Harris Academy Benfleet

Inspection report for early years provision

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136579 Unique Reference Number 28 January 2008 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 11 years in Beckenham; London Borough of Bromley.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the childminder's house, except for one bedroom 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 family have two pet cats, one pet rabbit and fish in a covered pond in the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children. Currently there are five children on roll aged from one to 12 years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. Most hygiene practices the childminder implements prevent the spread of infection. She ensures she washes her hands

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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 thoroughly when appropriate and encourages the children to do the same. Her verbal sick child policy informs parents when not to bring their children, and she observes appropriate exclusion periods to ensure that contagious diseases are not easily spread. However, the children use the same towel to dry their hands which potentially risks cross-contamination. The childminder is first aid trained; has parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment and clearly records any accidents. This ensures accidents are dealt with appropriately and parents are kept informed. The childminder provides a sample menu for parents information and is flexible in what she offers the children. She records and heeds any dietary requirement, keeping children healthy. The childminder uses fresh produce and offers the children fresh fruit daily ensuring

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Helping children to be healthy

their diet is healthy. Children have access to drinking water at all times. The childminder cuddles and talks to children while feeding them a bottle, this helps to support their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and child orientated home. They gain a sense of belonging because the childminder displays their work and their photographs. The play resources are easily accessed because the childminder stores them to allow self selection. The play resources are varied, in good condition and are age appropriate, so the children play safely. Children are kept safe through the childminder's good awareness of safety procedures. For example, encouraging children to use the stairs safely; restricting access to the kitchen with a safety gate; ensuring all electrical sockets are covered and using appropriate seats in the car. Children learn how to keep themselves safe when they are introduced to road safety when travelling outside with the childminder. Fire safety precautions are good. There is a fire blanket in the kitchen and smoke alarms on both levels of the home. The childminder practises fire evacuation

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

with the children which helps them to learn to leave the premises quickly and calmly. The childminder is well aware of her responsibility to protect the children in her care. She has a good understanding of the safeguarding children procedures to follow if she were to become concerned about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled and secure because of the childminder's consistent routine and caring approach. Children are involved in a broad range of activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. They use their imagination well when playing with a good variety of small world equipment and are encouraged to use their design skills when participating in art and craft activities. They enjoy cooking and experimenting with play dough and corn flour. The childminder follows the children's interests, for example on returning from a trip to the park the children wanted to paint trees which they did using hand prints. Children's work is valued when this is proudly displayed on the wall. Children enjoy having stories read to them and having the childminder hear them read. She supports the children completing their homework and gives them access to a computer. Warm relationships are evident; the children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

seek reassurance from the childminder and often go to her for cuddles. The children make themselves 'at home' and access the play resources independently. Children's physical development is supported through trips to the local park, visits to local physical play centres and using the childminder's garden. They attend a community group which means they meet other children. This enables them to make friends, building their confidence and social skills.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence through the supportive relationships and encouragement of the childminder. The childminder's realistic expectations, use of praise and distraction help children to behave well. She uses an approach that is appropriate for each individual child because she has a good understanding of child development. The childminder has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment and discusses children's needs with their parents to be able to provide individual care. She ensures her play resources are varied and are rich in positive imagery, taking care not to gender stereotype children's play. The childminder shares cultures and religions with the children by sharing books, cooking and eating food from around the world and by celebrating special festivals. Children benefit from the partnership that has developed between the childminder and their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Written policies are shared with parents at the start of the arrangement giving details of the childcare practices used. All appropriate written parental consents are in place ensuring parents wishes are known. The childminder shares information about the children verbally, with parents on a daily basis and uses a contact book for very young children. Parents commented that 'she is a fantastic childminder, she looks after the children really well and they have loved every minute of it'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has an organised, friendly and professional approach to childminding. Children enjoy an environment where they receive sufficient adult support to help them feel secure and confident. They are cared for in a welcoming home where they are able to eat, play and rest in comfort. Space is used effectively to meet the needs of the children attending. All the required documentation is in place and well maintained and the childminder has attended relevant training to ensure her practice is up-to-date. Her well written policies and procedures mostly work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. 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 improved her attendance record by ensuring children's full names are recorded and she has added play resources that depict positive images of disability supporting her anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • ensure hand washing procedures prevent the risk of cross contamination.

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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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