The Highcrest Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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136858 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2007 Inspection date Rebecca Elizabeth Khabbazi 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 was registered in 1990. She lives with her husband and two adult children. The family live in a three bedroom house in a residential area of Orpington. All of the house is used for childminding, with the downstairs of the house the main area used for play. A garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years old, and there is currently one child on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a childcare qualification 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 good. Children begin to learn about simple good hygiene practices when they wash their hands before meals and use their own towel to dry them. The childminder takes careful precautions when changing children's nappies, such as making sure they each have their own changing mat and that she wears disposable gloves. These measures help reduce the risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to benefit from a healthy diet and have regular meals, snacks and drinks that meet their nutritional needs. Their health is protected because the childminder keeps records about any accidents they have and any medicine they need to be given. They are taken good care of if they do have an accident or become unwell as the childminder has a valid first aid certificate and can take appropriate action promptly if required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily walks in the fresh air and regular outings to the park to feed the ducks or playtime in the garden. Indoors, they enjoy dancing to music with the childminder. This vigorous physical activity contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, well maintained environment that is warm and clean. The childminder is vigilant about watching children at all times, and takes precautions, such as keeping cleaning materials out of reach, which helps minimise children's risk of accidental injury. The childminder has clear expectations which means children quickly begin to learn how to keep themselves safe, for instance, when they know where they should stop and wait for the childminder when they go out of the front door, or when they talk about road safety and stranger danger. Children have access to a good range of toys and resources that are regularly checked and cleaned. The childminder is careful to ensure toys are suitable for children's age and ability, which helps ensure they can play safely. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities towards the children in her care. She has completed a child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

course and is aware of procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child. This helps safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled at the childminder's home. They have good relationships with the childminder, who knows them well, responds to them warmly and is attentive to their needs. They enjoy playing games with the childminder, laughing as they 'bicycle' their legs in the air or dance in time to the music. At other times they become absorbed in independent play, contentedly making 'tea' and 'going shopping' using the resources provided.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in a good variety of activities and experiences that stimulate their learning and development. They enjoy regular outings to the church, a parent and toddler group, or a

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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 childminding drop-in, where they socialise with other children. At the childminder's home they play freely with toys provided or enjoy art and craft activities, such as finger painting, cutting and sticking or play dough. The childminder recognises and makes good use of opportunities for children to learn through every day activities and routines. For example, she encourages them to help when they buy fruit and vegetables at the market, choosing the items and working out how much they need to pay.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder welcomes all children, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and values them as individuals. There is a clear settling-in policy and the childminder places emphasis on ensuring she recognises and understands all children's needs so that she can provide appropriate care. Children share activities at their own level and this ensures everyone is included and can take part. They are encouraged to share and take turns and the childminder focuses on keeping children busy and stimulated, which ensures they behave well. Children enjoy mixing with the local community when they visit the market, or dancing to music from around the world. This helps them develop a positive attitude towards diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good relationships between the childminder and their parents. They talk every day to exchange information, which helps children experience consistent care. There are clear written agreements in place regarding the care to be provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed relevant training and makes good use of opportunities to attend local courses and further develop her knowledge and skills. All of the records required for childminding are in place, and are mostly well organised and accessible for inspection. However, attendance records do not contain all of the necessary detail, and complaints procedures have not yet been updated in line with new requirements. The childminder has also produced a range of written policies and procedures for parents, which provide useful information and guidance.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her home effectively to meet the needs of minded children. There is space for them to play in the living room and a quiet room for sleep, children can move freely around the areas used because the childminder has made sure they are safe, and they can easily access the toys that are set out. This helps them make the most of the play and learning opportunities provided. 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 ensure that all household members over the age of 16 years underwent appropriate checks. All adults living in the household have now been suitably vetted, which helps promote children's safety and well-being.

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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

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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.

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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 that attendance records include children's hours of attendance • update complaints procedures and systems for keeping a log of complaints, in line with new requirements

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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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