Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 149225 Inspection date 19 October 2005 Inspector Susan Parker

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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 has been registered since 1994. She lives in Stevenage with her two children, both aged over eight. The premises are situated in a quiet close in a residential area of Stevenage. The areas of the home designated for childminding purposes are the lounge/diner and the converted garage. There is a secure rear garden. The family have 6 rabbits in hutches in the garden. Children have supervised access.

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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 currently minding two children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. They are provided with creative, nutritious, balanced meals and snacks which support their individual dietary needs, and encourage them to try new foods. The children are provided with a cooked meal or healthy snack in line with discussions with parents. The Children who are fussy eaters, benefit from the childminders creative and imaginative ideas for preparing healthy meals. For example, she will mix carrots in mashed potato to ensure children eat healthily. Children are protected from infection through basic hygiene practice and routine, although this could be improved upon. Children who are unwell will be made comfortable and their parents contacted. If parents give permission for medication to be administered, this will be recorded with the date, dosage and time, and parents told verbally. Children who go on trips or outings are protected by the childminder's good practice

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Helping children to be healthy

of taking a portable first aid kit and emergency contact numbers. This ensures that any child who has an accident or becomes unwell, can be cared for efficiently at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is promoted through good policies, procedures and the knowledge and understanding of the childminder. Children are able to explore and use resources in a safe, warm and welcoming environment. Furniture is organised to allow children freedom of movement which promotes their independence and self-esteem. Children are aware of the boundaries within the setting designed to enhance their safety. For example, they do not enter the kitchen unless accompanied. Children have their own child-sized furniture which aids their independence and allows them to access resources and activities with ease. Children are protected from harm by the good care and vigilance of the childminder and her understanding of good supervision. She has a detailed understanding of child protection and is aware of the correct procedures according to the local area child protection committee guidelines. Children are protected on outings as the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder ensures that she has all emergency details carried with her in a confidential way.

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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 confident, happy, settled and comfortable, both in the setting, and in the company of the childminder. Their individual needs are effectively met, and their care and welfare is promoted by the childminder's detailed knowledge of the children which has been gathered through their time together, and in a close working partnership with the parents. Children are involved in a broad range of creative activities and have access to a good selection of resources which meet the needs of the children and provide interesting challenges, support their development and overall learning. Evidence of this can be seen through a very clear record of photographs which the children are very proud of. Children are confident to make decisions, explore and investigate, and relate well to others. Their personal development and self-esteem are promoted through the good practice of the childminder, and her support and encouragement to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice is actively promoted through encouraging children to make their own choices. All children have equal access to a good selection of resources which reflect positive images of other cultures, and figures which depict people with disabilities. Children also experience different foods from around the world, such as pasta and curry. Any child with special needs would benefit from the childminder's knowledge. The childminder is able to identify any special needs and is aware of the appropriate action to take to ensure that the child is well supported in attaining their full potential. Children's good behaviour is promoted by praise and encouragement. Any unacceptable behaviour will be discussed with the child at their level of understanding, and suitable age-appropriate sanctions used, such as distraction or time out. Children benefit from a good partnership between the childminder and the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All aspects of the child's care and welfare are discussed daily. Any confidential information is shared privately. This ensures that the children benefit from a consistent approach when at home or in the care of the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is supported by the childminder's adequate organisation. Their records and individual details are effectively recorded and shared with parents. The childminder stated that she is enrolled on a first aid course which will update her

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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 knowledge and ensure the safety of the children. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of childcare. She understands and generally follows guidelines and procedures which promote children's well being and supports their development. Children's needs are adequately met through satisfactory organisation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to ensure the children are protected from the gas and electric meters. These are now in an inaccessible cupboard and do not pose a risk to the children. She was also asked to have an incident record in place. The childminder has acquired an incident book, she is aware of its correct usage but has not had the need to use it up to this time. The childminder was asked to ensure the children are not exposed to any sharp implements in the kitchen. This has been effectively addressed by ensuring the children do not access the kitchen unsupervised. She was also asked to provide a selection of resources which reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. The childminder has provided a selection of figures from different ethnic backgrounds and with various disabilities. She has also provided traditional costumes within the dressing up selection. Children

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Improvements since the last inspection

also benefit from a varied menu which includes foods from around the world, such as pasta and curry.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 always wash their hands prior to eating food • ensure that parents always sign the administration of medication record.

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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 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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