Sandymoor Ormiston Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147683 Inspection date 14 November 2005 Inspector Kim Mundy

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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 1990. She lives with her three adult children in the London Borough of Harrow. The ground floor of the house and upstairs bathroom is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five and two children over five. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a budgerigar.

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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 receives support from the Local Authority and she has obtained 'Quality First' accreditation through National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children’s well-being is promoted very positively and they are protected from unnecessary illness. Children are not able to attend when they are infectious. Excellent records are maintained for accidents and medication. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children's health and welfare is thoroughly promoted and they are learning excellent hygiene practices, for example, washing hands before meals and after toileting and handling animals. They have their own individual flannels and towels which are washed daily to prevent the spread of infection. Children are well protected from the sun as parents are required to provide sun cream and the childminder erects a gazebo to provide suitable shade in the garden. Children enjoy digging in the garden where they have studied worms and insects with magnifying glasses. They are developing very good physical skills as they run, jump,

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Helping children to be healthy

balance and climb at the park and gym. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and meals such as macaroni cheese, lamb cutlets and fruit. The childminder holds a current food hygiene certificate and she is very well informed about nutritious foods for young children.

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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 very warm and welcoming home. They are very relaxed and happy because the childminder has made her home safe and secure to enable them to explore independently. All possible risks have been minimised. For example, children practice the fire evacuation procedure and risk assessments are carried out daily although, smoke alarm checks and fire drills are not recorded. Children are learning to take responsibility to keep themselves safe as they walk to and from school. The childminder teaches them about 'road safety' and 'stranger danger'. Children are able to play, eat and rest comfortably as a good range of well maintained furniture and equipment is provided, for example, high chairs, toilet step and stair gates. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has attended child protection training. She is fully aware of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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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 The provision is good. Children are highly involved with a very good range of toys and resources which fully promote their learning. They are curious and excited by the wide range of activities offered. For example, as they cutting and sticking. Children have good opportunities to practise their early writing and reading skills when drawing, painting and listening to a range of stories. The childminder continually chats to the children to broaden their vocabulary and she suggests ideas to extend their thinking. They have lots of fun counting and recognising colours and shapes as they construct the hop-scotch game on the floor. Children are using their imagination while playing hide and seek and they enjoy building with a variety of construction toys such as, bricks. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy outdoor play as they explore sand and dig in the garden. The childminder continues to develop these experiences for the children. Children have warm and secure relationships with the childminder which enables them to extend their learning in a supportive and caring environment. They are making good progress in all areas of their development as the childminder considers their individual interests and provides suitable support and challenges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are full of self-esteem and their individual needs are met very effectively. They are very proud of their achievements, for example, drawings and leaf paintings. Both children and childminder have mutual respect for each other and the children's individual interests are encouraged. All children are treated equally and they thoroughly enjoy the time they spend with the childminder. Children are learning about the world they live in as there is a good range of toys and resources which reflect different cultures and experiences in life. The childminder places a strong emphasis on building good relationships with parents. There is a daily exchange of information about the children's routine, care and activities and parents are given very good information about the childminder's provision. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge of child care by attending various training courses, such as, 'Diversity and Equality Practice' and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

'Working with children and young people with special needs'.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care, welfare and development is fully promoted because the childminder has a very good understanding of caring for young children and she is extremely organised. The children have very close relationships with the childminder. They are full of confidence and self-esteem and they are very happy in her care. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiasm to extend her skills. For example, by obtaining the National Childminding Association accreditation 'Quality First'. The childminder is responsible for mentoring new childminders in Harrow.

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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 very thorough policies and procedures in line with new legislation for example, the complaint procedure. Record keeping is of an excellent standard and it is stored confidentially. The children are extremely well cared for and they are having a wonderful time in this safe and secure child-friendly environment. 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): • keep a record of smoke alarm checks and fire evacuation practices • continue to develop outdoor play experiences for 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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