New Monument Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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139890 Unique Reference Number 30 November 2007 Inspection date Sue Boylan 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 1985. She lives with her two adult children in the London borough of Sutton. All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children, she goes to the library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under eight years and nine children over eight years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit because they are cared for in a clean and warm home. They are learning the importance of personal hygiene when they wash their hands before eating and cover their

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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 mouth when sneezing. There are effective procedures in place to prevent the risk of cross contamination, for example, children use paper towels to dry their hands and nappies are disposed of appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder keeps her first aid qualification up to date, this means children are treated quickly if they have an accident or minor injury. There are three first aid boxes, one of which is taken with them when the children go out. Their health is protected because children do not attend if unwell. Children look forward to the walk from school, this provides opportunities to be outside in the fresh air and chat about their day.

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Helping children to be healthy

When arriving back from school, children enjoy a healthy and nutritious snack, such as some toast with fruit. Parents provide a packed lunch for children who attend during the day, this is stored appropriately to prevent spoiling. Children are eager to participate in making a cake for a birthday, they like to sit down and socialise with their friends in a relaxed environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to a well equipped and resourced play room. It offers a child-orientated environment where children feel welcome and at home. They are able to display any art work and happily help themselves to toys, which are clean and in good condition. The theme of the room often changes depending on the time of year, for example, hand-made snowflakes and shiny tinsel hang from the ceiling for Christmas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives high priority to supervising the children. As they all play on one level it is easy to hear and see what they are doing at all times; sleeping children are checked. Children's safety is protected as they regularly practise the emergency escape plan. They know what to do, even if the smoke alarm goes off because of burnt toast. Children are learning to keep safe because the childminder reminds them, for instance, 'to be careful under the table you might bang your head' and 'watch how you walk wearing the skates'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection. She knows what to do if she has concerns a child is being abused or neglected and has produced a written policy for parents information.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident in the setting. They thrive in the company of the childminder who meets their individual needs well. She is fully committed to her role of providing a stimulating environment for all children. They love to be involved in the planning and preparation of activities, such as making books. Children have good opportunities to use their imaginations, for example, building a camp with blankets and organising the dolls house and furniture. Children are confident to initiate their own ideas, for instance, taking out the pencils and drawing around the bus. Their learning is extended when they make a birthday cake, weighing and measuring ingredients. Children willingly approach the childminder to play a game, such as 'pop up pirate' giving instructions as they go along. Children enjoy taking photographs, for example, when mixing up the pancake mix.

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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 valued and their individual needs met because they follow their normal routines as discussed with parents. Children behave well and the strategies used promote their self-esteem. They happily help to tidy up the toys and cooperate together as they sing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', playing the keyboard at the same time. Older children appreciate time offered for a 'private chat' with the childminder in the kitchen if they need to. Children are familiar with the local community and have access to resources and toys that represent a positive image of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from effective partnership with parents. The childminder is flexible, friendly and provides verbal information so parents know what their children are doing. This ensures consistency in care is maintained. However, it is not easy for parents to contact the regulator without referring back, initially, to the childminder for details. Comments from past parents about the provision, include 'extremely reliable' and 'adaptable'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is organised and children benefit from the structured but flexible routine. For example, knowing it is time to collect the older children from school. There is good adult support and children are not left with any person not vetted. Children are able to easily access all areas used for childminding, this promotes independence and a sense of belonging. The childminder attends external courses whenever she can, this keeps her up to date with changing childcare practice. The required documentation is maintained, this promotes children's health, safety and well-being. However, it is not easy to maintain confidentiality because all entries are recorded on the same pages in the accident and medication books. There is a comprehensive range of written polices and procedures. These keep parents informed and help to provide consistent care for children. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to establish written agreements with parents. This is now completed so parents know what to expect from the care and activities offered.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder 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 parents are informed of the procedure to make a complaint. • maintain confidentiality in the accident and medication record books.

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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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