Hill Farm Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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139681 Unique Reference Number 23 November 2007 Inspection date Lindsay Ann Farenden 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 2000. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10,14,15 years in Sutton, Surrey. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding except for one bedroom and the second floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time She is currently minding three children on a full and part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to various parks and the local library.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean home in which the childminder ensures a high standard of hygiene is maintained at all times. The childminder ensures all surfaces and floor areas are clean and carries out good nappy changes procedures to protect children’s health. Children begin to learn personal care routines from a young age, as the childminder helps children to

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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 wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Wet wipes are also available at all times. Children dry their hands on separate towels which prevent cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s interest in healthy eating is nurtured as the childminder provides nutritious home cooked meals and fruit is available to them at all times. To prevent children becoming thirsty a jug of squash is available for older children, which they can help themselves to. Drinks in cups are accessible to younger children at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a wide range of fulfilling activities that contribute to their health and physical development. They play on wheeled toys in the garden and regularly visit soft play centres. Children like going to parks, were they are able to use large play equipment. Children develop a healthy lifestyle as they walk to and from school and sometimes ride bikes in the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is able to respond to minor accidents because she has a well stocked first aid box and holds a current first aid certificate. Parents provide appropriate consents in relation to emergency medical treatment. This means children are safeguarded in the event of a serious accident. The childminder keeps a record of any accidents and medication administered. For continuity of care, these are shared with parents. The sickness policy clearly informs parents of exclusion times if their child has an infectious illness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a safe environment, because the childminder has taken precautions to minimise risks to them, for example, cleaning materials are stored out of children’s reach. Children are very well supervised, because the childminder stays with them all the time and the layout of the ground floor area of the house.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded by suitable fire equipment fitted in the home, but there is no smoke detector fitted on the first floor. The childminder has a written fire evacuation plan, which is practised with the children. This helps them to develop an awareness of how to leave the home quickly and safely. Children are also protected outside of the home, because the childminder ensures children sit in appropriate car seats for their age and when walking younger children wear reins. She helps children to learn to keep themselves safe by explaining to them how to cross the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have plenty of space to play freely and access a good range of clean quality play resources. The childminder is vigilant about ensuring the toys are suitable for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is protected by the childminder’s good knowledge of child abuse and has a clear understanding of the 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. The children are very confident and settled in the childminders home. Young children enthusiastically crawl between the different rooms exploring the toys which are set out. The childminder is kind and caring towards them and joins in with their play, for example children

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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 thoroughly enjoyed rolling the ball to the childminder. Children squeal with laughter as the childminder rocks and cuddle them with great warmth and affection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s creative development is enhanced through a very wide range of activities, such as painting, gluing and sticking activities; make patterns with hamma beads, cooking, icing biscuits and making cards and crackers at Christmas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to use their imaginations. They pretend to cook foods and play hairdressers with the childminder. They some times make paper cones for pop corn, then watch a video and pretend they are at the cinema.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy regular outings which further their knowledge and enjoyment. They play in large sand areas in the park, visit farms and the zoo where they able to see and experience proximity to real animals. The childminder takes them to the library were they do art activities and listen to story time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and the childminder meets their needs well. She undertakes detailed discussions with parents to gain information about their daily care routines and needs. The childminder has devised a portfolio of training courses she has attended and policies which is shown to parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good relationship with the parents and is friendly and welcoming towards them. The childminder provides parents with verbal feedback about their child’s day. The consistency of care enhances children’s security and their well-being. The complaints policy fully informs parents about what to do if they have any issues about the childminding service provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are provided with a good range of resources which increase their awareness of diversity and others. They enjoy regular trips out of the home to parks and children’s facilities. This introduces them to the wider community and provides opportunities for them to socialise with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through discussion the childminder explained that she rarely has behaviour issues with the minded children. She uses appropriate strategies to manage children's behaviour mainly in the form of distraction and keeping them well occupied.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She has a very positive attitude to caring for children with special needs. The childminder would work closely with the parents and other agencies to meet the child’s individual needs and help them to meet their full potential.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is organised around the children, for example, the childminder sets out toys for them to access freely. She plans her day so children are provided with activities, both inside the home and on outings. The childminder attends training courses, which keeps her informed of current child care practice, which promotes the care provided for the children.

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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 in place very well presented documentation, which includes policies and procedures, which contribute to children’s safety, health and welfare. However, the attendance record does not include children’s surnames and the arrival and departure times are not always recorded in it on a daily basis. The childminder displays her registration certificate for parents, which reassures parents that she is complying with her conditions. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has updated her documentation and now obtains written consent to seek emergency medical treatment if necessary and parents sign entries on the medication record, which now show the times medication was administered. This further safeguards children's health and safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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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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 the daily attendance register shows arrival and departure times and includes children's surnames • provide smoke alarms which conform to BS EN standards on every level of the house

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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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