Wardle Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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140055 Unique Reference Number 04 December 2006 Inspection date Donna Bonner 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 2000. She is registered to care for four children under eight one of whom can be aged under five. The childminder lives in a house in West Norwood with her partner and two children aged seven and nine years. The family home is on a housing estate near local shops and opposite Norwood Park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The ground floor and a bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding. 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 a maximum of four children under eight years. There are currently six children on roll who attend both full and part time.

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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 childminder regularly visits local groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of the local Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is encouraged as the childminder plans a balanced routine and healthy meals. They frequently visit local playgroups and parks where they enjoy fresh air which encourages their physical development. Children learn the importance of good hygiene practice as they wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals this helps to reduce the risk of infection. Their individual health needs are met as the childminder discusses this with their parents and keeps a clear record. The childminder is a qualified first aider and has permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment so that children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. Children enjoy healthy meals as their diet includes a selection of fresh fruit. They benefit from a well planned menu with home cooked meals that the childminder provides in agreement with their parents. Older children enjoy going out for a meal with the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder as a special treat which offers variety. Children drink water and juice from their individual cups and this further encourages their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure home. Children feel secure in their play space as the childminder supervises them well. They benefit from thorough risk assessments and well placed equipment such as safety gates that enable children to play freely in a safe environment. Children do not know how to evacuate safely in an emergency as the childminder plans fire drills thoroughly but these are not yet practiced. Children do however learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder shows how to use toys correctly to reduce the risk of accidents. Children benefit from toys and equipment that are safe as they meet safety standards and are appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. Children are kept safe on outings by the use of well chosen travel equipment including pushchairs with adequate restraints and by talking to children about safety, this increases their awareness of keeping themselves

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder understands her duty to protect children in her care and has written information on child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They confidently choose from accessible activities and engage happily with each other. The childminder encourages the children in their play as she interacts very well with them for example, they talk about imaginary journeys. Children are enthusiastic when the childminder sings counting songs with them and they join in making animal sounds and pointing at pictures as she reads to them. They are developing confidence as the childminder is patient and tireless as children repeatedly choose

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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 same pictures for her to look at with them. The childminder listens to them well and understands their speech. Children are relaxed and very enthusiastic in their play as the childminder joins in with them but also allows children time to freely assert their independence by playing where they choose and choosing their toys. Older children are beginning to recognise letters and the childminder encourages this in their play by for example talking about the letter 'P' for parking. Children enjoy a range of creative resources and their work is displayed so offering a sense of pride. Children are developing computer skills as they use appropriate children's programmes competently. Children benefit greatly from wider opportunities to have fun and socialise as they visit local groups and parks daily.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop an understanding of different backgrounds as they regularly visit groups within their community. The childminder has sound knowledge and understanding of the developmental milestones of young children and has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of needs and abilities. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities receive good care as the childminder discusses their needs with their parent, adapts activities and makes links with other professionals. Children receive agreed care from the childminder as she fully discusses their needs with their parents and respects their wishes. Agreed contracts, outings and travel permission for most children further illustrate the childminder's commitment to work in partnership with parents. Children behave well as the childminder uses appropriate methods such as distraction to encourage acceptable behaviour. Children also respond well to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the childminders praise and her gentle reminders to encourage acceptable behaviour. They develop good self esteem and confidence as the childminder listens to them and is very attentive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met as the childminder is fully efficient in organising her day to suit them. Children enjoy a well planned routine that offers them ample playtime and time to rest and eat. Children benefit from adult and child ratios that ensure they receive attention from the childminder. Children are comfortable with the routine as the childminder uses her time well and takes into account their individual needs. The childminder regularly shares information with parents so that children's needs are met. The childminder complies with regulatory requirements as she maintains documentation in line with the National Standards. Such clear and relevant documentation helps to promote children's welfare. The childminder is also studying a level 3 child care qualification to increase her knowledge. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to 'make sure loose bricks in garden are made safe,

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Improvements 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 method is provided to record administration of medication and make sure wires in living room are inaccessible to children'.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The garden is safe as the childminder ensures the bricks are inaccessible to children. The childminder now records medication in agreement with parents and places wires behind furnishings to ensure they do not pose a hazard.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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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): • make sure regular fire drills are held

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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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