Tidemill Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

137441 Unique Reference Number 26 November 2007 Inspection date Katie Dempster Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and their daughter, who is over eight-years-old. A lodger resides at the premises. The childminder's home is situated in a residential road, in Wembley. Public transport services are close by.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses the ground floor of the premises for childminding and rest facilities are provided in an upstairs bedroom. There is a safe and secure garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification level 3 in childcare and a current first aid certificate. In addition to these she has undertaken a wide range of courses in childminding provided by the Brent Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's welfare is promoted as suitable procedures are in place. The childminder implements policies to ensure children are protected from unnecessary illnesses. For example, children do

p.2

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 not attend if they unwell with an infection. When attending to children's personal needs, the childminder is conscious of cross infection, for example, the need to use gloves and a clean changing mat.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate written consent, accident and medication records are maintained. This ensures children receive appropriate care if there is an accident or if medication has to be administered.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Some parents provide meals and snacks for their children. The childminder makes suitable arrangements to store and re-heat the food in a clean environment. Snacks that the childminder provides include noodles, rice and chapattis. Meals are provided in agreement with parents, taking into account of children's dietary or religious requirements. However, the childminder sometimes misses opportunities to promote children's independence at snack at meal times. Children that are capable of feeding themselves are on occasion, fed by the childminder.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of garden activities, for example, a slide, sand and water play, scooters and bicycles. Children enjoy making tents and tunnels in the garden using sheets. The childminder takes children on regular outings to the local library, trips to playgroup and other child friendly settings. These activities promote children's good physical health.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for a well maintained, safe and organised environment. The childminder has minimised possible hazards in the home, for example, locks have been fitted to cupboards containing harmful or hazardous materials and all low level glass has been covered with safety film. Smoke alarms have been fitted to each level of the home and a clear fire evacuation procedure has been devised identifying escape routes and fire exits. Children can play safely in the garden as potential risks have been minimised, for example, the childminder ensures the shed and side gates are kept locked and garden tools are put away and inaccessible to children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is safeguarded as the childminder has appropriate policies and documents in place, including a valid first aid qualification. A sound understanding of child protection issues has been grasped and the childminder is aware of possible signs a child may exhibit, that may indicate they are being harmed. She is aware of the correct procedure to follow in recording and reporting concerns and is aware of the importance of doing so.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and enjoy the childminder's company. They are given lots of attention and kept engaged as they play happily with the toys and activities that have been laid out for them to choose from. The childminder has written plans of flexible activities which take into consideration how many children will take part, how much space is needed and what resources will be used. Children have access to a dedicated play room with a good selection of toys and resources available. Children enjoy a warm relationship with the childminder and often include her in their play.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are many opportunities for children to use their imagination, as they have access to a toy kitchen, a good range of dolls, train sets and dressing up clothes. Children enjoy collage, junk modelling, joining in at the painting table and making shapes out of play dough. These

p.3

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 activities encourage children's creative development. Lots of soft toys, rattles and floor games are provided for babies and younger children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends time playing with the children, talking to them about the activities. For example, the colours and shapes of the play dough. She is aware of children's needs and attends to them promptly.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about the wider community as the childminder provides toys and activities to support their awareness of diversity. Children enjoy learning about religious festivals as they make Diva candles for Diwali and make cards and decorate cakes for Eid. The childminder talks to the children about why people celebrate different religious festivals and what some of the traditions mean. These activities help children develop a sense of self worth and esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved as the childminder sets out activities and games to keep the children busy and engaged. When children squabble over a toy, the childminder encourages children to share and take turns. Distracting children with other toys works effectively as children are soon happy with other toys that the childminder offers them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationship between the childminder and parents, who are kept well informed about their children and the care they receive. The childminder discusses children's needs prior to starting and there is a daily exchange of information, with regards to the daily routines, activities and any relevant issues; for example, when children are potty training, the childminder keeps parents updated with any progress their children have made. This supports children's individual needs, ensures children receive consistent care, and helps them feel a sense of security and belonging.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Documentation is in place to safeguard and support children's welfare, which is stored securely and made available for inspection. All relevant information is regularly shared with parents, maintaining a good relationship and contributing to the continuity of care. The childminder is aware that records must be maintained if complaints are received.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has attended many courses relating to child development and play activities. She is keen to develop her knowledge and undergo an accreditation to recognise her good childminding practise.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder organises herself and the home to enable children to enjoy a safe and child focused environment. They make independent choices and are supported by the childminder. Children are happy, confident and secure. The childminder meets the needs of the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the standards and quality of care were judged good and two recommendations were made. To ensure all hazards are minimised or removed and to obtain

p.4

Improvements 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 written consent from parents, to seek any necessary emergency treatment or advice. Since the last inspection, the childminder has taken steps to minimise hazards around the home; for example, a lock has been fitted to the cupboard under the stairs to ensure it is inaccessible to children. Parents contracts now include consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • encourage children's independence at meal and snack times.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5