Weavers Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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139819 Unique Reference Number 23 July 2007 Inspection date Jane Lester 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 1994. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 14 in Wallington, Surrey. The whole of the childminder's 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding five children for a variety of sessions. The childminder walks to local parks and to schools to take and collect children. The family has two cats, fish and a gecko. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted as they are cared for in a clean environment and are encouraged to adopt hygienic practices such as washing their hands before eating. Nappies are changed in a hygienic manner and pets regularly treated to ensure they do not pose a health risk. Parents are asked to keep their children at home while infectious so that others are protected. The

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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 childminder obtains the necessary medical permissions from parents and records any accidents appropriately. The first aid box is satisfactorily stocked to enable her to treat minor injuries, however her first aid certificate has not been renewed to ensure her knowledge of dealing with injuries is up-to-date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Food offered is freshly prepared and balanced to meet children's nutritional needs. The childminder works with parents to ensure meals comply with individual dietary and religious requirements. Food and milk provided by parents for babies is stored hygienically and heated thoroughly before serving. Children's individual care needs are met as the childminder recognises when children are tired or getting hungry and takes appropriate action. Children benefit from a range of physical activities which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They walk to local schools and parks, play in the enclosed garden or dance to music indoors.

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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 safe and secure environment. They are unable to access hazardous materials or low level electrical equipment. The childminder is aware of safety issues, for example, she uses a wooden barrier between the lounge and dining room to prevent crawling babies from accessing the kitchen area. Children are kept securely in the downstairs rooms through the use of a safety gate on the lounge. Children sleeping in travel cots upstairs are regularly checked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good fire precautions in place, as there are five smoke alarms in the house and the childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan to ensure they can leave swiftly and safely. Children play securely in the garden as it is enclosed by fencing and access to the shed area is restricted. Younger children are accompanied at all times in the garden and older children are always supervised visually. On outings young children are secured in buggies until they reach a safe place to walk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a variety of toys and resources that are safe and suitable for them. These are easily accessible in boxes. They are encouraged to stay safe while playing by tidying resources away so they do not hurt themselves and by not jumping on furniture or throwing toys. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of child protection issues and would seek advice if she had any concerns. Therefore children are protected in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and comfortable playing in the childminder's home. They are very independent and able to make decisions for themselves concerning the activities and resources they wish to explore. Children have a good relationship with their peers and the childminder. This positive friendship supports their developing confidence and feelings of self-esteem. They benefit from the childminder knowing them well and having a sound knowledge of their family background and individual preferences. Children are well occupied as the childminder provides an interesting range of activities and play experiences both indoors and outdoors. For example, children are excited by the 'magic' of a pattern appearing from a crayon rubbing and eagerly look forward to a planned collage activity and a trip to feed the ducks. Other planned activities include regular cooking and play dough sessions, growing vegetables in the garden, craft

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities and playing in the local park.

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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 independently choose from a variety of resources and spend their time purposefully. The childminder interacts well with the children to increase their language skills, knowledge and understanding during play. For example, she uses questions during a painting activity to extend their understanding of colours and develop their counting skills. She adapts activities so that all children can be involved at an appropriate level. Children's imaginative play is well supported by the childminder as she chats with them while they construct a duplo house together. They make up stories as they build, adding a tree, bird and figures to the house. Children are very proud of their accomplishments as the childminder praises them warmly. Consequently they are keen to try new activities. They develop their social skills as they join

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

other groups where they form friendly relationships with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is committed to providing a welcoming environment to children that is as natural to their home life as possible. She knows the children well and their individual needs are respected and catered for. She understands that each child is different and is attentive to how they might be feeling throughout the day. This helps children feel valued and cared for. They learn about the world around them through playing with a sufficient selection of play materials offering positive images of race and culture.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder communicates effectively on a daily basis with parents to ensure good continuity of care for the children. She holds relevant contact and medical details and parents are informed of activities and care on an ongoing basis. However, contracts do not give sufficient detail of the expectations of both parties or of the activities she provides. This means that there could be misunderstandings about the care offered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to be polite and positive behaviour is warmly praised. The childminder is consistent and calm when handling negative behaviour. As a result, children are learning right from wrong and developing good self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the National Standards for childminding. She takes some positive steps to keep minded children safe and to promote their health. However, the childminder has not maintained her first aid certificate and written consents do not include permission for her to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Organisation

Resources are organised well to promote children's independence and the childminder's home offers sufficient space for them to play and explore. Good ratios ensure she is available to children at all times. However, some documentation does not include all required information. For example, although a daily register is maintained, this does not show the actual hours that children attend and written information given to parents at the outset does not offer a clear picture of the care and activities offered. In addition her method of storing older accident and medication records means they are not readily available during the inspection process.

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Organisation

The childminder is working in partnership with parents, she knows the children well and parents' views are valued. She works closely with parents to be able to attend to children's individual care needs. Each child receives individual care, therefore promoting their confidence and self

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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 esteem. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder was asked to ensure an accurate register of children's daily attendance was maintained and to obtain written parental consent to seek emergency treatment or medical advice. The childminder has introduced a daily register which she maintains well, however this does not include details of children's hours of attendance so this is raised as a recommendation at this inspection. Admission forms have been reviewed and now include written parental consent to administer medication, however this is not detailed enough to enable the childminder to seek medical treatment or advice so is again raised as a recommendation.

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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

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): • complete first aid course that includes first aid for infants and young children and obtain written parental consent to seek medical advice or treatment • ensure written agreement with parents includes details of care and activities that are offered • ensure an accurate register of children's daily hours of attendance is maintained and that all records are available for inspection

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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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