Nansloe Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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137616 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2007 Inspection date Caren Carpenter 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 good. 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 1985. She lives with her husband and an adult daughter in a three bed roomed house located within the London borough of Brent. A separate play room on the ground floor of the premises and a bedroom are available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups, library and local parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well supported by the childminder who has a secure knowledge of the importance of health and hygiene routines. Children are encouraged to wash their hands at

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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 appropriate times developing their self-care skills and their understanding of good personal hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks and meals which are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. They are offered regular drinks of water. The childminder ensures that each child's dietary needs requirements are provided for as she discusses their individual needs with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder maintains documentation to ensure that parents are well informed and children are kept safe and healthy. She discusses her written sickness policy with parents and contacts them if their children are unwell. Parents understand that children should not attend if they are contagious. As a result the good health of children is maintained and the risk of spreading infection is reduced.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular outdoor exercise and fresh air as they enjoy playing in the garden. For example, they climb, swing and ride bikes with increasing control. Through these activities children are developing their understanding about the importance of healthy living.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for well in a warm, welcoming and safe environment. Space is used effectively to create a welcoming environment where children are relaxed. Children are developing their independence, for example, they select toys and resources from toy boxes which are readily available to them. However, there are missed opportunities for younger children to sit and enjoy their meals in comfort. As a result, children do not begin to develop and learn social skills at meals times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to explore and move around freely and safely because the childminder has minimised all potential risks and hazards both indoors and outside. They make choices in safe and secure surroundings. They are confident the childminder will keep them safe as she is with them constantly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are highly interested and involved in the activities set out for them. They enjoy sustained periods of purposeful play. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which promotes and encourage their learning and development. They show their delight when blowing and catching bubbles during out door play. They participate in a range of activities, such as completing simple puzzles, painting, play dough, role play and dressing up in different costumes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are taken to weekly toddler groups and the library. They enjoy visits to the sea side and the farm. School age children enjoy trips to the cinema and swimming during the school holidays. The childminder has received a thank you card from the children that include their own comments, such as 'thank you for looking after us and being so kind'. Children respond well to challenges and feel secure and confident enough to attempt new things. Their confidence

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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 and self-esteem is developed further by being listened to and by having their needs responded to by the childminder. Children benefit from the quality time the childminder spends supporting their play and praising them for things that they can do.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is very much aware of the children's individual needs. She has an in-depth knowledge of each child in her care, through time spent with them and information provided by parents. This enables the childminder to plan activities and structures her day to take into account the individual needs and routines of the children. Children benefit from a nurturing, supportive and caring environment which allows them to enjoy a good range of first-hand experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging because they are familiar with the childminder's daily routines. This offers them comfort and a sense of security. Children are treated with equal concerns. They are learning about the beliefs and differences of others through books and resources that are available to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they are spoken to in a clam and friendly manner and are treated with respect. They understand acceptable behaviour as they know what the childminder expects of them. They are fully aware of the set boundaries and house rules in place. They are rewarded for positive behaviour and are offered lots of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The needs of all the children are known by the childminder through open and honest relationships with parents. Parents are well informed about their children through daily discussion at the end of each day. They are given a scrap book of photographic evidence of their time spent at the childminders when they leave her care. This clearly demonstrates good partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to feel at home in the well-organised environment. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. This means their welfare, care and development needs are met very well. The organisation of space and resources enables children to move around freely as they choose toys, play, rest and rest comfortably. However, there are missed opportunities for younger children to sit and enjoy their meals in comfort. As a result, children do not begin to develop and learn social skills at meals times.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving her practice to benefit the children and regularly attends training to enhance her skills and knowledge. For example, she has attended Birth to three matters, arts and crafts.

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Organisation

Excellent policies and procedures are in place along with all required documentation for the efficient and safe management of the children. This also supports good working relationships with parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure that children's daily attendance records include arrival and departure times. Children's welfare is promoted because their arrival and departure times are recorded in the daily attendance register.

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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. 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 good. 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 furniture to meet the needs of all the children in particular at meal 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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