Lees Brook Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

143934 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2007 Inspection date Pamela Bailey Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband in the London Borough of Lambeth. The whole of the childminder's house except for a bedroom on the first floor is used for childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently caring for two children under five years all day. The childminder regularly attends the local parent/toddler groups. The family has goldfish.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Babies and young children develop warm relationships with the childminder who is responsive to their needs. They receive lots of cuddles and affection. The childminder follows individual routines for eating and sleeping. This ensures continuity of care and contributes to their physical well-being.

p.2

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 Babies and young children receive healthy meals encouraging them to develop healthy eating practices and regular drinks to ensure that they do not become thirsty.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children play in a very clean and well maintained environment. The childminder's own good hygiene practices such as washing hands before and after nappy changing and before preparing meals prevents the spread of infection. However, young children have limited opportunities to learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Although they are encouraged to wash their hands before lunch they do not wash their hands at other times. For example, before eating finger foods and after nappy changing.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of opportunity to develop their physical skills. They play outside and visit the local parent/toddler groups, where there are large play equipment and wheeled toys.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current fist aid certificate and ensures that she gains all relevant information regarding children's health. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a well organised environment. They have a designated play room and are able to move around and play safely. They have easy access to a satisfactory range of toys and resources appropriate for their age. Good interaction from the childminder helps develop young children's awareness of safety within the home. For example, children are encouraged to help tidy away toys and explanations are given as the why children are not to kick and throw the ball in the house.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a range of safety measures. The childminder ensures that she obtains prior written consent for children travelling in a car and has taken positive steps to ensure that potential hazards in the home are minimised. For example, socket covers and stair gates are in place. However, the childminder has not yet devised or practiced emergency evacuation procedures.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has insecure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Although she is aware of reporting any concerns to social services, there is no child protection guidance in place. However, has a positive attitude to developing her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Babies and young children gain much from being together and relate well to the childminder. They learn to communicate and develop good relationships. For example, children confidently approach the childminder for support, indicating trusting relationships are built.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy looking at picture books with the childminder. They learn new words by naming objects and animals. Their creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as playing with dough, listening and playing music, singing and dancing. The childminder introduces additional learning such as identifying different colours and shapes. The children enjoy listening to the different tunes and attempting to name the rhymes.

p.3

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 Children have opportunities to socialise with other children and learn about the community. For example, they have regular visits to the library, children's groups, shopping and outings such as the fire station.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder and benefit from consistent daily routines. Their understanding of others and the local community is promoted through routine trips to children's groups, outings and the library. However, they have limited access to resources that reflect positive images of the wider world within the childminder's home. For example, there are a few dolls and one book that reflects different cultures and gender. Although there are no children attending with learning difficulties and/or disability, the childminder demonstrated how she will assess the needs of a child to determine whether appropriate care could be provided.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children behave well and benefit from lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder makes expectations clear and gives reasons for request ensuring children understand why certain behaviour is not acceptable.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

There are both formal and informal systems in place for the childminder and parents to share information. Parents provide appropriate and relevant information about their children. This ensures that the childminder has knowledge of the children's individual needs. Parent's are provided with sufficient information about the complaints procedures and receive daily feedback about their children's day.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The routine of the day allows children time for quiet and active play, which helps to promote children's learning.

p.4

Organisation

Regular, informal discussions with parents, and information kept about the children, ensures children's individual needs are met and promotes continuity of care. This helps to support the children's welfare and ensures that relevant information is shared with parents.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder attends training whenever she can and has recently completed first aid training. However, she has yet to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and obtain the child protection guidance. All records are in place and adequately maintained.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop documentation to improve the organisation of care and children's safety.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made significant improvement in all areas. The daily record of attendance accurately shows the children's arrival and departure times. She has obtained written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and for children to be transported

p.4

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 in a vehicle. Parents are provided with sufficient information about the complaints procedures and the administration of medication records are in place. This has improved the partnership with parents, children's safety and children can receive appropriate care if there is an accident.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • improve hygiene practices for very young children • devise and practise emergency evacuation procedures • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and obtain the child protection procedure which complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) • provide a range of resources that reflect positive images of different cultures, ethnicity and disabiltities

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5