Blenheim Park Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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144021 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2008 Inspection date Judith Mary Scott 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 1985. She lives with her partner, adult son and her daughter aged 15. They live in a two bed room flat in a low rise block in Stockwell, London close to transport links, local shops, parks and schools. The whole of the apartment, apart from one bedroom, is used for childminding. This includes a sitting room that is used for play activities and meals and a bedroom that is used for children's rest. Children are supervised when using the bathroom and the kitchen. The communal gardens are used for outside play under constant supervision.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time. She is currently caring for a child aged three years three days a week and a child aged six months four days a week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home that is welcoming and friendly. They experience good physical and emotional care and are given plenty of affection and attention. Children benefit from a structured but flexible routine and sleep after lunch or according to their requirements. Children experience plenty of positive interaction and are offered recognition and comfort as necessary. They enjoy lots of cuddles and close contact with the childminder who consistently meets their needs. Children are able to freely express their feelings and communicate with animated speech, gestures, laughs and smiles. For example, they ask why they have hiccups and the childminder explains and offers them a drink of water. Children are happy, comfortable and settled, this contributes to their sense of belonging.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's meals and snacks are provided by the childminder who cooks both European and Caribbean food and plans menus in advance. Food supplied is nutritious, balanced and home made and meets children's dietary needs. Water is available at all times, plus diluted juice. Children and the childminder usually sit together at mealtimes. Children are encouraged to feed themselves and to have good table manners. This time is also used as an opportunity to talk about food and different tastes and textures. Children's healthy eating is promoted by the childminder in conjunction with parents through discussion, stories and role play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is well protected by the childminder's knowledge of first aid, health and safety and general good hygiene practice. They are supervised when using the toilet and training is supported by the childminder with plenty of reminders and praise. This is done together with parents with the use of a star chart. Suitable nappy changing arrangements are in place. Children learn the importance of good personal care and independence through discussion and daily routines. They wash their hands regularly, before eating and after using the toilet and messy play. They clean their teeth after meals, comb their hair and put on cream. Children say "I like the smell of the cream and it's good for my skin!".

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from activity and exercise to help them develop control of their bodies. They enjoy supervised physical play in the communal gardens and on the childminder's inside landing within the building. They have access to a variety of equipment such as a small slide, a tunnel, a ball pond, floor mats, tricycles and cars. Children explore stepping stones and hand and foot prints in a variety of colours and like playing with hoops and balls. They enjoy action rhymes, movement and music indoors and enthusiastically demonstrate somersaults on the carpet. Children also have trips to local parks. They benefit from fresh air and opportunities to walk, run, jump and climb with the childminder's support and encouragement to develop their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children’s individual needs are met and information is shared effectively with parents by the childminder maintaining records regarding accidents, incidents and medication. Various written parental consents are kept for each individual child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from an organised home. They are safe and secure in these surroundings and can move freely around the apartment, accessing toys and activities provided by the childminder

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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 easily. They are supervised when using the bathroom and the kitchen. The childminder has taken effective measures to reduce potential hazards and is aware of the significance of good risk assessment. She has recent health and safety training. For example, children have no access to the balcony, hazardous items and medication are stored out of reach and the childminder regularly checks for damaged or unsafe play provision and cleans and sterilises toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised and made aware of the importance of using toys and play equipment safely through demonstration and explanation with the childminder, for instance, they are gently reminded about the perils of attempting to balance on the back of the sofa. Children are encouraged to build their confidence and extend their skills through play with the childminder's support such as learning to ride a scooter safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are given clear boundaries and the childminder ensures they are safe on outings. Appropriate systems are in place and she supervises the children closely, takes a mobile and the relevant details and consents. Various safety restraints are used and the childminder ensures they stay together and hold hands or on to the buggy. Children are asked to wait by the kerb, stop, look and listen to develop their awareness of road safety. Children over hear this and say "Green to go!". They have opportunities to walk and run around freely in controlled, enclosed spaces in the childminder's sight.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a suitable range of childcare equipment. There is a very good varied selection of toys, books and play materials that are stored and presented effectively. Children benefit from the childminder's organised resources file which she has based on the six areas of learning from the Foundation Stage. She rotates her play provision on a regular basis. Children help to choose a selection and the childminder monitors this and ensures it is suitable for their ages and stages of development. Play provision includes baby toys, creative materials, puzzles, imaginary and role play, books, construction, dolls, games, interactive toys, matching and recognition games, floor and tabletop activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is paramount. They are safe and protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures and she has recent training. She has child protection guidelines available for reference and is aware of her lines of communication, however, there is no confidential incident recording system in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a range of varied activities with access to good, age appropriate play provision and equipment. They enjoy being with the childminder and interact warmly and affectionately. They talk to and play with her at regular intervals, responding with smiles and animated speech. Children are happy and relaxed and relate well to adults. They are friendly and curious and communicate with confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a flexible but structured routine. They have regular trips to local groups, soft play centres, parks, shops and visiting friends. They visit the city farm and go out on fun days. Children visit the library to choose and borrow books. These outings provide opportunities to mix with other children, to develop their confidence and social skills, to experience different sights and sounds and to explore a variety of play activities and apparatus. Children investigate the natural world of insects, animals and nature and like to watch the birds and squirrels, feed the ducks and collect leaves and wild flowers. These are brought home for creative activities such as leaf printing and comparisons of shapes and sizes.

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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 Children enjoy a play area which is decorated with pictures, posters and wall displays such as a date and weather chart. They agree it is sunny today and seek the appropriate card to slot in with enthusiasm. Children play with suitable and age appropriate toys and are interested and involved. They confidently select toys from available supplies. Children are engrossed in imaginary play with home corner toys. They engage in role play with gestures and actions using the microwave and assembling meals with pretend food. The childminder utilises this to promote discussion about different fruits and vegetables, asking questions that promote responses, for example, "What do you like to eat?". Children act out scenarios with action men making up their own dialogue. They participate in mark making and colouring with pencils. They show

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

what they have done, demanding "Look! Look!" and are pleased with the childminder's admiration of their work. Children like sensory and tactile stimulation exploring a matching game with a variety of colours and textures together with the childminder. They experience activities that allow them to investigate their environment. They show concentration and perseverance when blowing bubbles, talking about how big or small they are and count how many.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in a variety of play activities on a weekly basis that contribute to their enjoyment and enable them to learn through play. Activities include creative play, lots of books and stories, free play, mark making, construction, puzzles, imaginary and role play. Children have access to treasure baskets with a variety of natural objects and materials, book bags, magnetic letters, number activities, mini-computers and interactive toys. They enjoy dancing, music and movement with a selection of musical instruments, some of which are home made. Children have opportunities to explore and use their senses to experiment and express themselves whilst being cared for by the childminder. They play with sand and water on the landing and investigate sink and float experiments. They sometimes help to bake cakes and help plant and care for herbs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to talk and express themselves by the childminder who uses plenty of discussion and actions with open questions to extend children's imagination and introduction of new words. Colours, shapes, sounds, letters and numbers are introduced in a variety of ways using posters, stories, rhymes and matching games. Children receive support to develop their independence, confidence and ability to make choices such as selecting toys and putting on their coats and shoes. For example, children want to put on the Chinese trousers from the dressing up box and persevere until they get it right. Children experience a warm, consistent standard of care from the childminder who has a good understanding of their needs and what she can do to encourage their progress. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework and intends to attend training to promote young children’s learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain from settling in arrangements that are tailored to suit individual families’ requirements. They benefit from the childminder's experience. She offers help and support to parents with introductory sessions and gives details about the service provided. Children’s personal needs are discussed and recorded on general information forms with details of routines, food preferences, favourite toys and activities, comforters and special words. Children benefit from the positive partnerships that the childminder has developed with parents who indicate they are very happy with quality of care provided. The childminder gets to know children well and communicates with parents regularly regarding their care and progress. This includes ideas to extend children's learning through their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are given clear boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, plus expectations in the form of basic house rules such as sharing, taking turns and playing co-operatively. Children behave well and respond to the childminder's requests and guidance. They are encouraged to help tidy up to prevent accidents. Children benefit from the childminder’s appropriate, consistent behaviour management strategies. Desired behaviour is promoted by talking, explaining, use of anticipation and distraction and supervised time out to calm down if necessary. Praise, positive language and reward stickers are found effective.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated as individuals and with equal concern. They are encouraged to behave with respect and kindness towards others. For example, children recently visited the local pensioners' club with the childminder. Children have access to the full range of activities offered. This includes a range of good resources that promote a positive view of the wider community and increases their understanding of diversity such as dolls, play figures, musical instruments and games. Children enjoy a variety of music and experience different food. They like dressing up and put on a show with a West African theme for their parents and neighbours to watch. The childminder displays positive attitudes towards children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s needs are well supported so they can enjoy and achieve in a child friendly home with a variety of good resources. They are comfortable and secure in an organised environment which helps them gain confidence and be independent. Children benefit from a flexible childminding routine. This includes free and structured play activities, outings, meals, naps and quiet times and takes into account children’s individual ages and requirements. The attendance register is completed on a daily basis. Minor inconsistencies are to be addressed. The childminder shares information regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the care that is provided. A written contact diary and an exchange of verbal information includes children's general wellbeing, food and drink intake, sleep patterns, nappy changes, activities and outings.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps the required records that contribute to children’s health, safety and well being. She is aware of the complaints regulation process, however, there is no complaints records system in place. The childminder displays positive attitudes towards training and implementing additional documentation to promote further good practice. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

One recommendation was made at the last inspection which has been addressed by the childminder. She has removed items of furniture and rearranged the living room to create more play space for children.

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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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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 that suitable systems are in place for recording complaints and implement a confidential incident record system

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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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