Westbury-On-Trym Church of England Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

137062 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2008 Inspection date Michelle Smith Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her three children; 14 years old and two adult children, in Sydenham within the London borough of Lewisham. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding six children on a part time basis. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and first floor for access to the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. She attends the local parent and toddler group. She takes children to the local toddler group, library and park.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a clean and well maintained home. The childminder has a good understanding of good hygiene practice and this impacts positively on the children. For example, she ensures that children's noses are clean. There are clear procedures in place for changing children. For instance, the childminder uses protective clothing, such as rubber gloves. Therefore, children are protected from cross infection. There is a sick children policy in place that is shared

p.2

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 with parents. Children with infectious diseases are not permitted to attend. This means that children's health is protected. There are systems in place for recording medication administered to children and accident records, including parents signatures. The childminder has recently updated her knowledge in first aid. This means that she can administer first aid safely in the event of an emergency. Children enjoy outdoor play in the garden and benefit from regular fresh air. They enjoy visits to the local soft play area, where they develop their physical skills. Children benefit from opportunities to rest and be active throughout the day.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from meals that are well balanced and meets their individual needs. They enjoy fresh fruits at snack time and vegetables with their meals. Therefore, children are developing an understanding of healthy eating. The weekly menu consists of meals such as leek and sweet potato soup and different flavour omelettes. The childminder ensures that children's meals are varied and understands the importance of healthy eating. There is a healthy eating policy. Younger children's meals are provided by parents and children's food intake is shared with parents daily.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a home that is safe and secure. There is adequate lighting and heating, this contributes towards the warm and welcoming environment. All safety equipment in place is in working order. For example, smoke alarms and safety gates. There are safety devices in the kitchen that prevent children gaining access to sharp knives and cleaning materials. This means that children can move around freely and safely. Children access a well organised playroom, where they can play with a range of different play materials. Children enjoy toys that are in good condition and meet safety standards. The childminder ensures children have access to play materials that are age appropriate and encourages children to make choices. The childminder has a good understanding of safety, she ensures children are supervised inside and outside of the home. For example, children play in the garden under close supervision.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very good at identifying risks to children in the home. For instance, during the inspection a glass container was broken in the kitchen and she put effective strategies in place immediately to minimise the risk to children. This means that children's wellbeing is protected. The childminder has completed child protection training and is aware of the procedures to follow in the event of any concern. The childminder does not have a copy of the 'What to do if you are worried about a child being abused' document. There is a child protection policy in place, this is available to parents at all times. This means that children's welfare is protected.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from a range of different learning experiences. The childminder provides children with an extensive range of play materials that are age appropriate and interesting. Children enjoy outings within the local community, such as playgroup and toddler clubs. They access different creative activities using a range of materials. For example, glitter, glue and other art and craft materials. Children's work is displayed in the playroom, where it is valued and shared openly. The childminder encourages children to make choices. She understands the importance of providing children with enjoyable and interesting activities. For instance, children take part in extremely adventurous outdoor activities, where they walk up stream in wellington

p.3

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 boots. Children happily participate in walks in the woods, where they can explore and investigate nature. Children spend their time purposefully. Children have fun at the local farm, and are overjoyed as they take part in feeding the chickens.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children benefit from opportunities to develop their sensory skills, as they enjoy different textured objects, such as shells, pine cones and other objects. The childminder ensures the range of play experiences are aimed to the child's level of understanding. Children are self-motivated and ask the childminder for activities they want to be involved in. For instance, a child asked for colouring.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They are developing an understanding of the local community as they visit different places of interest. For example, the local soft play area, where they develop their physical skills. Children enjoy a range of different play experiences within the home. For example, role play and an extensive range of building equipment. Children can take on different roles and use their imagination skills. The childminder gets involved in the children's play and makes it a more meaningful experience. For example, she mentioned the names of different animals and the child eagerly made the sounds. Older children measure their hand prints on a canvas picture and discuss the difference in their hand sizes over a period of time. This means that children are developing an understanding of mathematical thinking in a fun and interesting way.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children visit the local parks, where they enjoy picnics with other childminders and children. This means that children can play and socialise with others. This helps children develop good social skills. The childminder caters for the needs of the children and understands children are happy when they are entertained.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are well behaved in their setting and developing good manners. For example, the childminder reminds children to say 'please' and 'thank you'. There are clear systems in place to manage children's behaviour, these are shared with parents. Children enjoy regular outings to different places of interest, such as the Hornium museum, where they enjoy and learn about different cultures. The childminder provides children with different opportunities to develop their understanding of different cultures, through religious celebration and activities. For example, they participate in Chinese new Year, Divali, Christmas and Easter celebrations. They are developing an understanding of differences, as they interact with children and adults form different cultures. The childminder provides an excellent range of play materials reflecting positive images of different cultures and disability. This means that children are developing an

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

understanding of the wider community positively. Children enjoy different cultural dishes and food tasting activities. The childminder has a positive attitude towards special educational needs and welcomes all into her setting. The childminder treats children as individuals and respects the importance of treating them as individuals.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built good relationships with the children and knows them well. This means that children are developing a sense of belonging and self assurance. Children are praised for their achievements and becoming confident learners. This impacts positively on children's their self esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has established good working relationships with parents, this was evident through comments recorded on parent questionnaires. The childminder is currently caring for siblings from previous placements and has established close relationships with parents and

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 children. The childminder communicates effectively on a daily basis with parents, they are very pleased with the level of care and service provided by the childminder.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children access a well organised home, where they can utilise the designated playroom and ground floor of the premises freely. There is sufficient space to meet the needs of the children. There have been no relevant changes to the household members, this means that those with access to the children are suitable to do so. The childminder is proactive in updating her childcare practice, through accessing courses via the Early Years Partnership. There are comprehensive policies and procedures in place. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that arrangements are made to share and update records kept with parents. Parents have access to their children's records and these are updated with any relevant changes. There is a smoke alarm on the first floor. The play materials reflect positive images of disability. There is a registration system that includes children's times of arrival and departure. There is a system in place for recording medication administered to children, including parents' signatures.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.5

Complaints 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.

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

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): • obtain a copy of the 'What to do if your worried about a child being abused' document.

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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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

p.6