Colchester Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 136195 Inspection date 10 February 2006 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 was first registered in 1998. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and an accredited member of the South Gloucestershire Children Come First Network. The childminder has an NVQ level 3 in Early Years Care and Education. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children on outings. The childminder lives with her husband and 3 children aged 18, 12 and 10 years in a 5 bedroom house in Mangotsfield, South Gloucestershire. The home is close to Emerson's Green and Blackhorse Primary Schools. The family have 2 rabbits and 1

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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 guinea pig. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding, and this includes a kitchen/diner and lounge. Toilet facilities are located on the first floor. The fully enclosed garden is suitable for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children under 8-years and currently there are 6 children on roll and of these 3 are under 5-years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is actively promoted. They play in a clean environment and children are encouraged to take off their shoes and not stand on the carpet used by babies so that crawling babies do not pick up dirt. The risk of them becoming ill is minimised as the childminder shares her policy for excluding children who are sick, with parents. The childminder follows hygienic procedures, such as using paper towels for hand washing. Children learn the importance of hygiene through the daily routine such as, hand washing and this is followed up by the childminder with discussion about germs. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder follows appropriate procedures for managing accidents. Children enjoy playing outdoors as they have access to toys which interest them. They are protected from the elements as they are wrapped up warm in winter and in summer, they wear sun screen. Children develop large muscle skills as they use the

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Helping children to be healthy

sit and ride toys, trampoline and see-saw. Physical skills are extended as children visit local parks and soft play. Indoors, young babies are encouraged to move forward as the childminder sits some distance away and calls them over to her. On reaching the childminder, babies feel proud of their achievement as they are given a cuddle and applauded. Babies do not become overtired; when they do tire the childminder gives them a cuddle and their comforter before placing them in a travel cot in darkened room and saying "good night". Sleeping in a bedroom on the first floor means that babies are not disturbed by children playing. Children do not get thirsty as drinks are always available for older children. Babies are offered drinks at frequent intervals and as they have a drink they feel secure wrapped in the childminder's arms. For snacks, children eat rice cakes, bread sticks or fruit. Children develop independence when they become older as they choose the

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Helping children to be healthy

plate they want for snack and help prepare the fruit. On returning from school, older children are given a choice of ham, cheese or marmite for their sandwiches. They eat healthy home cooked meals and the sample menu is displayed for parents. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating through fun activities. They make vegetable prints and visit an allotment to see a range of fruit and vegetables growing. In the summer, children grow carrots and broccoli which are then cooked and eaten as part of a meal.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children relax in the calm atmosphere with music playing quietly in the background. They are proud of their art work which is displayed on the walls together with bright educational posters. Older children are able to play undisturbed by babies as they can play in another room. Craft activities are organised at the table. In the summer, children move freely between in and outdoors as the patio doors are left open. Children confidently help themselves to toys which are placed at child height. They remain interested in the resources as they are regularly rotated with those stored elsewhere in the home. If a specific toy is required to encourage a child's development, then it is purchased. There is sufficient equipment in place such as, high chairs and travel cots to ensure that children's safety and welfare are promoted. Children play in a safe, secure environment. The childminder continually risk

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

assesses the environment to ensure it is safe for children's stage of development and when necessary puts in extra safe guards, such as safety gates. Children are further protected as the childminder is vigilant and has a good understanding of local child protection procedures. Fire safety equipment is in place and children are able to protect themselves in the event of a fire as they practise the drill on a regular basis. Children know the house rules, which are displayed in the kitchen/diner, and so learn to be safe in the home. For example, they know not to run or pick up babies. Occasionally they talk with the childminder about the risks of talking to strangers and keeping secrets. They learn that they can say "no". On outings children know that they must use a zebra crossing to cross the road and can only go when the man is green.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies are very happy and settled with the childminder. When she moves around the room they follow. They have fun as the childminder gently strokes babies' faces with the hair of a Jake soft toy. As the balloon goes up in the air they laugh and when it falls they look to see where it has landed. Babie's learning is extended as the childminder shows them how to use the toys such as, turning a rattle. Children also enjoy exploring for themselves and press buttons on an activity centre. When it plays a tune, they move back and forth to the music with encouragement from the childminder. Babies confidently help themselves to items from the treasure basket. When they pick up the foil, the childminder suggests that they look at themselves in it. After putting the foil down, they pick it up again and are interested in the sound it makes as they grab hold. Language development is promoted well through the childminder's gentle interaction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

She talks to babies about the toys they have picked up, such as a duck and as she is going up the stairs counts the number of steps. At other times babies listen to the childminder singing 'Bumpety, Bump' and like being rocked back and forth on her knee. When a young child picks up a book, she follows through on their interest and, snuggling up together on the sofa, offers to read a story. They look at a book about a

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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 baby and the childminder points out the clothes the baby is wearing. Children develop independence as they are given time and opportunity; although it takes a while to open a book the childminder waits and applauds their success, so that they are keen to try again. Children learn to socialise as they visit toddler groups twice a week. First hand experiences such as a visit to the museum and Avon Valley Country Park make learning fun. Pre-school children visit a supermarket and develop independence by choosing and paying for the items they want to buy. They then take home the shopping. School age children are able to choose what they want to do although craft activities are often organised. Children make good progress as they receive a high level of support. The childminder has developed an effective planning cycle for pre-school children. During

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the past year she has undertaken a number of training courses on Birth to three matters and is currently developing ideas and adapting her practice for children under three years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children new to the childminder settle quickly as there is a gradual introduction based on the specific needs of each child. They develop confidence as the childminder reinforces their achievements with praise. Children know they are special as the childminder tells them they are "gorgeous". The close relationship with parents ensures that children feel secure as their individual needs are met on a daily basis. Parents are well informed about the childminder's practices as new parents receive a copy of the prospectus. They are kept informed about their child's day via a diary sheet, photographs and pictures created by their children. Parents are also offered leaflets and other documents which they may find useful such as a copy of Birth to three matters and information on healthy eating. The childminder is experienced and has received training in caring for children's special needs. She works in close

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Helping children make a positive contribution

partnership with parents to provide the best possible care and where necessary, hires or purchases additional resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have many good opportunities to develop an understanding of nature. They watch tadpoles change into frogs and vegetables and sunflower seeds grow. Using magnifying glasses, they study worms and then make their own worms from spaghetti and colouring. As they visit parks, soft play, toddler groups and shops children learn about the local community. Children learn about the society in which we live as they play with readily accessible resources. These reflect positive images of diversity. They also participate in activities acknowledging cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year when they made cards and ate noodles using chop sticks.

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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 meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. She is appropriately qualified and ensures that people within her home are appropriately vetted. Keen to extend her practice, the childminder has attended eight training courses during the past year. Good organisation, such as preparing meals the night before or using a slow cooker and planning activities, ensures that children's needs are met and that they receive a high level of support. Up to date documentation complies fully with the requirements of the National Standards. Paperwork is well organised, confidentially maintained and where appropriate shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to meet one recommendation. She has developed an effective planning cycle for pre-school children so that children achieve their full potential in all areas of learning.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted have received one complaint since the last inspection. Concerns were received on 14 November 2005 in relation to Standard 2 organisation - adult to child ratios being exceeded and Standard 6 safety - the condition of the setting may be unsuitable for children particularly in relation to cleaning products being left within reach of children. We wrote to the provider requesting them to investigate these concerns and received a reply from them which shows fully the action that has been taken to ensure these risks are minimised. As there is no evidence that the National Standards were not being maintained this provider remains registered. 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): • continue to develop practice in line with Birth to three matters

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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 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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