Chacombe CEVA Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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140058 Unique Reference Number 09 July 2007 Inspection date Jan Healy 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 registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged 18 and 15 years in Upper Norwood, in the London borough of Lambeth.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the childminder's maisonette is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor 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. She is currently caring for eight children from one year to seven years of age.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder aids the children in staying healthy, as she ensures sick children do not attend the provision, to help prevent the other children in her care from also becoming ill. She holds a current first aid certificate and is confident to deal with an emergency should one occur. All accidents are recorded and are shared with the parents, so they are kept informed about any

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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 injury to their child. The first aid box contains relevant items, which are replenished regularly and is within easy reach. Parents are requested their written permission for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice, which helps to prevent the delay in the children from receiving appropriate medical attention. The children are taught to keep themselves clean and healthy through the provision of suitable hand washing facilities, being reminded to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating, however, the children do not have individual hand drying facilities, which, if in place, helps to prevent the spread of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the children who have a food allergy or intolerance and ensures she cares for the children's individual requirements to ensure they remain free from illness. Information is requested from the parents about the children's likes and dislikes and they have the option of a healthy lunch, consisting of a home cooked meal. The children eat together, making for a sociable occasion and which also helps to enhance their vocabulary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment, where the children feel safe and secure, as she is friendly and affectionate. They have the advantage of a lounge in which to play floor games, such as interlocking jigsaws and table top games in the kitchen, for instance, writing using an easel. Parents can be easily contacted via the telephone, as the childminder ensures it remains in good working order, and carries a mobile telephone with her when on outings, for the event of having to contact parents swiftly, and so the parents are able to contact her if necessary. A fully enclosed outdoor play area, enables the children to participate in physical activities, aiding their fitness and stamina.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The furniture and equipment available are safe and efficient for its use. The children have the benefit of making use of a travel cot, for their comfort during sleep and rest. The toys are clean and age appropriate, helping to enhance the children's development. A booster step and seat assists the younger children in using the bathroom independently. To aid the children to settle, the childminder works in partnership with the parent, in providing the children with a 'comfort', such as a blanket or teddy, which aids their feeling of security.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are safe whilst in the care of the childminder, as she takes positive steps to maintain the toys in good repair, discarding any that are damaged, to help prevent accidents. The smoke alarms are tested regularly, so the childminder is informed of impending danger and a fire blanket is located in the kitchen for the event of an emergency. Hot liquids, dangerous substances and sharp objects are kept out of children's reach for their good health and safety. The outdoor play area is fully enclosed so the children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised, and the childminder is aware of the plants and flowers within the children's reach, ensuring they are suitable. There is a lock, however, fitted to the bathroom door, which the children are easily able to access, which is a hazard, as the children are able to lock themselves inside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sound knowledge and understanding about child protection issues, attending relevant training courses to keep herself up to date about current legislation. In the event of a concern being noted, she is aware of the procedure to follow, to ensure the children in her care are protected from harm.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder shares a warm and friendly relationship with the children in her care, who are happy and contented. She encourages and praises their efforts, particularly when they are engaging in an activity that is new to them, for example, musical movement, with the use of tapes. She provides the children with reassurance and teaches them that their feelings are acceptable, for instance, when the younger children are in need of a cuddle when they are tired. The children take part in role play, making use of dressing up clothes to pretend to be characters of their choice. They learn their colours through the playing of games, including guessing the colour of the cars going past when sitting on a bus. They are learning to count and are confident to speak and ask for their needs to be met, such as help to fit together pieces of a jigsaw.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has sufficient knowledge and understanding about equal opportunities and uses her knowledge to meet the needs of the children in her care. Stereotypical language is avoided and both the girls and the boys are encouraged to make use of all the resources available. Specific needs are sought from the parents, so appropriate care can be provided. All the children in the care of the childminder are treated with equal concern.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has sound knowledge about the range of learning difficulties a child may have. She requests information from the parents about any help a child may require and provides sufficiently for their care. Parents are kept verbally informed about the progress their children are making or about further concerns noted, so steps can be taken to promote the children's welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder keeps the parents verbally informed about any behaviour problems she experiences with the children in her care and informs them about any incidents that occur. The children are rewarded for their positive behaviour, for example, by being given a sticker.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

During the application stage, the childminder seeks information about the children's daily routine and agrees with the parents about the methods that will be in place, for instance, behaviour management. Written contracts are maintained between the childminder and the parents, to avoid any misunderstanding. The parents are made aware of the procedure to follow in the event of a wishing to make a complaint, however, the childminder does not have the correct address for Ofsted.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder has many years experience of caring for young children and has adequate knowledge and understanding about child development, which helps the children to progress in their learning and development. The adult: child ratio is maintained so the children in her care receive the support and security that they require. An attendance register is in place containing details about the times of the children's arrival and departure, so they are accounted for in an emergency. All records and documentation are retained for a reasonable period of time, so

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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 historical checks can be made and the childminder keeps Ofsted informed about any significant changes, such as the age of her own children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was requested to devise an emergency evacuation procedure, which is now in place, enabling the children to leave the premises swiftly and safely. The childminder is also giving consideration to the writing of her policies and procedures, which keeps the parents up to date about her roles and responsibilities.

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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): • provide suitable hand drying factilities • ensure the children are unable to lock themselves inside the bathroom • update the complaints procedure to contain the correct address for Ofsted

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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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