Freebrough Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 136139 Inspection date 14 April 2005 Inspector Kay Roberts

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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 first registered in 1990. She lives with her husband in a two-bedroom house, close to the centre of Patchway. Minding takes place on the ground floor, although there is access to the first floor bathroom and a bedroom for resting minded children. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the house. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years, and at present has seven children on roll, four of whom are under school

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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 age.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is actively promoted. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. She appropriately manages accidents and the administration of medication, and shares the records with parents. The risk of infection is minimised through the exclusion of children who are sick and hygienic daily routines. Children know the routines such as taking shoes off to go in the house and hand washing after using the toilet. They also demonstrate an understanding of their own bodily needs, and if they become hot will take off their tops. Children's fitness levels are maintained through daily exercise including, walking, visiting parks and soft play. If it is raining children realise that they will be more comfortable if they use the raincoats, wellies and umbrellas, provided by the childminder. Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating through encouragement given by the childminder. Drinking beakers are frequently replenished, fruit is offered

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Helping children to be healthy

as a snack and children enjoy a healthy home cooked mid-day meal. Children know that they need to eat most of the main course, before they are offered a yoghurt. Lunch time is a social occasion as all children sit together. Children's special dietary requirements are met by adjusting meals according to their needs, following discussion with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment where children are relaxed and safe. The ground floor is organised to meet children's needs with furniture placed to the side of the rooms to provide a large play space. There is a strong child focus in the conservatory area which has been set up to encourage imaginary play with a kitchen, workbench and comfortable seating. Children enjoy using this area chatting to each other about the 'babies' and looking at books. Many of the clean and safe resources are kept in this area in cupboards, tubs and on low level shelving and children are able to help themselves. Children are enthusiastic about playing with the toys and they are keen to explain and show things work, such as the Eye toy. Children's interest is sustained by regularly providing new resources which take into consideration each child's stage of development and how this can be

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

extended further. Children are protected well from potential hazards. There is sufficient and appropriate, safety equipment in place, such as car seats and safety net for the large trampoline. As the childminder has addressed potential hazards in the home, children's freedom is maximised. Children are alert to potential hazards. They know the emergency evacuation procedure and that on outings they must always stay

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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 within view of the childminder. On rare occasions children may not be fully protected as the childminder's knowledge of child protection and the local procedures are limited. However, if children arrive with injuries these are discussed with parents and if appropriate recorded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Minded children have fun, are confident and enjoy the activities available to them. They are able to recall outings with the childminder to places such as Avon Valley Country Park. Children's interest is sustained as the childminder actively participates in games such as Jenga. This has resulted in children wanting to learn and to try new things. As they complete puzzles and play the balloon game on the Eye toy children display high levels of concentration. Children make progress because the childminder is aware of each child's stage of development and how this can be extended. She gives children time to do things for themselves and offers encouragement so that they become independent. Children know their own limitations and although they will undress themselves, they ask for assistance from the childminder to put on the dressing up clothes. They are proud of their achievements, as the childminder offers praise and saves completed puzzles to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

show parents. Opportunities are provided so that children confidently make decisions about which Christmas carols they should all sing and which story should be read. As they listen to stories children relax and snuggle up to the childminder. They talk about life at home and holidays with grandparents. The childminder extends their conversational skills by asking pertinent questions. Minded children enjoy each other's company. They play well together, are able to share and take turns, and older children offer assistance to younger ones.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Each child is special as their individual needs are met. This is achieved through discussion with parents and the childminder's good understanding of each child's stage of development and how to encourage this. She offers each child a high level of support and includes all children so that no child feels isolated. Through example, children have learnt to appreciate each other. Children who will not see each other for a while comment that they feel "sad". Children learn about the diverse society in which we live through discussion and resources reflecting positive images of culture, race, gender and disability, being included in everyday play. To date the childminder has no experience of caring for a child with special needs. However, should she be asked to provide care for a child with special needs she would ensure their needs were met through detailed

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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 discussion with parents. Care and activities would be adjusted accordingly. The childminder provides clear, consistent boundaries and has a proactive approach to behaviour management. She ensures there are sufficient toys so that children can have one each, such as dolls' buggies. Prior to commencing a game the childminder reminds children of the rules. Praise and encouragement are given for positive behaviour. As a result, children know the boundaries. They are polite, well behaved and show concern for others. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom care is provided. Children are secure and their individual needs are met as there is a close partnership between childminder and parents. Parents are welcomed into the home and at the end of the day there is a two-way discussion so that both parties are fully aware of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

what is happening in a child's life. Where there are specific concerns relating to a child, details are discussed and a common strategy is adopted so that children do not receive mixed messages.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met and they make good progress as the childminder is well organised. She provides an inviting environment so that children move around without being inhibited and confidently help themselves to toys they wish to play with. Good routine enables the childminder to provide a high level of support and to maximise the time she spends playing with the children. Childminder holidays cause minimum disruption to children, as cover is usually provided by a colleague who is well-known to the children. Children's well-being is promoted through up to date documentation being confidentially maintained and where appropriate shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last Children Act inspection recommended that the childminder ensure documentation is updated to effectively reflect the care children receive; particularly regarding medication records. Children are now protected as the childminder has updated the medication procedure and documentation, so that all parties are fully aware of medication administered to a child. Written consent has been obtained from parents for medical emergencies.

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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 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 children are protected at all times by extending your knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, and the procedure to follow should you have child protection concerns

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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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