Langley Mill Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 145491 Inspection date 16 June 2005 Inspector Samantha Powis

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, 4 and 1 year in the village of Harnham, close to Salisbury City Centre. All areas of the home, except for the loft room are accessible to minded children. This includes a secure garden area to the rear of the property for outdoor play. The family do not have any pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children. There are currently four children on roll. She holds an early years qualification.

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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's health is promoted in all areas. They are encouraged to engage in physical activity on a daily basis. They regularly go on local walks to feed the ducks or play at the park, and get plenty of fresh air by using the small garden area on a daily basis. Older children are involved in physical activity, and the childminder joins them in completing fun runs. Children develop an awareness of healthy eating. Parents provide a packed lunch for their child. The children are encouraged to select the healthy options from the lunchbox before having the treats. Any snacks provided by the childminder are nutritious and take account of the children's individual dietary needs. Children are protected from the risk of cross infection due to the effective practices followed by the childminder. When changing nappies she uses gloves and ensures changing mats are cleaned. Bedrooms used for sleep purposes are well ventilated

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Helping children to be healthy

and separate bedding is provided for each child. Older children learn the importance of good hygiene and are provided with appropriate resources to enable them to manage their own personal care needs. Such as liquid soap and paper towels being available in the bathroom.

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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 comfortable family home. Toys and resources of positioned carefully, to ensure they can move around the home safely and independently. Children remain safe due to the vigilance of the childminder. She is proactive in ensuring that hazards are minimised, however, the storage of some building tools within the home is not suitable. Children have access to a stimulating range of safe and suitable toys and equipment. Safety arrangements are reviewed according to the needs of children being cared for, to ensure all are protected. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder maintaining all the required documentation and holding a current first aid qualification. The childminder has a secure and clear knowledge of child protection procedures which supports her in her role of keeping children safe. Children are safe when taken on local outings. Harnesses are used to ensure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children are secure when in the buggy or when walking. Through discussion, the childminder helps the children to learn about keeping themselves safe. They begin to take some responsibility for their own safety as they get older, under the careful supervision of the childminder, for example, when playing in the park area or crossing the road. The childminder has installed appropriate fire protection devices to ensure the risks to children are minimised.

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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 settle well at the childminders house which helps to build their confidence. Warm and sensitive relationships are established between the childminder and the children. They learn to develop relationships with other children by regular attendance at local toddler groups. They are confident within the familiar daily routines and are treated as part of the family. The positive interaction between the children and the childminder increases children's sense of belonging. The children have good opportunities to make independent choices in their play, due to the effective organisation of resources. The are involved in a variety of activities, which includes opportunities for them to engage in creative activities and building and designing using construction toys. They increase their fine muscle control when threading chunky shapes onto laces. They are well supported and encouraged by the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder during activities, which stimulates their interest and extends their ability to concentrate. They enjoy regular outings to the park and library and go swimming on a weekly basis. This extends their experiences of the wider world and offers them opportunities to acquire new skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are valued and respected. Detailed written information about each child's needs is sought. She is sensitive towards individual needs and takes appropriate steps to ensure all children are well supported. She develops sensitive and professional relationships with the parents, contributing to continuity in their care. Effective systems for the daily exchange of information, ensures children's changing needs are recognised and their achievements shared. The children are relaxed and secure within the childminder's home. They learn about their local community as they regularly visit places of interest. Their understanding of the wider world is encouraged through thoughtful discussion and the use of appropriate resources. Children are able to develop caring relationships with others and learn skills which will help them to manage their own behaviour. This is because the childminder has

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Helping children make a positive contribution

clear expectations of behaviour, and uses lots of praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and settled within the homely environment. Space both indoors and out is well organised, giving them opportunities to move freely and make independent choices.

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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 The childminder updates her training to ensure she can provide appropriate care and support to the children in the event of an emergency. Clear documentation including policies, consent forms and record forms are in place. This contributes to children's safety, well being and learning. Parents have a clear understanding of the childminders practices to enable them to make an informed choice, which is appropriate to their child. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the system to record accidents and incidents. Individual records are now maintained. This ensures that children are protected as parents are kept well informed, and information remains confidential to each family. Policies have been extended to include behaviour management and child protection. This ensures parents have a good understanding of the childminders practices, and promotes continuity of care for the children.

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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 building tools are inaccessible to children.

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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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