Continu Plus Academy

Mrs Katherine Juliet Holland Inspection report for early years provision

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139648 Unique Reference Number 20 March 2007 Inspection date Lorna Lorraine Hall 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 satisfactory. 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 the year 2000. She lives with her two children, in a quiet residential area, close to local bus and train routes in Wallington Surrey.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and includes a separate playroom for minded children. Children also have access to the first floor to use the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed, well equipped 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 six children aged under eight, at any one time and is currently minding seven children aged under eight years, the majority of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy environment. They are learning the importance of personal hygiene, through effective hygiene routines which are carried out throughout the

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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 day. For example, the nappy changing mat and work surfaces are cleaned with antibacterial fluid. Children have individual flannels to wipe their hands and mouth.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has clear polices in relation to caring for sick children and ensures that parents are aware of these. Accidents requiring basic first aid are dealt with appropriately because the childminder has a complete first aid box and has a current first aid certificate. However, the childminder does not have permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. This means that children will not receive treatment in an emergency. Records relating to the administration of medication are not accurate and concise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are successfully well nourished because parents provide healthy and nutritious meals and the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and drinking for young children. The children enjoy meal times in a relaxed atmosphere. Younger children show their enjoyment through smiles and waving their arms for more.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are many opportunities for children to engage in physical play. They enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as swimming and walking to the local pre-school. At the childminder's home, the children play on the swings and trampoline. To further promote a healthy lifestyle, children can rest and be active according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious, well-organised environment, they confidently select learning resources and carry them from one room to the next. Indoor space is carefully organised to allow the baby to crawl and access resources. Children are cared for in a child friendly environment and there are lots of photographs beautifully displayed around the home. The good organisation of space means that children can enjoy imaginative play on a large scale or explore brightly coloured musical toys. Toys and resources are carefully selected to ensure they are suitable. Children can independently select from this range of toys, which gives them freedom of choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The effective systems in place to promote the children's understanding of safety outside the home, is good. For example, children are not allowed on the trampoline without an adult present. Proper arrangements are in place to transport the children and escort them safely to local pre-school and parks. The childminder has appropriate insurance cover to transport children in her car. She is confident to fit a range of car seats for toddlers and babies. Good safety devices are in place to promote the children's understanding of safety indoor and outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place and the childminder identified areas that could be used in an emergency evacuation. The evacuation procedure is practised with children. A secure garden is available for outdoor play and is used under the direct supervision of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows how to report concerns. She has good documentation to refer to, to safeguard the children's welfare.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home because the childminder exploits every opportunity to promote their learning through play. Through observation and interaction she extends the children's learning by leading them into meaningful conversation about what they see. For example, a child noticed a blue object, the childminder started to talk to the child about the different shades of blue.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's learning needs are successfully met because the childminder has good routines and organises her day to ensure she spends maximum time with the children. Children are cared for in a rich learning environment and build good relationships with the childminder. They receive and give lots of affection because the childminder communicates with them on their level.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make themselves at home and have a warm and secure relationship with the childminder. Children receive lots of affection from her and they respond well to the attention given to them. Children confidently approach the childminder for support and guidance, indicating good trusting relationships are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children have use of the computer to help them with their homework and to further develop their IT skills. Children enjoy a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities, such as attending groups at the local church and weekly swimming sessions. This helps them to make progress in all areas of learning and take part in community events.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about other cultures through books and discussion. Parents are asked to give detailed information to ensure appropriate care. Visits to the local church provide good opportunities for them to become aware of the community they live in and the wider world. They take part in local fundraising events.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual learning needs are successfully met. The childminder has cared for children with learning difficulties and discussed how resources could be adapted to meet individual learning needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved because effective strategies are in place to manage their behaviour and they enjoy coming to the childminder's home. They receive lots of praise, encouragement and affection to enable them to make strides in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. Parents are asked to give detailed information to ensure appropriate care. This information is regularly reviewed and updated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A flexible settling period ensures that all the children are fully settled in the childminder's home. This helps to ensure children receive individual care and attention relevant to their needs. The good relationship the childminder enjoys continues outside of childminding hours.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good documentation is in place to ensure records of complaints meet regulations.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s space is effectively organised and all resources meet the children’s requirements. The childminder knows the children well and ensures she has appropriate information to promote their health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and the ability to make a positive contribution. For example, children enjoy free and structured play several times throughout the session.

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Organisation

To keep abreast of changes in her field of work the childminder is a member of the National Childcare Association and regularly reads childcare periodicals.

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Organisation

Clear policies and procedures relate to the relevant National Standards and guide the childminder in her daily practice. All mandatory records are in place and appropriately stored.

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Organisation

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 five recommendations were made; the childminder has made good progress in addressing four of the five recommendations. She was asked to minimise the spread of infection and practise the emergency evacuation procedure. To minimise the spread of infection children have individual cleaning cloths. The emergency evacuation procedure is practised to safeguard the children's welfare. Since completing an appropriate first aid course the childminder is confident that she would be able to administer basic first aid to the children and families in her care. The childminder was also asked to assess the risk to children in relation to the first floor windows. A lock has been fitted to make the window safe for young children. One of the recommendations related to medication records, this recommendation has been met in part, however it continues to be a recommendation.

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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. 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 satisfactory. 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): • Obtain permission form parents for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical treatment or advice

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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 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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