Oasis Academy Skinner Street

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 140040 Inspection date 24 November 2005 Inspector Lorna Lorraine Hall

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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 2000. She lives with her partner, and their three school age children. Her partner assists with childminding duties. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with access to the upstairs toilet. Children do not have direct access to outside play. However, outings to parks and playgroups are an integral part of the daily activities. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds an NNEB childcare qualification and has substantial experience of working with children in group day care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Effective daily routines and the childminder's own good practice prevents cross infection. For example, children wash their hands after visiting the toilet and brush their teeth after meals. Areas used by the children are cleaned with antibacterial spray. Children make good use of the wide range of activities, which contributes to their good health. For example, daily outings enable them to enjoy the fresh air and participate in physical exercise which promotes their well being. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and is confident that any incidents that require first aid would be dealt with appropriately. Good systems are in place to record medical information and to obtain the required consent from parents. This safeguards the children's welfare. Freshly prepared, wholesome, nutritious meals and snacks help children develop healthy eating habits from an early age. For example, the childminder provides some

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Helping children to be healthy

organic food and keeps a record of food intake to ensure individual dietary needs are met. Children are able to access drinks throughout the day. As a measure of good practice the childminder also take drinks on outings to prevent the children getting thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well organised, spacious and child orientated environment that allows them to move around safely, freely and independently. Effective measures are in place to minimise identified risks and to ensure the safety of children inside and outside the home. Children can choose from a wide selection of resources suitable to their age and development. Resources are attractively stored at the children's level in brightly coloured boxes or on shelves. This allows the children to make choices and contribute to their own learning. Suitable and sufficient child size furniture is available to encourage young children's independence. Effective safety measures are in place to promotes children's understanding of safety. As a means of safety, parents are asked to give their consent for the

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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 childminder to transport minded children in her car. Parents are asked to give the details of persons authorised to collect their children. Some parents have an individual password. This safeguards children's welfare. During discussion, the childminder identified areas that could be used in an emergency evacuation. The procedure is supported by a written policy. However, the procedure is not practised with the children, thereby potentially compromising their safety in an emergency situation. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection and documents are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguard and promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settled in their environment, confidently accessing activities which promote their all round development. Through interaction and observations the childminder ensures that all the children spend their time purposefully and enjoy learning through play. For example, music playing in the back ground creates a relaxing atmosphere and children respond enthusiastically to their favourite songs. The childminder is in the early stage of using the Birth to three matters framework to ensure activities are geared to meet individual learning needs. There are lots of opportunities for children to develop their vocabulary during the daily routine. For example, everything the childminder does is carefully explained to the children on their own level and she waits for them to respond. Children benefit from outings to local child centred places of interest that provide

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

good opportunities for them to socialise with their peers and engage in play on a wider scale.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued as individuals and parents are asked to give detailed information to ensure individual routines are consistent with home routines. All the children engage in activities which promote their knowledge and understanding of other cultures. For example, outings to toddler group provide lots of opportunities for them to celebrate festivals from around the world. Visits to museums enable the older children to make connections and to learn about other countries. There is good provision for children and families who have special needs and the childminder has a good understanding of how resources can be adapted to meet individual learning needs. Children are well behaved, and they have the opportunity to make choices and are given choices, which help them learn right and wrong. The children behave well, due

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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 to the childminder's excellent example of acceptable behaviour and the childminder makes good use of praise and encouragement. Children's self esteem is promoted well, for example, their art work is attractively displayed in the main play room. Partnership with parents is fostered well. Parents are asked to comment on the service they receive. Parents comment how much their children have developed. Parents are valued and their wishes taken on board, which helps the childminder to provide a service suitable to meet all individual needs. Parents read and sign written agreements to ensure their children's appropriate care. Daily contact with parents, care diaries and review meetings, provide good opportunities for parents to contribute to their children's learning. The children are happy and settled due to the childminder's ability to provide a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

balanced range of stimulating activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder organises her day to ensure all the children spend their time purposefully and are able to participate in structured and free play. Her excellent organisation creates a stimulating environment conducive to learning through play. The childminder has the local training manual and identifies courses she hopes to access to enhance her childminding service and to keep abreast of changes within her field of work. Records on the children are appropriately stored, meet regulations and are up to date. The good service the childminder provides is underpinned by a series of well written policies and procedures which ensure that appropriate care is provided. For example, parents are asked to comment on the service they receive. Overall the childminder is meeting the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides care.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • practise emergency escape plan with minded 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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