Eskdale Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 139584 Inspection date 10 November 2005 Inspector Joanne Lindsey Caswell

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1987. She lives with her husband and adult daughter, in a residential area of Carshalton, Surrey. Local amenities are close by. Children have access to all of the ground floor of the property, which includes a bathroom. A first floor bedroom is used for sleeping. A fully enclosed garden provides an outside play area. The childminder is registered to care for a total of six children aged under eight years. She is currently caring for four children, who attend throughout the 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 The childminder is willing to collect children from local schools and regularly attends pre-school groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are very well protected from illness and infection as the childminder provides an extremely clean and well-maintained childminding home. The childminder teaches children the importance of personal hygiene. Children learn the importance of washing hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet and they manage this independently. Effective and fun strategies, such as singing songs, enables children to enjoy hand washing activities and understand the importance of cleanliness to protect against germs. There are effective arrangements to protect children from infection. Children use their own towels and parents understand that their children must not attend the setting if their children are ill. This ensures that all children are protected against illness and infection. The childminder is particularly vigilant in maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment. Children's nappies are disposed of hygienically and the changing mat is

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Helping children to be healthy

cleaned thoroughly between use. This prevents cross-infection. Children's toys are cleaned and sterilised regularly. Children have many opportunities to play in the fresh air and undertake physical exercise. They enjoy regular walks and play in the garden. There are regular outings to the park and toddler group, where children can use climbing resources and wheeled toys. This encourages children to play outside and move in a variety of ways to encourage their healthy development. Children's dietary needs are met well. They develop positive attitudes towards healthy eating as the childminder provides nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit, and meal times are regarded as fun and sociable occasions. Agreements are in place with parents regarding the provision of meals. The childminder stores all children's prepared foods in the fridge. There are effective systems in place for monitoring the fridge temperature to ensure that it meets environmental health regulations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are very clean, well-maintained and mainly safe for children. The childminder is vigilant in identifying potential hazards to children and takes most precautions. For example, children's access to the kitchen is prevented with safety gates. All electrical wiring and plug sockets have been protected. The front door is secure, preventing children from leaving the premises unsupervised. However, one of the first floor smoke alarms is not currently in full working order and the pond is not permanently covered, which could be a risk to children.

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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 Children play with a very good selection of high quality play materials and toys, which are safe and appropriate for children's use. All necessary equipment and furniture is available to care for children of all ages. The childminder has a good awareness of security. There are clear procedures to ensure children are collected by authorised people. Passwords are used when necessary to safeguard children. Children understand the importance of safety. They learn about road safety as they walk near the roads and the childminder teaches children how to protect themselves from dangers. Children are very well-protected in the event of an emergency as they clearly understand relevant procedures. The childminder has devised written emergency evacuation plans and has identified a place of safety, should the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

premises need to be evacuated. This ensures that children's safety and welfare remains a priority at all times and protects children from potential danger. The childminder has a very good understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection. This enables her to follow all relevant procedures, should she have any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have many opportunities to play and socialise within a very relaxed and homely setting. They develop their confidence and self-esteem as they enjoy very close, loving relationships with the childminder. Children regularly socialise with other children as they undertake many outings and attend local groups. They develop their understanding of the wider world as they visit the park and other places of interest. This encourages children to broaden their experiences and learn about the world in which they live. Children engage in relaxed conversation with the childminder. They happily talk about their play and make their needs understood. They ask for their favourite toys and encourage the childminder to join in games with them. Children have many opportunities to play and develop their learning. The childminder uses fun opportunities to extend children's learning. For example, children develop

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their understanding of letters and sounds as they happily complete a large alphabet puzzle and talk about rhyming sounds and words. Children enthusiastically enjoy number rhymes as they use toys to count and take numbers away. Children's developmental needs are stimulated as the childminder is experienced in caring for babies and children of differing age groups. Children undertake a range of play and learning activities, appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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's individual needs are clearly identified and very well-catered for. The childminder is committed to ensuring she meets all children's personal needs fully and adapts her daily routine and care practices to ensure that she does this. Detailed information is obtained from parents regarding each child's personal needs and care routines. As a result of this, children feel very settled, confident and valued as individuals. Children approach the childminder happily and confidently. They feel listened to, enabling them to feel part of the childminder's family and relaxed within the home. Children with special needs are supported well. The childminder is dedicated to meeting all children's needs appropriately and on an individual basis. Children behave very well. They clearly understand acceptable boundaries and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

respond positively to the childminder. Children receive high levels of praise and reassurance, which enables them to feel confident about themselves and develop high self-esteem. The childminder gives very clear explanations, enabling children to quickly understand right from wrong. As a result of this, children have very good social skills and show courtesy and respect for one another. The childminder is dedicated to working in partnership with parents and supporting them in the care and development of their children. All written policy statements are shared with parents to encourage consistency for children, between care routines followed at home and those implemented by the childminder. This strengthens the partnership for children between their parents and the childminder and encourages children to feel settled and secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides an organised and professional childminding service. She is committed to providing high standards of care. Children's play materials are organised well, enabling them safe and easy access and encouraging their independence. The daily routine is organised very well. Each day plenty of time is set aside for children to enjoy outings, visits to local groups, activities at home, rest times and mealtimes. The childminder has a very good understanding of the national standards and the conditions of her registration. All necessary vetting procedures are implemented to ensure children's safety. The childminder maintains all necessary regulatory documentation and demonstrates her clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements 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 At the last Ofsted inspection, several actions and a recommendation were raised. The childminder has addressed these. All outstanding checks for members of the household are now being processed, ensuring that all members of the household who have contact with minded children are suitably checked. The childminder has completed an approved first aid course, ensuring that her knowledge of first aid for babies and children is up-to-date. The missing fence panel in the garden has now been replaced. As a result of this, the garden is now fully secure and children cannot leave unsupervised. An emergency evacuation plan has been implemented. This ensures that children know how to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 pond is safe for children at all times and the smoke alarm on first floor is in full working order

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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