs. Children are happy and relaxed and this

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Helping children make a positive contribution

contributes to building their confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at home in their surroundings and benefit from the organised play space provided. They receive good adult support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well helping them feel secure and confident. Information kept about the children is relevant and helps promote their welfare, however some child detail information and attendance records are not up to date. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for the children and this means the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures, record significant issues and provide parents with a complaints procedure. All of these recommendations have been addressed and further contribute to children staying safe within the provision.

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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 all records relating to childminding activities are maintained accurately and available for inspection at all times

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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