Thames Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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138927 Unique Reference Number 09 May 2007 Inspection date Kim Mundy 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 lives with her husband and four children aged 15, 14, 11 and 9-years in Eastcote in the London borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two dogs, a hamster and goldfish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five and one child over five before/after school. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder walks/drives to local schools to take and collect children and she attends local pre-school groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's physical development is promoted through outdoor play. The childminder has a good range of toys and equipment, for example, a football net, push and pull-a-long toys. Children

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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 benefit from outings to the gym and park where they experience a wider range of activities to help them gain control over their bodies. Children also enjoy helping to walk the dogs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary requirements are catered for and they are offered healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. They are able to sit comfortably in booster seats at the dining table and enjoy picnics outdoors when the weather permits.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning good hygiene practices as they wash their hands before eating and after handling animals. All of the required paperwork is kept for accidents and medication. Children are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they are infectious.

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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 warm and welcoming home. The childminder sets out toy boxes and creative materials in the lounge and conservatory. Children are able to make their own decisions about what they want to play with as they explore independently. There is a good range of furniture and equipment to meet the needs of the children attending, for example, a travel cot and car seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure on the premises because the childminder takes steps to minimise possible hazards. Children practise regular fire evacuations so they know what to do in the event of a fire. Items such as cleaning products are kept in locked cupboards. The childminder carries out a visual risk assessment for activities such as swimming. However, a written risk assessment is not in place to fully support the children's safety. Children are learning to take responsibility for their own safety, for example, as they cross the roads and help to tidy away the toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection and as a result, children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are having lots of fun. The childminder understands how children learn and progress and she provides a good range of resources and activities to promote all areas of their development. Children involve the childminder in their play, for example, as they build towers with bricks. The childminder is particularly skilled at asking children open-ended questions which encourages them to think and to extend their communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in a range of creative activities such as painting, chalking and sticking. These activities also help them to develop their early writing skills. They are exploring different textures as they play with sand, play dough and bubbles in the water play. Children enjoy making chocolate crispy cakes and pizza.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their problem solving skills as they count, name shapes and colours. During their play they begin to use mathematical language such as big and small. They enjoy fitting puzzles together and weaving. Children use their imagination as they make ice-lollies out of stickle bricks and discuss number, colour and flavours. They are interested and motivated as they learn through play.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing confidence and self-esteem as the childminder constantly praises them. They are learning to take turns, for example, as they are encouraged to listen to the dolls heart beat during imaginative play. The childminder knows the children's individual likes, dislikes and interests and this helps her to plan an interesting day for them. Children are learning right from wrong as the childminder sets realistic and consistent boundaries for behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a variety of toys and resources which help children to develop an understanding of their own and other people's cultures and beliefs. The childminder finds out about different festivals through talking to parents and referring to reference books. She then discusses these with the children and plans activities, for example, making cards.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships between their parents and the childminder. Their emotional development is promoted as parents are required to settle their children until they are happy to be left in the childminder's care. The childminder communicates with parents in a variety of ways, for example, parents can receive photos of their child during the day on their mobile phones. Each child has a file which contains all the necessary information to meet their individual needs effectively. Parents receive good verbal and written feedback about their child's routine, activities and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very happy and relaxed in the childminder's care because she is well organised, enthusiastic and caring. She provides an interesting range of activities in and outdoors to help the children to make good progress in their development.

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Organisation

The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children by attending training courses. She organises her home to ensure children's well-being, safety and security. However, a written risk assessment is not in place to fully support children's safety on outings to the swimming pool.

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Organisation

The childminder's comprehensive policies and procedures underpin the good standard of childcare delivered to the children and their families. The necessary paperwork is stored confidentially and accurately maintained. Children are having fun and enjoy their day.

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Organisation

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 required to hold a current first aid certificate. The childminder has maintained this and therefore, children receive appropriate treatment in the event of an accident.

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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

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 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): • devise and implement a written risk assessment for swimming activities.

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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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