Underwood West Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 143153 Inspection date 20 March 2006 Inspector Amanda, Jane Nicholls

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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?

Registered since 1995, the childminder lives with her partner and their child, who is over 8 years old, in a house in Southsea, Portsmouth. With the exception of the first floor, all rooms are suitable for their purpose, including a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the property. The childminder is registered to care for no more than 6 children under 8 years old. Currently, 2 children are minded 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 family keep small domestic pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Careful attention is given by the childminder toward hygiene. This, as a result, ensures the areas children use are of a good standard, are clean and well maintained. Sensible arrangements are in place, reflected within both daily and verbal procedures, that protect children from illness and infections. Children eat foods which are nutritious and well balanced. For example, the foods provided by the childminder include seasonal fruits and vegetables. Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day, provided within appropriately designed beakers and cups. Children enjoy physical exercise, because the childminder maximises opportunities for them to visit local parks and attractions. As a result, they master skills such as running and jumping with increasing skill and confidence. Children are able to sleep and rest in comfort and safety. This is because of the childminder's attention toward providing them with areas where they can snuggle up

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Helping children to be healthy

warmly within sight and sound of her at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children enter a kindly home environment which is warm and comfortable. Family photographs enhance the welcome they, and their families receive from the childminder. The furniture, equipment and toys which children have regulated access to, are of an excellent standard, appropriately designed and suitable for their purpose. While playing indoors and outside, children are contained within areas that are superbly risk assessed. As a result of the childminders close supervision and monitoring of them, children play safely. Contingency plans in the event of an emergency evacuation are in place although are yet to be practised. Exceptional strategies are in place to ensure children's safety during outings away from the home environment. The childminder has a good attitude toward her role and responsibility in child protection. As a result, children are safe from abuse and neglect. The detailed

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

discussions she has with parents, is reflected within her purposefully written policy, of which they receive a copy.

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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 outstanding. Children clearly enjoy the good company of a childminder who is interested and enthused in what they do and say. Their individual requirements are met, because she has a thorough knowledge of children's developmental needs. Her appropriate participation in their play allows them to become independent and competent learners, engaged in the stimulating environment which surrounds them. Children develop confidence as they make independent choices about the experiences they enjoy. With the assistance of the childminder, children select toys and resources from an excellent range of purposeful play equipment. For example, children make and create using an interesting selection of stencils, brushes and pencils. Through the promotion of such activities, they acquire new knowledge and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills as they draw and paint in two and three dimension. Children are animated and enthusiastic. They laugh and talk a lot, clearly enjoying the company of the watchful childminder who knows them well. Their learning is enhanced because opportunities are maximised for them to explore outdoor activities in nearby parks and woodlands.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued and respected as individual people, because the childminder clearly knows them well. She knows their likes and dislikes and their strengths and weaknesses. She talks warmly and fondly of them and their families; their individual characteristics, reflecting the likeable impression she gives of them. Children use an impressive range of toys, equipment and activities such as puzzles, books and craft ideas which are used to reflect cultural diversity and extend learning. Children clearly enjoy and are content to share in the company of the childminder. They are beginning to establish and develop worthwhile and trusting friendships, due to the childminders keen attitude in providing activities that they can enjoy together. As a result of her realistic expectation of them, children behave well. They practise the social skills they are mastering, during outings to stimulating and original local

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Helping children make a positive contribution

events and attractions. The documentation kept by the childminder, clarifies the individual care arrangements made for each child. Her daily communication with them is relaxed and unhurried, yet based upon a businesslike foundation. As a result, children benefit from the purposeful partnership the childminder has with their parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who is committed to maintaining a warm and comfortable home environment for children and their families. She is very well aware of the importance of maintaining correct ratios at all times, ensuring children are

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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 appropriately supported. She is suitably qualified and experienced in early years care and acts as a good role model for parents in the support she offers them. Most documentation held by the childminder is suitable for its purpose including written procedures which reflect the childminders practice in equal opportunities, behaviour management and child protection for example. Children are comfortable and at ease. They are able to move between areas which are safe and secure, enabling them to play with the good range of toys and equipment available to them. Their environment is well organised and adapted to interest and enthuse them. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was required to apply for and complete a first aid course. This has now been carried out and no longer remains an action. She also agreed to ensure that all required documentation and records are maintained in appropriate detail. With the exception of the daily register, all documentation is in a good order. The recommendation therefore has been met in part.

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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): • ensure the register of attendance is completed on arrival and departure and, reflects the actual hours children attend.

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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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