New Road Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 150811 Inspection date 29 June 2005 Inspector Penny Wood

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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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and three children aged twelve, seven and one in Kings Somborne, Hampshire. The whole of the home is used for minding including a secure garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children aged between two and seven years old. Children are minded before and after school and on a part-time basis. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She

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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 regularly takes children to toddler group and visits the local park and shops. The family have one pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children follow good hygiene procedures, reducing the spread of infections and minimising the risk of illness. Children who become ill whilst in the childminder’s care are cared for sympathetically until parents arrive, ensuring they feel comforted and reassured. Children benefit from regular physical exercise on outings to the play park and local attractions. Children's access to large play equipment contributes to their good health and enables them to build muscle strength and develop co-ordination skills. Children enjoy a variety of nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder’s knowledge of healthy foods and awareness of children’s dietary requirements ensure they enjoy a balanced diet and experience new foods, which are suitable. Drinks available throughout the day ensure children do not go thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Displays of children’s work make the home a welcoming environment for children. Space is organised allowing children room to play. Children have access to a wide range of resources, which are safe and in good condition. Children enjoy the variety and choice of resources available, which are suitable for children of all ages and abilities. Children are beginning to explore boundaries with their play and are learning how to play safely, for example, building towers on the floor rather than on the furniture. Children’s safety is promoted as a result of the identification of most hazards within the home and garden. Effective measures put in place within the home minimise risk. However, at times the floor area becomes overcrowded with toys, presenting trip hazards to children. Parents are aware of the childminder’s role and responsibilities regarding child protection issues and procedures in place support children’s safety

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and at ease in the childminder’s care. They enjoy regular outings to toddler groups and local attractions, such as the beach and zoo. Activities and outings enable children to enjoy a variety of environments and learn about the world

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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 around them. Children enjoy taking part in a wide range of interesting activities. The availability of appropriate tools and resources allow children to complete tasks independently. Children experience a sense of achievement and enjoy taking their crafts home to show their parents. The childminder’s positive approach to providing a variety of activities encourages children to learn through play. Consistent praise, reassurance and encouragement develop children’s confidence and self-esteem. Children respond well to the childminder during discussions about stories and their everyday experiences, whilst developing good language and listening skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the childminder’s home where they are valued and treated with equal concern. Children enjoy the childminder’s individual attention. The childminder encourages children to respect each other regardless of their abilities or culture. Children are building an awareness of differences in people through colouring activities and the resources available. Children receive appropriate care to meet their individual needs and to aid their development, as a result of the childminder’s knowledge of each child. The childminder recognises the importance of working with parents in order to provide suitable care for the children, in-line with parent's wishes. Children benefit from the strong relationships shared between the childminder and their parents. As a result, the children are happy and settled. Children behave well because of the childminder’s strategies used to manage

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children’s behaviour. Strategies include praise, encouragement and distraction, all of which promote positive behaviour. Children are learning the benefits of following general rules of play, for example, sharing, taking turns and when required, saying sorry.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder’s experience in providing good quality childcare. Regular opportunities for children to meet with their peers, for example in toddler groups, allow children to develop their social skills and self-confidence. Children experience high levels of supervision within the home, which ensures their safety and opportunities to enjoy the childminder’s attention and involvement in their play. The home is well-organised allowing children space to play. Resources are available at child-level and offer independent choice. Documentation is stored securely and maintains confidentiality. Accurate records, which are completed in detail, inform parents of the care provided for their children.

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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 Regular reviews of information ensure child details remain up-to-date and the childminder is able to provide appropriate care for individual children. Information is shared with parents on a regular basis. However, parents do not have ready access to information on how to make a complaint to Ofsted. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children she cares for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has made improvements. Emergency evacuation procedures are practiced regularly. The childminder and children know how and where to evacuate, ensuring their safety in the event of a fire. The garden has been cleared of debris and overgrowth and is newly included in the registration. A new fence ensures the area is secure for children. Most safety issues regarding the garden area have been addressed and the childminder has procedures in place to ensure children’s safety.

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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 old fencing posts are removed or made inaccessible to ensure children's safety • put in place a complaints procedure which provides parents with the name, address and telephone number of Ofsted

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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:

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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 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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