Edna G. Olds Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 137525 Inspection date 11 May 2005 Inspector Bharti Vakil

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1992. She lives with her two children who are 14 and 17 years old in Neasden, in the London Borough of Brent. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The first floor is used with close supervision. The garden is not used for childminding purposes. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time

p.2

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 and is currently minding three children under five years old of whom one attends on a part time basis. She is not registered to provide overnight care.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has no pets. The childminder attends the local pre-school groups. The childminder is a member of the local childminder support group and the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks and meals, which are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. Children are fed in a warm and relaxing environment therefore they are happy and content. Children's emotional well-being is supported effectively, giving them confidence and security due to childminder's good understanding of their personal preferences. Children's good health is promoted as the childminder sustains good levels of hygiene throughout her home. She has appropriate procedures in place for first aid and medication which ensure children are well cared for. Children do not attend if they are un-well or suffering from infections. They are developing self-care skills, as they are taught to wash their hands before meal times and after toileting. Children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air as the childminder takes them out daily. Children are developing good physical skills as they enjoy regular outings to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

the local child friendly settings where a wider range of physical activities is available. They have opportunities to climb, balance and slide on large play equipment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming home, where they feel secure. There is adequate space for freedom of movement and the designated areas for rest and meal times are comfortable. A range of equipment such as travel cot, high chair, buggy are available to meet the care needs of the children attending. Children happily use developmentally appropriate toys and learning materials. Overall steps have been taken to make the environment safer for children's well-being. Children are learning to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe on the regular outings. However, further precautions are required to ensure children's safety indoors as hazards are accessible to children. A safer environment prevents accidents and enables children to explore and learn independently and confidently. Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has completed first aid training and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection training. The childminder has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a close relationship with the childminder who is aware of their likes and dislikes. For example the childminder and an older child soothingly sing a lullaby together to a baby who happily falls asleep. Children are developing their early writing skills as they draw and paint. They enjoy listening to a range of suitable stories. They have fun while dancing to music and singing along with the karaoke equipment. Children get pleasure from outings to child friendly settings such as crèche, play bus. This gives them opportunities to explore new activities and enjoy relationships with other children. Although children have access to a range of suitable toys and activities to promote their development there are missed opportunities for children's learning. The play resources in the childminder's home are not relevantly grouped and suitably presented. This limits the children's free choice, element of fun and development of

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

independence skills. Children's feeling of being secure is enhanced as the childminder provides the daily routine that is familiar. This provides a stable environment and helps children to look forward to their day.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare and development is promoted because the childminder ensures that parents share information about their child's routine, dietary requirements, medical conditions and interests. Children receive consistent care as there is a daily exchange of information with parents about the children's day. Children have time to relax as well as be active. The childminder is attentive to all their needs. The children are fond of the childminder and turn to her for both comfort and play. As a result the children are happy. There are too few resources available to help children build positive images of the world they live in. A wide range of resources reflecting different cultures, gender and disability enable children to gain understanding of diversity. Further toys and resources are required. Children are developing their confidence as the childminder praises their efforts.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

They are learning to be caring and considerate to each other. This encourages them to try out new experiences in a supportive environment.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder. The childminder remains

p.4

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 suitably qualified and experienced to work with young children. The childminding environment is generally well organised. However, she needs to improve the organisation of toys and learning resources to sustain children's interest. She is warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and happy in her care. Their individual needs are met through flexible routines. The childminder is currently in the process of complying with the required vetting procedure for her son. This is an Ofsted requirement for all persons over the age of 16 years present in child care settings to promote the welfare and care of the children. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children. For example, by attending the course Birth to Three Matters.

p.4

Organisation

The required records and documentation for the minded children are maintained. This promotes the welfare and care of the children. This means that overall, the needs of the children are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has attended training in first aid for infants and young children; so that suitable first aid can be administered to children. The children's welfare is protected because the childminder now maintains the required records to seek medical treatment in an emergency.

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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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):

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 • improves children's safety by ensuring that they are not exposed to hazards such as trailing flexes, carrier bags etc. • provide a range of toys and books to develop children's self-awareness and positive image of themselves, their family and others • make sure all persons, over the age of 16, living in the home have complied with Ofsted's vetting procedures for children's protection • organise toys and resources to enable children to access these with ease and develop their independence skills

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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.6