Woodwater Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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139019 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Elizabeth Juon 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 registered in 1989. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 12 years in Hayes. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder's registration is to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and she is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school, Wood End Park School, to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a dog, a cat and a corn snake.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and suitably maintained home where the childminder has acceptable standards of cleaning and hygiene routines. Children’s health is safeguarded as the

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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 childminder uses anti-bacterial products to clean toys and surfaces and she encourages children to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children use individual towels to dry their hands, this prevents cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are given ample opportunity to improve their physical development on a daily basis. The childminder usually walks with the children around the local area to the school, park, on bus rides and on outings to places of interest. Children are able to eat and rest according to their needs and the childminder visually checks sleeping children frequently to ensure their comfort and safety. Children’s emotional development is promoted as the childminder offers reassurance and a cuddle to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a valid first aid certificate to ensure children receive the correct treatment in the event of an accident. A very simple method to record any accidents or medication given is in place. However, these are just blank sheets of paper for completion and not maintained sufficiently well or kept for an appropriate length of time, to ensure children’s welfare. Parents provide written consent to seek emergency medical treatment however; the child’s written record does not include information on immunisation, allergies or cultural and religious requirements, to refer to when needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide children’s food which is stored appropriately in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The childminder ensures children receive a healthy snack on most days with the exception of Friday when eating cake is considered a treat. Children eat their lunch sitting in the living room on the floor or settee. This does not encourage sensible eating habits at a table. Drinks are always available to ensure children remain hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are becoming settled in this safe and caring environment. The childminder gives the children plenty of attention helping them to play and learn in safety. Children can freely move around the home as the childminder has minimised the risks to enable children's independent choice. Toys, books and other resources are in good condition and within easy reach for children to choose and make decisions about their play. An adequate range of resources and activities are available inside and outside, to help children make progress and develop their imagination, creativity and physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder supervises them at all times and uses suitable restraints and buggies. Children are becoming aware of how to keep themselves safe as they cross the road at a safe place, stop, look and listen. Safety precautions are taken to protect children such as, smoke detectors, stair gate and locked front door. However, children do not practise an emergency evacuation drill and although a fire blanket is available it is not fitted according to instructions for use. This may adversely affect how quickly children can leave the house in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder recognises her responsibility in safeguarding children. She has a sound understanding of child protection issues and has some current information to follow should concerns arise about any children in her care. However, written information on the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board and their contact details are not available to seek advice to ensure a swift referral.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder’s house. The childminder supports the children and gets down to their level to extend play, helping children to choose and organise activities. The suitable organisation of floor space and furniture in the living room enable children to move and play freely. Children are comfortable with the childminder and include her in their play or ask for a story to be read. Children participate in a variety of age appropriate activities during their time at the childminder’s to keep them happy and interested. Children have the opportunity to visit places of interest in the area such as the Botanic garden or the field to see the geese and horses. They take regular bus journeys just for the learning experience. Children are able to play with other children when the childminder gets together with other childminder’s and the children they care for. This provides opportunity for children to socialise in a larger group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good relationships are evident between the children and childminder. This fosters a happy, pleasant atmosphere.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with equal concern, which enhances their self-esteem and confidence. Children enjoy close relationships with the childminder who involves the children in play to ensure they are occupied at an appropriate activity. The childminder knows the children and their families well to meet their needs. She is able to offer a flexible childminding service. The childminder gathers written information from parents about their children however, these lack detail to fully record children’s individual requirements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a small selection of resources available that reflect diversity helping children to develop an understanding of the wider world, including, dolls and books. Children also watch appropriate children's television programmes which have a good standard of inclusion and positive images of diversity. Children are becoming familiar with their local community during daily outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and the childminder is a positive role model helping children to learn acceptable behaviour and encourage cooperation and good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder’s friendly partnership with their parents’ which offers children a sense of security, knowing the adults get along. There is a daily exchange of verbal information to ensure consistency between home and childminder. Written parental consents are in place to safeguard children’s wellbeing and parents are fully consulted and involved in the care their children receive during the day. However, there is no system in place to inform parents of Ofsted’s contact details or the procedure to follow should they have a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder makes appropriate use of the available space and organises the children’s daily routine well by including activities and outings to meet the individual needs of the children so they are able to play, rest, eat and socialise in comfort. Children can freely choose resources and make decisions about their play.

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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 has undergone satisfactory suitability checks to ensure the safety and welfare of the children attending. Children are closely supervised at all times to keep them safe from people not vetted.

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Organisation

The majority of the required documentation is in place with the exception of current child protection procedures, a method to record any complaints or full details of children’s specific needs, for example, allergies. The method to record accident and medication consent is not specific for its purpose and could therefore lead to ambiguity; records are not kept for the required length of time, to fully safeguard children’s welfare. A record of children’s times of attendance is kept to ensure appropriate adult to child ratios are maintained at all times. 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 Care inspection the childminder was asked to maintain written parental permission from all parents to take children on outings.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder made improvements and requests parents sign permission for children to go on outings. This ensures parents are informed of their children's activities and safeguards children's welfare.

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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 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): • devise a method of recording accidents and medication which is clear and contains sufficient detail and keep the written record, signed by parents, for a sufficient length of time as set out in regulation • fit the fire blanket according to manufacturer's instruction and devise a routine to practise an emergency evacuation with the children • obtain a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) child protection procedures and their contact number • provide parents with the contact details of the regulator, Ofsted and devise a system to record any complaints and any action taken

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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 • ensure child records contain sufficient detail to meet children's individual health, dietary, cultural and religious requirements.

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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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