Values Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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137597 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2007 Inspection date Bharti Vakil 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 first registered in 1984. She lives with her husband, an adult son, an adult daughter and an adult nephew in Wembley in the London borough of Brent. The whole of the ground floor of the 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 a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association.

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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 and welfare is promoted as the childminder maintains suitable levels of hygiene in her home. Children are beginning to learn about simple hygiene practices and personal care through their daily routine such as washing hands after toileting and before eating. Toys and equipment are washed regularly to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has completed a recognised first aid course which enables her to administer medical or emergency help to children in her care. Relevant documentation is in place to support children's health and well-being. Children are protected from the sun because the childminder ensures that they wear hats and she applies sun cream provided by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have satisfactory opportunities to develop their physical skills. There is a small range of suitable toys for outside play such as a swing ball, a skipping rope, a small slide, sit and ride and push-a-long toys. Children enjoy fresh air as they walk to school and go to the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks which are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. Drinks and food provided by parents are stored appropriately. The childminder ensures that children can help themselves to drinking water when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and 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 and individual bedding are available to meet the care needs of the children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Overall, children are kept safe by suitable steps taken to minimise hazards on the premises. However, hazards in the garden such as a shed window which is not made from safety glass are accessible to children. The childminder has developed appropriate fire evacuation procedure and has practised it with the children. This ensures quick and safe evacuation from the home should the need arise. However, a smoke detector is not available on the first floor and the available fire blanket is not fitted as per manufacturer's instructions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's sound understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. She is aware of possible signs of abuse and knows the procedure to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are occupied by the appropriate range of toys and resources. However they do not spend enough time participating in a wide range of activities to fully promote all areas of their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies are happily settled in the warm and secure environment. They seek the childminder both for comfort and play. They are able to reach the toys easily as they are set out on the floor for easy access. Young children are attracted to the colourful toys such as the activity centre and

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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 shakers. The childminder has recently obtained knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and she is beginning to plan a wider selection of activities to benefit the children. This framework is to support children’s learning and development in their earliest years.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children relax after school as they listen to music of their choice and read books with the childminder. They have appropriate opportunities to write and draw. However, they have too few opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities to encourage them to develop their creativity, for example, sticking and painting. Children are able to explore problem solving activities such as puzzles and a variety of board games. Younger children enjoy stacking cups and sorting shapes. However, they do not have enough opportunities to explore different textures such as play dough on a regular basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of children by seeking information from the children and their parents about the child's individual needs and getting to know the child. Children receive consistent care as there is a daily exchange of information with parents about their children. The childminder ensures that children's routines are followed according to parent's wishes, for example, rest and meal times. As a result, children's sense of security is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have equal access to all toys and resources and their individual interests are promoted. They are developing self-confidence and esteem as they achieve new tasks such as learning to read. Children's awareness of diversity is increasing through discussions about various celebrations and access to resources such as books and puzzles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's behaviour appropriately and according to their ages. For example, she praises children's efforts and work. This encourages children to try out new experiences in a supportive environment.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are protected from harm because the childminder ensures that they are under her direct supervision at all times. However, not all household members over the age of 16 years have completed the required vetting procedures.

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Organisation

The necessary record keeping systems are in place to support the welfare and care of the children. The childminder has organised the records into folders to enable her to retrieve information promptly. However, children's daily attendance record does not include the arrival and departure times. This is required to ensure conditions of registration are being met all times. Overall, steps have been taken to make the home safer for children's well-being. However, further precautions are required to ensure children's safety on the premises.

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Organisation

Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder, she is affectionate towards them and they are relaxed and happy in her care. Suitable toys and activities are available, although children are not able to make choices from a wide range of resources.

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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 Children's overall care, learning and welfare are enhanced by the information shared between parents and the childminder. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has gained a suitable knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures to safeguard the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children are provided with resources and experiences that reflect positive images and awareness of diversity. This contributes to children developing a positive image of others and themselves.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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): • take further steps to keep children safer on the premises; ensure the shed glass window does not pose a hazard to children; make sure smoke detectors which conform to BS EN safety standards are provided at every level of the house; ensure a fire blanket is installed appropriately following the manufacturer's instructions • ensure that toys and resources provide more choice and suitable challenges to promote children's learning in all areas of their development • make sure that all persons over the age of 16 years living or regularly present in the household when children are being minded undergo Ofsted's vetting procedures including a criminal records check • ensure the attendance record includes actual arrival and departure 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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