Chilwell Croft Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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138395 Unique Reference Number 25 June 2007 Inspection date Christine Bonnett 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 1989. She lives with her husband, two adult children, one child aged 13 years, her daughter in law and child aged under one year. The family live in Hillingdon, in the London borough of Hillingdon. The ground floor of the house is mainly used for childminding. There is no access to an outdoor area but children are regularly taken to the local park.

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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 two children under five. Both children attend on a part time basis. The childminder regularly works with an assistant.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has no pets.

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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 as the childminder's home is maintained to a satisfactory standard of cleanliness. Good hygiene practices are adopted by the childminder when changing children's nappies. In addition, children are learning good self-care skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. Although the back garden is unsafe for children to use, the childminder takes them to the local park twice a week for physical exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide the main meals for their children, and the childminder supplies snacks. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs to help safeguard their well-being. Drinks are readily available at all times throughout the day. The childminder understands the importance of ensuring children enjoy a healthy diet to maintain their growth and development, and consequently gives them fresh fruit, biscuits and milk for snacks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's wellbeing is further promoted as the childminder has a sick child policy in place to prevent the risk of cross infection between them. This is shared with the parents to ensure they are aware of why their child may be excluded, and for how long. However, the childminder does not have permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment for their child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play freely in the spacious environment. It is a welcoming, family home with no obvious safety hazards to endanger them. Children's safety is promoted as the childminder has devised an emergency escape plan from the premises to ensure they are taken to safety quickly in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are also in place to further protect children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe on the roads when they walk to school with the childminder. She talks to them about the importance of crossing with the "lollipop lady" and looking out for cars.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Younger children are able to sleep and eat in comfort and safety as the childminder has a cot and child size chairs for children to use. All toys and equipment are clean and in good condition. Children have access to a satisfactory range of toys and play equipment to enable them to make progress in all areas of development. The range includes imaginative play, books, activity centres and musical toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are content and comfortable in the care of the childminder. The interaction between the children, the childminder and her family is warm and affectionate, so that children become confident to express their needs and wishes. In addition, children receive lots of praise and attention to promote their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Sufficient play materials are available to provide children with a variety of different experiences during the day. For example, drawing materials, books and musical toys are all enjoyed.

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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 Children have the opportunity to walk to the local park twice a week and develop their physical skills by climbing and running. The childminder speaks several languages which, with the support of the parents, she uses with the children to build and develop their language skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are given appropriate praise and encouragement to enhance self-esteem and confidence. Children are learning to be kind and respectful towards each other because the childminder acts as a good role model.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop an understanding of other cultures and faiths within society as they have access to a satisfactory range of resources that give a positive reflection of diversity, such as books. In addition, the childminder has researched other religions and cultures to understand what is important to followers of those particular faiths. In this way she is able to promote and acknowledge different customs and traditions for the benefit of the children and their families.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children profit from the effective working relationship the childminder establishes with parents. Relevant information about the day is shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service provided and their children's activities. Age appropriate and positive methods are used to manage any unacceptable behaviour that may arise. The childminder has a positive attitude towards looking after children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Their needs are met by working closely with parents to ensure that care is consistent.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are met because the childminder is well organised in her daily routine. The day is planned to include quiet times indoors and physical exercise outdoors. This helps to ensure the children's overall developmental progress. The family home is clean and offers sufficient space for children to play freely and safely. The environment is also caring and relaxed which enables children to express themselves and grow in confidence.

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Organisation

The welfare of the children is safeguarded because detailed and accurate records are maintained. However, accident recording and records of attendance lack the necessary detail. The childminder is committed to enhancing her childcare skills for the benefit of the children by attending further training. The effective relationship the childminder enjoys with the parents is also beneficial to the children.

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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 enhance the wellbeing of children by attending an appropriate first aid course. This has not been achieved, and as a consequence children's wellbeing could be compromised. The childminder was also required to ensure that she had sufficient and suitable play equipment for children and that they were able to access it easily. Since the last inspection, she has increased her stock of play materials and ensures that they are appropriate for the ages of the children in her care. In addition, they can be accessed easily as they are stored in the lounge.

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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 A further requirement of the last inspection was that the childminder maintained all the required records, and make them available at inspection. The full range of records are now maintained and readily available for inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment • ensure children's full name are entered on all accidents records and the attendance register • attend first aid training that includes first aid for infants and young children.

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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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