Chandlers Ridge Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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145287 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2008 Inspection date Paul Martin Kitchen Inspector

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Integrated 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1989. She lives with her husband in 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 two children under five all day, and two children over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network and is currently in receipt of funding for early education for three and four-year-olds. The childminder is qualified to NVQ level 3.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder keeps floors and play areas clean and hygienic. Accurate information is kept of children's special diets and any allergies. Children are encouraged to wash their hands prior to eating and after using the toilet. Cross infections are minimised by the use of anti-bacterial soap and paper towels. A first aid kit is provided, the contents specified on the first aid training course. Children benefit from an effective sickness policy which informs parents that their children should not attend if they have an infectious illness. Accident and medication administration is well maintained and the recording correct. Parents are asked for their written permission for the seeking of emergency medical advice and treatment. This prevents the delay in appropriate emergency care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a home-cooked meal each day which contributes to their health. A published menu is available each week for parents to view and see the content of foods provided. A mid-morning snack of fresh fruit, cheese and yogurt ensures children receive a healthy and nutritious diet. Water or squash is available to prevent children from becoming dehydrated, particularly after physical play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are making successful progress in their physical development. They enjoy daily exercise by going outside for walks to the park and gardens. Children have the opportunity to extend their strength by climbing, balancing, swinging and jumping. They develop their fine motor skills by having access to scissors, paint brushes, tools and pencils.

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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. All areas are suitable with a good range of resources and facilities. Rooms are child friendly, having toys laid out in boxes for children's easy access. The childminder has carefully selected toys that are age-appropriate and suitable. These include tool bench, dolls, dolls house, books, kitchen unit, computer, jigsaws and puppet theatre. All are suitable, well-maintained and kept hygienic. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures designed to keep them free from hazards. These include doors that are secure, stair gates, window locks and a safe and secure garden. However, there is one electrical socket uncovered on the first floor, which exposes children to risk. Fire safety measures include smoke detectors, fire blanket and a fire escape plan that has been practised. Children are well protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of safeguarding procedures

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and can report any concerns to the investigating agencies. Written safeguarding procedures on the notice board inform parents of the legal duty of childminders to report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a wide range of play and learning activities. The childminder divides the children's day into both structured and free play activities which enables children to feel

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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 safe and secure. These include daily visits to a parent/toddler group and soft play centre. There are visits to the park and bus rides which are very popular. Children play alongside the other children where they learn to be kind and share with each other. The childminder helps to develop children's independence in areas such as dressing and undressing. Routines are well maintained, replicating home circumstances such as sleeping, eating and toilet training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of the teaching and learning is good. Planning for the Foundation Stage is well documented and systematic. This ensures activities consistently promote children's development across the six areas of learning. These are reinforced and revisited throughout the year in structured and spontaneous ways which are fun and engage children. Meaningful observations are regularly made to record children's individual development and influence planning on a day to day basis. This ensures activities provide challenge for each child and that children make good progress. Children's individual assessment records track their progress through the stepping stones towards the early learning goals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A wide range of equipment effectively supports children's learning and is presented attractively in accessible, low level units. Children's learning across the Foundation Stage curriculum is promoted each day through a combination of planned activities and those which develop from children's interests. Children operate independently within their environment such as choosing toys and equipment or visiting the toilet. They display high levels of involvement in an activity for extended periods when creating a den or climbing frame. Children correctly identify sounds to letters when playing a game. Older children spontaneously write their name on their art work and younger children attempt to make their own mark. All children hold a pencil correctly. Children count up to ten and beyond and count the number of 'goes' in a game. They identify smaller and larger objects in everyday situations. Older children describe a simple pattern that

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they have created. Children learn about what happens to seeds as they eat their snack apple. They show an interest in how an egg timer works and that the sand in the instrument cannot be accelerated. They then time the putting away of toys. Children are imaginative in the way they use the equipment and toys. They flexibly use the climbing frame, turning it into a castle to defend themselves in a pirate game. They dress up in colourful costumes re-creating scenes from a familiar film. Children confidently mix paint, creating patterns and pictures which they proudly display.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued within the setting and take an active part in structuring their day. Attractive displays of their paintings and drawings in the play room give then a sense of belonging. The childminder provides a good range of resources such as books and toys which reflect diversity. Birthdays and cultural events are regularly celebrated and the cultural backgrounds of each child discussed during play. This helps children's awareness and understanding of others. The childminder has a positive attitude to children with a learning disability and/or difficulties. Should the need arise she is well able to discuss children's individual needs and form a suitable care plan. Children behave well. Children benefit from a childminder who manages a wide range of behaviour. Praise and encouragement are used extensively as is the positive reinforcement

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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 of good behaviour. The childminder works effectively with parents. Contracts and other information are regularly reviewed and information about daily needs is exchanged. The childminder is familiar with the complaints procedure and recording.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. Notice board displays and other written information provides parents with useful information about the setting. Parents are given information about activities and topics their children have completed which enables them to support and reinforce their learning. Informal daily discussion is supported by more detailed written records of children's development which are regularly shared with parents. From written letters seen, parents comment positively on the care their children receive. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The provider and all persons in the household are suitable. Children are protected from visitors to the house as they are not left unsupervised. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and effectively attends to children in the event of an accident. The home and facilities are organised proficiently to meet the needs of children. The childminder maintains effective adult to child ratios which enables children to feel happy and settled. Policies and procedures are used skilfully to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Records are kept confidential and stored for the required number of years. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Leadership and management is good. The nursery education provision is effectively monitored and assessed by the childminder with feedback from the local early years teacher and parents. In addition the service receives support and quality assurance feedback from the county networking organisation. However, strengths and weaknesses of the setting are not systematically assessed by the childminder. The outcome of this is that without this exercise improvements cannot be made to the teaching and learning.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to develop forward planning of activities. Activities are now planned six terms ahead and written in detail including a theme or topic for each term. This is shared with parents.

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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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Complaints 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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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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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 electrical sockets do not pose a hazard to children

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure strengths and weaknesses of the setting are assessed.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 nursery education

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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