Sol Christian Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 139831 Inspection date 06 March 2006 Inspector Maria Lumley

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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 has been registered to care for children since 1999. She lives with her husband and children aged 8 and 12 years, in Poole. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and bedrooms are used for children that need to sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat which has minimal contact with he children. The childminder is registered to care for a total of 6 children at any one time. There are 6 children currently on roll, all attend part time. The childminder is a network approved childminder and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because they are cared for in a hygienic environment where excellent steps are taken to ensure their well-being. For example, toys are thoroughly cleaned on a rota basis. Children's health is actively promoted. They are well protected from the risk of cross infection due to the stringent procedures that are in place. For example, all children have individual flannels, these are boiled each evening to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Babies and toddlers have designated cots and bed and their own linen, this also minimises the risk of cross infection. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines and discussions with the childminder. For example using anti-bacterial soaps and frequent nose wiping. Parents are made aware of the sick policy and exclusion periods to make sure that the spread of infection is minimised. Children are appropriately cared for in an

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Helping children to be healthy

accident. The childminder has completed first aid training and has a fully stocked first aid kit, this ensures that she has the required skills and resources to administer first aid treatment. Children have excellent opportunities to develop their physical skills through daily outings to parks, walks, toddler groups and the garden. They use a wide range of large play equipment such as slides, climbing equipment and trampoline where they learn to slide, crawl and climb. Children thrive and benefit from healthy eating which is a high priority at the setting. The childminder has an excellent understanding of nutritious meals and snacks. Children enjoy menus such as roast dinners, risotto and steamed fish. Vegetable sticks, fresh fruit and cereal bars are offered at snack time. Children remain hydrated as the childminder frequently offers sugar free drinks to the children. Children's understanding of healthy eating is reinforced through play activities such as using

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Helping children to be healthy

play foods and magnetic plates and foods to create balanced meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe and secure in the majority of the home through the effective measures in place to protect them from harm. Most hazards have been identified and eliminated. For example use of stair gates and security of property help to keep children safe. However, an area of flooring compromises children's safety in the lounge. Children are well rehearsed in emergency evacuation procedures, because of this they are able to evacuate the building safely and calmly. Children learn about safety when using large play equipment, such as hold on to the rail and slide feet first. This minimises the risk of injury or accident. Children are reminded of ways to keep safe throughout the day. For example, the childminder asked the child to sit and not stand on the chair to prevent a fall. Children use resources and equipment that is age appropriate and safe. For example, careful monitoring and supervision of small

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

pieces when babies are present. Resources are very well organised in a variety of low level containers and enable children to access them independently or with minimal adult support. Children are very well protected from potential harm. 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 has a clear understanding of her role regarding child protection procedures which ensures the children's safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely settled and happy in their play. They have a close, trusting relationship with the childminder, as a result they are confident to explore activities and learn new skills. Children's welfare and development is fostered extremely well through the childminder's excellent practice and knowledge and understanding of young children. For example, her use of the Birth to Three Matters framework and regular updating of her skills, ensure that the children receive high quality care. The childminder's well maintained records are effectively used to plan the next step in individual children's development, promoting positive outcomes for children. Children are continually challenged by good use of questions and appropriate activities. For example, two children spent considerable time attempting to assemble a train track. Through trial, error and guidance from the childminder they were able to complete the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

task. Children's individual needs are very well met by the childminder's extremely sensitive approach which encourages their high levels of confidence and self esteem. Children have excellent play opportunities and experiences which help them to make very good progress. Weekly plans ensure that children are constantly busy and participate in a wide variety of activities that promote their overall development. For example, regular outings to parks and play areas provide them with opportunities to develop their physical capabilities. Weekly outings to toddler groups extend children's opportunities to socialise in large groups, this allows children to learn social skills such as taking turns and sharing. Children have regular opportunities to explore different media through craft activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very settled within the welcoming and caring environment. Their needs are well met because the childminder is sensitive to the children's individual needs and personalities. Children are developing a good awareness of other cultures and ways of life through planned topics and the resources that are provided. For example, visits to an Egyptian museum where children participate in interactive exhibits raises their awareness of the wider world. Children have equal access to all resources and are able to freely express themselves through their play. Children's behaviour is very good. They are familiar with boundaries and expectations. For example, the childminder asks a child to sit rather than stand on the chair and explains why. Children learn to have respect and consideration for each other and the environment through the childminder acting as a good role model. Children play co-operatively together and help to tidy away after activities. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

respond well to the constant praise and encouragement they receive. Individual stickers are effectively used to acknowledge the children's achievements. This helps

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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 build children's confidence and promote self-esteem. Children progress well due to the very good partnership with parents. Parents receive a detailed prospectus which includes quality information about the setting, policies and procedures. Daily discussions, photographs and scrap books are effectively shared with parents. This forms strong links between the childminding and home setting and promotes consistent care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's commitment to ongoing training. Positive outcomes for children are ensured through numerous policies and procedures that fully detail and reflect the childminder's good working practice. These are shared with the parents to ensure that they are kept fully informed about the provision. Children are settled and confident to explore within a well organised environment. However, an area of carpet compromises their safety. The childminder organises the play areas flexibly and creatively, with room dividers effectively used to create smaller areas for quiet activities. This allows children to rest undisturbed whilst others play. The childminder and her husband both work as full time childminders from the property. They work very well together and both are involved in planning activities, writing policies and completing paperwork. Their consistent approach

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Organisation

ensures that children feel safe and secure. The childminder does meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to maintain an appropriate first aid course that included training in first aid for infants and young children. She also agreed to make sure the garden was made secure and hazardous substances were inaccessible to the children. The childminder has completed first aid training which gives her the skills to administer first aid treatment to children. Safety at the setting has improved due to new garden fencing and locks on kitchen units.

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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

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.

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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 that carpets are well maintained

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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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