Acacias Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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105401 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2008 Inspection date Aileen Ewins 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 has been a registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and four children aged from eight to 14 years old. The family live in a house in Cippenham, Slough. Children play downstairs and have access to the fully enclosed garden. The family do not have any pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, a network childminder and has an up to date paediatric first aid certificate. The childminder has completed Childcare NVQ Level 3 and is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time. Currently she has five children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well looked after by the childminder who has good routines in place for nappy changes. The childminder wears gloves and the nappy is disposed of immediately. Parents provide nappies and wipes and the childminder labels these up for each child. A daily diary is in place so parents are made aware of nappy changes throughout the day. Children being

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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 potty/toilet trained are offered support and encouragement. Stickers are given as rewards for children trying hard/achieving whilst potty training. The childminder works with parent's wishes and offers advice if needed. Children are only potty trained when ready.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn good hygiene routines in the care of the childminder. Children wash hands before eating and after messy play, playing outside and using the toilet. Children use the downstairs bathroom and have access to a step if it is needed. Children also have their own individual washing bag hanging up which contains a toothbrush and paste, flannel and hairbrush. Children also have their own individual towel. These good routines help children to learn to be independent about their health care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware to document accidents and medication. Secure procedures are in place for this. Parents sign to acknowledge. The childminder has completed first aid training. A sickness policy is in place and parents are aware to keep children at home if suffering from sickness or diarrhoea and if they have a contagious disease. Sleeping children have individual sheets and take their nap/sleep on the sofa or pushchair. Children play out in the garden and also walk to and from school. Children have trips to the park and visit toddler groups and soft play centres; and therefore receive plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide food for the children and follow the healthy food policy in place. If needed the childminder provides children with healthy snacks. Children have access to water throughout the day. The childminder is aware of children's dietary needs and any allergies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are made to feel welcome at the childminder's home which is spacious, light, clean and airy. Children mainly use the downstairs of the home and have access to the back garden. Children have a large main room to play in and can access their toys and resources easily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a range of equipment, such as car seats which the childminder ensures are age and size appropriate. Parents supply baby car seats. Toys and resources are cleaned on a rota and checked for safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe within the home as the childminder uses the side entrance which gives access to the downstairs bathroom, inner hall, kitchen and large lounge/play room. There is further access through to the family lounge. The front, back and side doors are locked during the day. A stair gate is in place over the stairs and through to the kitchen. Cleaning materials are stored in cupboards with child proof locks as are sharp objects kept in drawers with locks. Toughened glass is fitted to interior doors; radiators are controlled thermostatically; and socket covers fitted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A fire/emergency evacuation procedure is in place and displayed. Smoke detectors are fitted in three places and on both levels of the house. A fire blanket is in the kitchen. Children are made aware of fire safety and talk to the childminder about the fire service and how to get out in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The garden is secured throughout and children are kept further safe as the childminder checks the garden for any poisonous plants, the shed is padlocked and the garden contains no water features. When out and about children are in the pushchair or use straps/reins. Older children hold the childminder's hand when walking along. Children are taught safe crossing procedures

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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 and further practise this in the garden with a make believe zebra crossing which in turn encourages children to think about their own safety on the roads. The childminder completes a mental risk assessment when going out and about with children and takes with her parent's emergency contact numbers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed child protection training and is aware of how to safeguard the children she cares for. Parents are made aware of the policy and any incidents involving children are documented. The childminder is aware of procedures to follow and also to protect herself from false allegations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children delight in their activities whilst with the childminder. Art and craft activities are arranged according to children's level of understanding and age although children of all ages take part using the same resources. The childminder sits with the younger child as the children make their pictures and cards using paints, glue and glitter. Children's imagination is stretched as the childminder asks lots of open questions. Limited adult assistance is used however; and therefore children's designs are original.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children can access their resources easily and an extensive range of toys are provided. Babies toys include walkers and soft play, rattles, a baby gym, small construction and people. Older children play with a large fort/castle, cars, dolls, Lego, books, puzzles and board games form example. Older children can also go into the family lounge to watch a little television if they wish on returning home from school. Children have fun outside too and a wide range of equipment is provided for them to play with. During the holiday periods all the children are taken on outings. All age groups are catered for and a comprehensive list is available, along with photographs of the places children have spent time together at; for instance Burnham Park, Beale Park, Slough Museum, Snakes and Ladders and Boulter's Lock to name but a few.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Inspiring advantage is taken up to help children learn about the community around them. Children delight in explaining how they have visited the new nursery currently being built near to the childminder's home; and how children were taken on a tour of the building, wearing hard hats and learning about the crane; what it did; how much it cost and how high it went up. Children are also taken to the park in good weather, where they sit together and paint the surrounding countryside. Photographs show how children explore their awareness and paint amongst the daffodils and chase bubbles around the garden. Children also use photographs the childminder has taken of the seasons, time and weather and children are encouraged as they copy these pictures using paints or pencils.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are motivated exceptionally well as they play and happily sit with the childminder as they play, as they sing familiar action songs together and also read books. Children thoroughly enjoy cooking sessions as well and delight in making pancakes, cakes, biscuits and vegetable soup during their cooking sessions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is organised in her care and successfully plans activities for children at the same time assessing their development for future planning. Children are happy and settled and confidently approach the childminder whilst at the same time forming solid relationships with one another.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's home and are confident in her care. The childminder is aware of their individual needs and adjusts the activities planned so that all children are treated with equal concern. For example when playing outside with balls, a variety of sizes are provided and a range of activities in place from rolling to catching and on to swing ball for older children. Children therefore feel valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are being introduced to the diverse world in which they live and have some knowledge of positive images within society. For instance puzzles depicting culture/ethnicity and books such as Letanga's new friends are provided. Children also try out food from around the world and sing songs from a range of countries at a music club which they visit. The childminder ensures that she takes time herself to find out about the needs of others and has acquainted herself with the particular needs a child would have who for him/her English was a second language; and the needs of children with Dyslexia for example.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and given lots of praise and encouragement during the day. Children are encouraged to say please and thank you. Sticker charts are also used to encourage children struggling with behaviour or perhaps eating healthily/well. If children act inappropriately the childminder uses distraction, particularly with the younger children; but when children understand more they are explained to why something is not nice or kind; with 'time out' being used. Children are encouraged to say sorry.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has solid relationships with the parents of the children she cares for. New children and parents visit and she gets to know them as much as possible using settling in time and a trial period. Parents are made aware of the policies and procedures in place. Parents also receive regular newsletters; and parents complete a form which details children's starting points, likes and dislikes for instance. Verbal feedback is given to parents when children are collected and each day the childminder completes a diary to explain children's well-being, eating, sleeping and nappies.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children settle well whilst in the care of the childminder who is organised and imaginative in her approach. Children and the childminder form warm relationships. The childminder has completed her Level 3 in Childcare and continually updates her training in such events as behaviour management, creativity, play and healthy snacks for example.

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Organisation

The childminder cares for a range of children but ensures they all receive equal concern which in turn helps children to feel valued.

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Organisation

Children's safety is important to the childminder. She has completed paediatric first aid training and completes accident and medications records as required. Children's records are kept confidentially and written consents are in place for emergency treatment/advice, observations, photographs, routine outings and transporting in the car for example. The childminder is insured as legally required and ensures her car is maintained well. Registers detail children's arrival and departure times.

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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 Information for parents is successfully organised. Parents are made aware of the policies and procedures in place, such as uncollected children, confidentiality, equal opportunities and sickness for example. Training certificates and references are made available to parents also. New parents receive a prospectus and parents are regularly updated with newsletters. The certificate of Ofsted is displayed and parents are made aware of the role of Ofsted; although the address for contact, should parents wish to make a complaint is currently entered incorrectly. Liability insurance is displayed.

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Organisation

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 set just one recommendation which was to update information given to parents. This referred to updating information that the childminder was married. The childminder has addressed this information by updating information given to parents within the prospectus; and she does this now on a regular basis. Parents are therefore aware of the household make up and children are kept safe as all household members are documented.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection no complaints have been made to Ofsted that required Ofsted or the provider 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): • update information to parents regarding complaints.

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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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