Blisland Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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145519 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2007 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 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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, 15 and 18 in Staverton, Trowbridge, 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day, and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have one rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy as they go outside for fresh air and exercise each day in the garden or park. Floors and toilets are kept clean and hygienic and food preparation kept sterile. Children's personal hygiene is promoted as they are encouraged to wash their hands prior to eating and after the toilet. However, a communal towel is used, which therefore can cause cross infections.

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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 Nappies are changed and disposed of according to current health and hygiene procedures. The childminder has a sickness policy that informs parents that their children should not attend if they have an infectious illness. Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder records information accurately from parents, such as allergies and special diets. Accidents are recorded correctly and parents sign the entry to confirm they have been informed. Medication is administered without written parental consent. This is a breach of Regulations. The consequences are that children are at risk as parental instructions are not heeded. Parents provide all main meals in lunch boxes which are stored appropriately. Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided, such as cheese and fruit. Children easily access drinks in the form of milk

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Helping children to be healthy

or squash in their clearly identifiable cups.

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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 warm and welcoming environment. The play rooms are child friendly, having sufficient space and facilities with toys laid out. All areas are heated and ventilated. Children rest or sleep in bedrooms on the first floor. All areas are safe, secure and suitable. There is good provision of toys and equipment for the ages and development of the children registered. These include musical instruments, books, puzzles, paints and colouring. All are well-maintained, regularly checked and kept hygienic. Children are kept safe by a broad range of safety measures including safety gates, door locks and an electronic baby monitor. Fire safety measures are good, such as a written fire escape plan, which has been practised. Children are well protected as the childminder has a secure understanding of safeguarding procedures in line with Local Safeguarding Children's Boards. She is fully conversant with signs and indicators

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of abuse and keeps parents informed of her legal duty to report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of play and learning activities. They go out every day to a parent/ toddler group where they have the space and facilities to run about and play with their friends. They also play alongside the other children in the family where they learn to be kind and share toys with each other. Children benefit from a range of challenging activities that stretch their learning and creative skills. They learn colours, numbers and shapes. Children build with construction toys whilst chatting happily with their friends. They make up dancing and singing games with their favourite records. Children play co-operatively in the home using dressing up clothes. They have a close relationship with the childminder, they go to her for reassurance and comfort. Routines are well maintained, replicating home circumstances, such as sleeping, eating and toilet training. Children are happy, contented and clearly enjoying the experience.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging as they are welcomed into the childminder's house and family. The childminder provides a good range of toys and resources that reflect diversity, such as books and dressing up clothes. This helps children's awareness and understanding of others. The childminder has a positive attitude to learning disability/difficulties. She works closely with parents to identify needs and form a suitable care plan. Children benefit from a childminder who can manage their behaviour well. They are rewarded by the use of praise and encouragement and positive behaviour is promoted. Children behave well and are kind and polite to each other.

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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 The childminder works in partnership with parents. Contracts and other documents are regularly reviewed and information about children's needs are exchanged daily. Younger children and babies benefit from the use of daily diaries in which entries record events, such as foods eaten and any sleep taken. Parents are informed in writing about the complaints procedure and how to access the complaints record.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. 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 feely 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. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and can effectively attend to children in the event of an accident. 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. Records and documents are stored confidentially and available for inspection. 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 ensure the fire escape plan is practised. This is now practised regularly with the children, so that in the event of a fire children would be able to leave the premises safely.

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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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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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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): • ensure the hand drying facilities are suitable • ensure written parental permission is obtained for all medication administered.

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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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