Weston Favell Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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136948 Unique Reference Number 07 March 2007 Inspection date Joanne Wade Barnett 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 was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and two older children and two school age children in Biggin Hill, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects from local schools. She takes children to local parks in the area.

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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 satisfactory. Children's health is promoted in premises that are clean. Current systems implemented within the home to help minimise the transmission of communicable diseases include hygienic nappy changing facilities and the safe disposal of nappies. In addition, children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the bathroom. However, children share a towel to dry their hands. As a result, children do not learn the importance of good hygiene in order to keep their bodies healthy and minimise the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary requirements are met because some parents provide a packed lunch for their children. In addition, the childminder provides a balanced and nutritious variety of meals and snacks for older children and she adheres to easily accessible information relating to special dietary needs and preferences. Children begin to learn the importance of keeping their bodies hydrated because they have their own drinking vessels, which are easily accessible and refreshed regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities to play outside and they make effective use of the park and local environment. As a result, children acquire a healthy attitude to physical exercise and receive opportunities to develop their large muscle movements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are safe and secure; as a result, children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Toys are clean and in satisfactory condition because the childminder checks and cleans them regularly. There are effective procedures in place for the safe arrival and collection of children, which contribute towards children’s safety. The fire blanket is in place in the kitchen and smoke detectors will ensure the childminder is alerted promptly in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are kept safe on outings because the childminder applies appropriate safety measures, such as ensuring younger children are strapped securely into a buggy. High regard is placed on the suitability of the places children are taken to, and easily accessible children’s emergency contact details ensure the childminder is able to alert parents promptly in the event of an incident or accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted appropriately because the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate, there is an easily accessible first aid kit, and in addition, she continues to develop her knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder is attentive and caring in her approach and the children are content and generally settled in her care. The children clearly enjoy exploring the range of brightly coloured plastic toys that the childminder provides. Together they explore building a train track and work out the different ways to interlock the pieces. In addition the toys are rotated to ensure children remain engaged in their play, contributing to their safety and well-being. Regular visits out into the community help children learn about the environment, for example trips to the shops and park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder endeavours to share her time fairly amongst the children, supporting and encouraging them in their play and learning. She ensures all children receive lots of praise and positive intervention, helping to build on their self-esteem and confidence. As a result, younger children are beginning to make independent choices and develop their concentration, as they play alongside one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and enjoy a consistent and organised routine that affords them opportunities to be active and relax. Realistic expectations and a consistent approach by the childminder help the children to learn about right and wrong. As a result, children’s behaviour is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, differences are embraced and each child treated with equal concern. A child record form details children's dietary requirements, medical needs, likes and dislikes, all of which help the childminder provide the appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a limited range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of society, consequently, children are not yet offered good opportunities to develop their awareness of different lifestyles, beliefs and traditions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong commitment to work in partnership with parents underpins positive relationships. Effective communication contributes to meeting the individual needs of all children and formal contracts detail business arrangements to ensure the care required is provided. As yet, systems for ensuring parents are kept informed of changes in legislation have not been established, as a result parents have not been advised of procedures to follow in the event of a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation of the setting is satisfactory and contributes to positive outcomes for children. The childminder’s flexible approach enables her to provide a service tailored to the different work patterns and needs of families within the community. The childminder is able to show suitability details of all adults living at the property, contributing to children’s safety

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Organisation

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 certificate of registration is not displayed, however the attendance register confirms that the childminder complies with the conditions of her registration. The routine is flexible to include quiet times, active times and meal times. As a result, children are secure in the childminder’s care. Most of the required documentation for the setting and for the welfare and care of children is adequate. However as yet, the childminder has not requested from parents consent to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency. The childminder has sought consent to administer medication and informed parents of accidents, although the information lacks detail and she has not ensured confidentiality is maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection three recommendations were made. These were to extend resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. She has endeavoured to extend existing resources, however this still remains limited.

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Improvements since the last inspection

To improve records of accidents that occur inside and outside of the home including parent's signature and to include children's arrival and departure times. Although, children's arrival and departure times are recorded the accident records still lack detail.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made satisfactory progress in addressing most of the recommendations set at the last inspection. However, new recommendations have been raised following this inspection.

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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 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): • ensure accidents/medication records are recorded in line with the National Standards

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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 • ensure that there are systems in place to log complaints and parents are aware of the new legislation • obtain parent's written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure the certificate is displayed at all times

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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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