Braunton Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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138041 Unique Reference Number 05 November 2007 Inspection date Pauline King 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 1994. She lives with her husband and one adult child. They live in a house in Merton Park in the London borough of Merton, close to local school, shops and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight at any one time; she is currently caring for three children who attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding. Children have access to an enclosed garden area for outdoor play. The childminder drops children off and picks children up from the local school and regularly visits a local toddler group and parks with the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children keep hydrated as they have independent access to drinks. Parents provide the main food for their children, which the childminder stores in the refrigerator. The childminder discusses

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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 with parents the individual dietary requirements for the children. This ensures she has a clear understanding of additional snacks she can provide for them such as sandwiches.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children know the importance of good hygiene practice, for example, they are familiar with the routine of washing their hands after using the bathroom. Effective hygiene procedures followed by the childminder protect children from the spread of infection. The childminder deals effectively with minor accidents. She promotes children’s welfare, as there is effective communication with parents relating to accidents and medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes children's general physical development as she ensures they have plenty of walks and takes them to a local toddler group to enjoy the large play apparatus.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit by being cared for in a secure environment. The childminder takes effective safety precautions, therefore minimising the risk of most accidents. However, some hazards are accessible to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a written fire evacuation plan which is regularly recorded and practised with the children to ensure they are familiar with the procedure in the event of a fire. Babies sleep downstairs so that the childminder checks them routinely to ensure they are safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children make choices from a varied range of age appropriate play items, which are safe and well maintained. They enjoy a suitable amount of clear play space. There is a good variety of equipment to support the individual needs of children. For example, musical activity centres, play people and imaginative play to encourage children's development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards children's welfare as she has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility in relation to child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy themselves and have fun in a happy, homely environment. The childminder is kind and caring and supports children's emotional well-being by taking a genuine interest in them and talking gently to them, providing cuddles as appropriate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They have opportunities throughout the week to mix with other children as the childminder takes them to toddler group. This enables them to develop their social skills and confidence and experience different environments. The children involve the childminder in their play and they receive plenty of warm, individual attention, which enables them to successfully extend their learning and experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a variety of good age appropriate play materials and they make their own decisions about what they do. They enjoy playing with these, especially the dolls and puzzles. The childminder rotates toys regularly to maintain children's interest and to help keep their play provision fresh. She makes suggestions for things that children might like to do and responds to their interests. For example, exploring together different shapes on an activity table.

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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. The childminder treats children with respect and uses lots of praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem, which contributes to the children’s sense of well-being. Children become aware of their own and other cultures due to the childminder's positive attitudes towards diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a good partnership with parents. The childminder discusses the children’s requirements with parents and provides them with written individual daily diaries and verbal feedback each day. The consistency of care enhances children’s security and promotes their well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an understanding of her role in relation to complaints. The childminder provides parents with the contact details of Ofsted as the regulators of childcare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Appropriate checks for suitability were carried out at registration.

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Organisation

The children feel at home and at ease within the friendly environment. The childminder dedicates her time and attention fully to the children when they are present. Children have good space because the environment is organised to make the most of the available space for children's play opportunities and care needs.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation for the safe and effective management of children is in place, and includes a wide range of written policies and procedures that the childminder has created, which contributes to children's health, safety and well being. For example, the accident book, register and children's details are accurately maintained. The childminder's registration certificate is displayed for parents to see and detailed information kept on children are well maintained, in a confidential manner and made available for inspection.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken the following steps to minimise the risks to children. A written system to record the administration of medication is now in place and signed by parents.

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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 loose electric wires, free standing fan and lamp are removed or made inaccessible to children.

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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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