Whitemoor Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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138963 Unique Reference Number 26 September 2007 Inspection date Susan Elizabeth Tovey 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 their three adult children in Hayes in the London borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor 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 six children at any one time. There are currently seven children on roll attending on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The family have a pet dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a bright and clean home. They are learning to take responsibility for their own personal hygiene, being reminded to wash their hands at appropriate times. The risk of infection to children is minimised as the childminder does not care for children if they have an infectious illness. The childminder is aware of recording any accidents that may occur or recording if medication has been administered. However, written parental permission has not

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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 been requested for the seeking of any necessary emergency treatment for the well-being of children. The childminder has attended first aid training in the past. However, her first aid qualification has expired and had not been updated. This compromises children's welfare in an emergency situation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met well because the childminder discusses and records children’s individual requirements including parents’ wishes with regard to food. Children can enjoy a range of healthy nutritious meals and snacks provided by the childminder or bring packed lunches, which they eat sitting comfortably at the table and enjoy sociable time with each other. The childminder encourages children to take frequent drinks throughout the day. As a result, children begin to understand the different aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to play outside, enjoy the fresh air and take regular physical exercise. The childminder takes the children to local groups, they visit the park and enjoy walks in the locality. Children are developing their physical skills through using the ride on toys in the garden, the cars are a favourite, and playing football. Attendance at the nursery and playgroups also gives them opportunities for physical play during inclement weather when they are unable to play outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is welcoming for children. Space has been organised to help children to explore independently and to rest, eat and play comfortably. Children independently select activities from the range of resources stored in a large toy chest in the lounge. The equipment and toys are in good condition, clean and are checked regularly by the childminder to ensure they are safe for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure environment where risks are identified and most safety equipment is in place. There are smoke alarms on each level of the home and a fire blanket easily accessible in the kitchen. An emergency escape plan has been devised but not practised with children to ensure they can be evacuated quickly from the premises, which could compromise their safety. Children are beginning to gain an awareness of their own safety, being reminded to be careful during play. They learn how to keep safe on the road as the childminder teaches the children to cross roads safely.

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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 the possible symptoms and signs of potential abuse and the procedures for reporting any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a variety of worthwhile activities, inside and outside the home. They have access to an interesting range of age appropriate play materials that cater for all areas of development and include items that reflect positive images. Effective organisation of resources allows children to see what is available and enables young children to help themselves to toys that are stored at low level. Items more suited to older children are kept out of their reach. Thus, all children are able to make their own decisions about what they do and develop independence, whilst remaining safe. They gain in confidence and build on their social skills as the childminder

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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 provides opportunities for them to meet with other children and experience different environments, for example, at local groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a happy atmosphere at this childminder's home and relationships are warm and affectionate. Good settling procedures enable children to feel secure. For instance, babies initially bring toys from home and the childminder is aware of what children like to play with. She ensures that these favourites are easily accessible, especially if children are feeling a little unsure. Babies enjoy the close contact of cuddles and they receive good levels of support and reassurance, for example, when they wake up. Children benefit from the childminder's active involvement in their play, as she spends much of her time sitting on the floor, and playing and talking with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and happy in the childminder's home. The childminder is aware of their individual needs and routines and meets them accordingly, which fosters their feelings of security and familiarity. Children are beginning to become aware of the world they live in because the childminder provides toys and resources reflecting different cultures, such as books and play food. Children are able to feel good about themselves and develop their self-image as the childminder has a positive attitude towards inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. They are well supported in their behaviour by the childminder. She has consistent boundaries and regular routines which give the children a positive sense of security because they know what is going to happen next throughout the day. With help from the childminder the children are learning to respect one another and take turns. The childminder gives appropriate praise for the children's efforts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a flexible service to parents. She has formed a positive relationship with them, working in partnership to ensure consistent care is given to the children. This contributes significantly to the children's well-being. The childminder gives daily verbal feedback to the parents so that they know how their children are progressing and developing. Most of the required documentation is shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and comfortable whilst in the care of the childminder. This means that they are confident to initiate their own play and learning. The home is organised to allow the children the freedom to move about and play safely. Children are happy and confident because they receive plenty of individual care and attention to promote their emotional well-being. The childminder organises the day to include a variety of home based play activities and physical exercise outside, through trips to the park and local places of interest. This helps in the children's progress and development.

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Organisation

Most documentation, to ensure the welfare and care of the children, is stored securely and made available for inspection. However, the attendance register does not currently show the children's actual hours of attendance.

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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 The childminder regularly shares these documents with parents, which keeps them informed about the service offered. 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 asked to gain familiarity with the process for reporting suspected child abuse and obtain resources which reflect positive images of diversity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has obtained and read the local safeguarding children documentation and the government leaflet and is confident in her understanding of this issue. She has purchased a range of toys and resources which reflect the wider world we live in. This ensures children's safety and well-being are promoted and protected.

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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 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): • attend a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure written parental permission is requested for the seeking of emergency medical treatment and advice • practise the emergency evacuation plan • ensure an accurate record is kept of children's attendance.

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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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