Middlefield Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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138595 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2006 Inspection date Jean Williams Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 since 1996. She lives with her husband and three children. They live in a house in a residential area of Hillingdon in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and children have access to the first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight. There are currently two children on roll who both have part time places.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a Nursery Nurse Examination Board (NNEB)qualification.

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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 good. The home is clean, tidy and orderly, the childminder has regular routines which the children observe, she explains to them the reasons why she is cleaning the table prior to their snack time. Through these positive examples set by the childminder the children are learning good hygiene practices. The children are also encouraged to dispose of their used tissues in the bin and to wash their hands appropriately after playing in the garden and before eating meals. The childminder has a policy of not caring for children who are unwell which limits the risks and the possible spread of infections. Most records pertaining to the children's general health needs are kept as required, however, some accident records have not been signed by parents and prior written parental consent to administer creams and lotions is missing for some children. The childminder has allowed her first aid qualification to lapse, she is in the process of attending

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works in partnership with parents when feeding the children, who benefit from being offered a nutritious diet. Drinks are readily available to them. Meal times are sociable, the children sit at a low table on small chairs and talk to one another as they enjoy their food. The childminder is aware of the children's individual preferences and their dietary needs. Snacks consist of fresh fruit and a small amount of crisps, main meals contain fresh vegetables, meat, chicken and pasta.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have regular use of the well resourced garden. Frequent outings to parks and local places of interest give them the opportunity to enjoy the open spaces and to run freely. The childminder takes the children to indoor play areas such as the ball pool at Windsor which ensures that they have the opportunity to develop their physical skills throughout the seasons despite the weather.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm, clean home that is comfortably furnished and has plenty of space for them to move around freely and play with ease. The home is very welcoming to children and their families.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have access to a wide selection of good quality play materials that are safe, clean, in good condition and are easily available to them, enabling them to be able to make independent choices. There is plenty of space available which means that the children are able to play freely with their chosen activity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment, they gain awareness of their own safety by being reminded to be careful when moving around the premises. The childminder is vigilant in her supervision of the children at all times. The garden is safely enclosed and free from potential hazards. Children are kept safe during outings in the local community and are

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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 kept secure when travelling in the car. Written parental consent to take children out is in place as required

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's commitment to protecting those in her care. She has a sound understanding of her obligations to record and report any concerns. The childminder maintains appropriate signed records of both accidents and existing injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from being minded in a secure, warm, caring environment, as a result they are comfortable, confident and happy in the childminder's home. Interaction between minder and the children is appropriately warm and affectionate. She is interested in the children and responds promptly to their needs and requests. As a result, children are confident and able to initiate their play, such as the child who was dressing up as a fairy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The wide range of resources available occupies and interests the children giving them variety and balance. Their learning is extended by the good conversation and support given by the childminder, for example. The children were selecting pastry cutters to use in the orange and yellow play dough, some of the cutters were in the shape of people, the childminder and the children were discussing who they might be. It was decided one was Mummy, when the childminder said "I think this one must be Daddy", the little girl laughed and said, "No it's Bob the Builder".

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have many opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills through the use of a variety of play materials provided in the home such as art and crafts. Their art work is displayed on the wall of the kitchen. Children play in the garden and enjoy the fresh air through visits to the park and places of interest such as feeding the ducks in Windsor. They are well supported in their play by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged in the development of their relationships with one another, all the children interact positively with one another which is lovely to observe. Two of the children were standing side by side performing the actions to a music C.D. smiling and laughing as they enjoyed the song. They are given much positive praise and reinforcement by the childminder. Interaction between the childminder and the children is warm and caring, she is providing for their needs in a very positive way. Her skill in maintaining an interesting conversation with the children promotes their language development and thinking. The support that she gives the children during the activities that they are engaged in, consistently extends their play, and develops their fine and gross motor skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are met by the childminder incorporating the wishes of the parents into her daily routine. The childminder fosters children's confidence by giving them the freedom to make choices of their play materials. Children are encouraged to share and respect one another's space and choice of activity.

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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 The childminder deals with any behaviour issues in a calm manner. She provides the children with plenty of interesting activities and gives her time and attention freely, which means that they are confident and secure. Children's self-esteem is raised by the childminder's regular use of positive praise and reinforcement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a secure knowledge of the individual needs of the children in her care. She is proactive in her response to their requests and requirements. The childminder ensures that all activities offered are accessible to all the children who attend the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of diversity is promoted through the wide range of resources that the childminder has provided and through outings within the community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good, the childminder gives regular verbal feedback about children's developmental progress and the daily activities that they have carried out. The childminder has good systems in place for record keeping, which means that children are cared for according to their individual needs and their parents' wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a professional approach and is committed to providing good quality care for the children. The environment is well organised and supports the children's play, enabling them to make choices from the good range of toys and equipment that are accessible to them. The written records and documentation are well organised and maintained.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed good working relationships with parents which helps them to feel confident in the setting. Regular discussions are held with them to ensure that they are kept up-to-date about the service that she offers, the children's activities and their progress.

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Organisation

Overall 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 asked to obtain written parental consent for the minded children to use the playhouse. This has been achieved, there are letters on file from parents giving their written consent

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 parents sign entries in the accident book and obtain prior written parental consent to apply lotions and creams to children • ensure that the first aid course is completed

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The quality and standards of the care

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

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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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