Wicklea Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 141351 Inspection date 30 January 2006 Inspector Sylvia June Crawford

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1990. She lives with her two adult sons. They live on a well established estate on the north of Milton Keynes close to local shops, preschool and schools. The childminder uses all downstairs for childminding including rest and toilet facilities. There is a garden available for children's outside play. The childminder takes children to the local pre-school. The childminder currently has 11 children on roll. She is a member of the National

p.2

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 Childminding Association (NCMA).

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, child orientated environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children follow the good example set by the childminder and understand they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to stop the spread of germs. However, after washing their hands, older children share a towel; this means there is the possibility of cross infection. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare through her knowledge, experience and her sick child procedures, which she shares with parents. Records are in place to ensure the childminder meets children's individual health needs. Children enjoy plenty of opportunities that encourage physical development. Regular visits to the local park and lots of outside play enable the children to develop their large motor skills through playing on swings, climbing up slides and using wheeled

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

toys. They develop fine motor skills by using pencils and paintbrushes. The childminder also makes good use of the secure, well-managed garden to extend children's play opportunities. Children benefit from a healthy, well-planned and balanced diet. They are beginning to have an awareness of their bodies, for example, knowing when they are hungry or thirsty. They are able to have drinks whenever they need them and have choices in their snacks and meals. The childminder is able to meet children's individual dietary needs through discussions with parents and talking to children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well-organised environment, which enables them to move around freely and feel confident. Children are able to select activities independently from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment that are safe and in a good condition. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep safe both inside and outside the home, for example, the use of stair gates, a fireguard and an evacuation plan. She regularly carries out risk assessments to ensure children's ongoing safety. Children are beginning to recognise potential dangers; this enables them to know what to do if the smoke detector sounds. They learn road awareness and safe behaviour outdoors through regular practice with the childminder and her

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clear guidance while on trips and outings. Children's welfare benefits from the childminder's up to date first aid qualification, which enables her to feel confident about dealing with emergencies.

p.3

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 The childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures help ensure children's welfare. She shares this written information with parents so they are aware of her role and responsibility with regard to child protection. However, the childminder does not record pre-existing injuries or ensure that parents sign them.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle extremely well into the childminder's house, they enter confidently and make themselves at home. They are developing as individuals and have a warm relationship with the childminder, which contributes to children's sense of belonging. Children relate well to each other and socialise with other children through visits to support groups and the playgroup. The childminder has extensive experience in caring for children and a sound knowledge of child development; this means that she is able to meet children's individual needs. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all ages. Children spend their time purposefully, they join in activities enthusiastically and are eager to use their imagination, for example, the older children make up their own games. They are well motivated and increase their

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

attention span through the well-planned activities available. The childminder supports children's early communication skills very well through good quality adult-child interaction; this helps children to extend their language. Children are encouraged to learn colours and numbers through everyday activities, such as, counting and adding the sausages at lunchtime. Babies receive lots of cuddles and tactile experiences, which increases their sense of well-being. The childminder knows their routine and is able to care for them according to parental wishes. Children flourish as they receive frequent individual attention from the childminder who shows interest in what they are doing and actively takes part in their play. This supports and develops children's self-esteem and sense of worth.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are active and very much enjoy their play, which results in them behaving well. They are beginning to understand right and wrong through the consistent boundaries, praise and encouragement the childminder uses to promote good behaviour. Children show care and concern for each other, playing together harmoniously. They are beginning to develop their independence because the childminder encourages them to make choices in all areas, for example, children choose their own activities and contribute towards the planning of meals and outings. Children have opportunities to learn about their local community through visits to local parks and shops. They are beginning to have an understanding about the wider world through the resources and activities the childminder provides. Children receive

p.4

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 honest and open answers from the childminder to support their knowledge about diversity. The childminder has a good relationship with parents and she shares information with them on a daily basis. She keeps them well informed about their child's routine and achievements while in her care. This ensures children receive good support and appropriate care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the well-organised environment and good daily routine that the childminder shares and discusses with parents. Space is organised well to enable children to play confidently and allow them to be able to express their own ideas during free play. Children have sufficient adult support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting. The childminder provides comprehensive, well-written and concise policies and procedures; she shares them with parents to keep them well informed about the service she offers and their child's progress. The childminder maintains the required documentation and parental permissions. All documentation is well organised, stored securely and confidentiality is kept. This contributes to continuity of the children's care. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the National Standards and an interest in updating her knowledge. This helps maintain children's welfare, care and learning.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to extend the range of written policies and procedures she already had in place. The childminder now has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place that she discusses and shares with parents. This ensures continuity of care for the children.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints make to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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 The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 that pre-existing injuries are recorded and countersigned by parents

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6