Wyvern St Edmund's Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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144388 Unique Reference Number 26 February 2008 Inspection date Liz Corr 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 1989. She lives in a three bedroom flat in a converted house, situated within the London borough of Hackney. The main areas of the home to be used for childminding are the living room and the kitchen. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently providing care for three children under five years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the positive measures in place to promote their physical, nutritional and health needs. The home is clean, bright and well maintained. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene as they are taken to wash their hands before meals and after messy play. The childminder follows hygienic practices for nappy changing.

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Helping children to be healthy

A clear sickness procedure is shared with parents which ensures that children are cared for at home if they are unwell. The childminder has maintained an up-to-date first aid certificate and

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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 has permissions from parents in case children need emergency medical treatment. Consequently, children are well cared for if they become unwell or have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive freshly cooked meals each day prepared by the childminder. The menu is varied and takes into account children's individual dietary needs. Children are provided with regular drinks throughout the day to keep them hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is promoted through a range of activities including, trips to the park, music and movement sessions at their local drop in and dancing and singing in the childminder's home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because the childminder has a proactive attitude to risk assessment in order to minimise hazards. A clear space has been created in the living room so children can move around freely and independently. Safety gates prevent children from accessing the stairs. Appropriate equipment is provided for children to eat comfortably, older children use a small table and chair set while younger children have access to booster seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted by the use of appropriate fire safety equipment such as, a fire blanket and smoke alarms. The childminder has considered how to evacuate in an emergency and has practised this with the children, however, she has not devised a procedure or systems to record these.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning the importance of keeping themselves safe as they take part in outings. Older children know they must hold the childminder's hand or hold on to the buggy. She reminds them of the importance of crossing roads safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has an appropriate understanding of signs and signals of abuse. Effective procedures are in place if she has concerns about a child or, if an allegation is made against her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a relaxed environment where they are happy and settled in the childminder's care. She knows the children well and this helps them to feel comfortable and welcomed into her home. A well established routine is provided with a good balance of home based and group activities. They have opportunities in the home and at groups to access creative play including, play dough and painting. In general, a suitable range of toys and equipment are provided. However, children are not always able to easily make choices because of the way the equipment is organised. This sometimes results in squabbles when there are not enough toys available. Children have some opportunities for imaginary play as they access dolls, bags and a buggy and like to pretend they are grown ups. They enjoy relaxing together on cushions with their dolls as one child practises plaiting another child's hair.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder listens carefully to the children and supports their language as she sensitively repeats any words which are unclear. This also reassures them that the childminder is interested in what they have to say. She communicates well with them as they arrive at the setting, asking how they have been since she last saw them. They are becoming familiar with counting, shapes

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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 and colours during every day activities. The childminder helps the children find coloured shapes as they play with a programmable toy. They enjoy pointing to their nose, mouth and eyes as they learn to name parts of their bodies. They are learning independence skills as they practise taking off their own clothes when they are being changed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well known to the childminder as she gathers useful information about each child from their parents. Children have access to an appropriate range of toys and equipment reflecting positive images of diversity, this is extended as they learn about the wider world at drop-in groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are appropriate procedures in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This ensures the childminder works closely with parents and where necessary other professionals. She discusses and monitors any concerns in partnership with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are praised and encouraged during their play which helps to promote their self-esteem. When occasional squabbles take place the children are supported by the childminder to resolve the situation. This involves giving younger children the language they need to tell each other what is upsetting them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's close working relationship with the parents. Daily discussions take place to share information on each child's progress. Clear information is provided for each parent about her responsibilities as a childminder including, information on how to make a complaint. However, contact details for the regulator have not been included. Good support is offered if parents have concerns about their child which promotes the partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive a warm welcome from the childminder and as a result are comfortable and confident in her care. The childminder organises her time well so children enjoy a varied experience both inside and outside the home.

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Organisation

The childminder has ensured that her home continues to be a safe environment for children. She has considered how to evacuate in an emergency and demonstrates a commitment to establishing a procedure to support her practice.

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Organisation

The childminder has an effective understanding of the National Standards for Childminding. She continues to update her knowledge through further training and has sound support systems in place from the Hackney Learning Trust. This helps to keep her informed of new developments in childminding.

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Organisation

Documentation relating to childminding is in good order. The childminder knows the children well and has clear records for each child. There are good systems in place for sharing information with parents. This has a positive impact on children's overall welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to update her knowledge of equal opportunities issues and to provide a range of activities and resources to promote children's understanding of diversity. The childminder has updated her knowledge and supplies of toys and equipment. She demonstrates a good understanding of the importance of treating children equally and providing individual care.

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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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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): • improve the organisation of play equipment in order for children to have more choices • ensure that the contact details of the regulator are included in the complaints procedure

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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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