The Vale Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 138714 Inspection date 31 January 2006 Inspector Ann Field

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and their 2 children aged 6 and 2 years in Uxbridge, Middlesex. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is currently minding one child under five during the day and providing occasional care for two children over five before and after school. The childminder goes to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a parent and toddler group. The childminder holds an National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) qualification. The family do not have any pets apart from fish in a tank in the

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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 lounge.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children have an excellent understanding of ways to keep themselves healthy. They understand the importance of good hygiene practice; for example, they are familiar with the routine of washing their hands before cooking activities and eating lunch. Children have separate towels easily available to them and clean their teeth after meals. They are cared for in an environment that is warm and welcoming with a high standard of hygiene. There are procedures in place to deal with any medical emergencies to children and the childminder has completed first aid training. Excellent systems of communication between the childminder and parent, meet children’s medication and general health care requirements. The childminder keeps detailed records of accidents that occur and parents sign each entry. Children enjoy plenty of opportunities to develop large muscle skills and co-ordination; they frequently use the garden and have regular trips

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Helping children to be healthy

to the park where they use swings and climbing equipment. Children learn the value of healthy eating and develop their social skills through enjoying meals together at the table. A wide selection of delicious home cooked meals, which have a high nutritional value, enhance their general health. The childminder involves them in food preparation, they have a great time spreading the topping and putting the cheese on the pizza for lunch.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around the home safely and independently, because the childminder has minimised risks and addressed safety issues in her home. The medicine cabinet in the bathroom does not have a lock; however, the childminder closely supervises the younger children to ensure their safety at all times. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder follows safe practice when taking children out, insisting the younger ones hold hands when they walk and making sure that they all use appropriate safety restraints when in the car. Comprehensive procedures and documentations in place, safeguards and promotes the children’s welfare. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures and a clear understanding of her responsibilities to refer relevant concerns. Children learn how to keep themselves safe, they practice the evacuation

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

plan and know not to climb on furniture as they will fall and hurt themselves.

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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 outstanding. Children develop affectionate relationships with the childminder, who is very involved in their play and she interacts well with them. Children are extremely well settled and confident. The childminder provides excellent supervised free play and ensures children take part in an extensive range of different art and craft activities. Children enjoy each other’s company and have great fun together. They experience a variety of interesting outings that help to develop their confidence and social skills. These include visits to the library, toddler group, a children’s gym activity session and regular visits to the local park and shops. Children access an extensive range of activities that promote their learning and they develop their language through good interaction and questioning by the childminder. She encourages them to select and name various coloured bricks; they count them

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as they put them in the truck and build towers to see who can make the biggest. In reading a wide selection of books, they learn about everyday experiences and how to respect books by turning the pages correctly. Children develop their imagination as they drive cars around a play village and make models with play dough.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and confident and the childminder is highly skilled at promoting their emotional security. They benefit from the considerable love, care and attention they receive. Children develop strong relationships with each other; they learn to become independent and gain self-esteem through making choices in an environment reflecting positive images. Children learn to understand right from wrong and play together harmoniously because the childminder uses appropriate and consistent strategies for managing behaviour. Children receive consistent praise for their achievements and co-operation. For example, pressing the right button on the play and tell storybook and helping pick up the toys before moving on to the next activity. Children show care and concern for each other and the childminder has systems in place to integrate all children. Children receive excellent continuity of care; there is an extremely good partnership

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with parents. The childminder completes a detailed daily diary for each child, which parents can contribute to in order to exchange information. Parents complete a detailed form about their children’s individual needs. The childminder shares her detailed policies and procedures with parents. Children really enjoy attending and parents say how very pleased they are with the care provided.

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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 Children spend a purposeful and happy time with the childminder who is well organised and spends a lot of quality time with them. She ensures areas within the home meet children’s requirements, providing separate areas for them to sleep undisturbed or room for them to experience messy play. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of caring for young children; she enables them make good progress in all areas of their development. She keeps all regulatory documents to protect their welfare. Her attendance register is marked daily and she shares relevant paperwork with parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • improve safety by ensuring the medicine cabinet in the bathroom is kept locked.

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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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