Littletown Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 137732 Inspection date 14 September 2005 Inspector Kim Mundy

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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 satisfactory. 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 son aged 12 years in Wembley in the London Borough of Brent. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children under 5 all day. She is not registered to provide overnight care. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have no pets.

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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 enjoy a range of healthy snacks and meals which are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. They are able to access drinking water independently throughout the day at any time. Children’s health is promoted as the childminder sustains good levels of hygiene in her home. They are developing self-care skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands. Good policies and procedures are in place for first aid, accidents and medication which ensures that children are well cared for. Children are developing good physical skills as they have daily opportunities to climb, balance and slide on outdoor play equipment. They also enjoy outings to the park and toddler group where a wider range of physical activities is available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel at home as they are cared for in a welcoming environment. They are protected from harm as the childminder has made her home safe and secure. As a result, children can move around freely as they explore and investigate their surroundings. However, further steps are required to promote children's safety in the garden and to prevent them from accessing the first floor of the house. Children's care needs are met effectively as suitable and sufficient equipment is readily available. For example, high chairs, travel cot, potty and buggy. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's sound understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content. They build positive relationships with the childminder who is aware and responsive to their needs. For example, their favourite toys and activities. She provides a variety of suitable toys on a play mat each day. However, more able children cannot access toys and learning materials with ease. Children have time to relax as they cuddle up with the childminder to listen to stories and they are developing their vocabulary as the childminder asks them questions and encourages them to chat. They enjoy a variety of outings which helps them to make sense of the world. For example, the animal farm. Children enjoy the interactive toys such as, activity centres. They investigate play dough and look at colourful books. This helps them to make sense of and respond to

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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 what they see, hear, smell and touch. Children have fun as they paint using their hands and feet. They benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge of the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework which helps them to make progress in all areas of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning right from wrong and they know what is expected of them as the childminder provides consistent boundaries and offers lots of praise and encouragement. They have close relationships with the childminder and they clearly enjoy the time they spend together. Children are developing a positive self-image and they are learning about the world they live in as they play with a range of toys and resources such as, dolls, dressing up and books. Children also enjoy celebrating Diwali and Christmas and they have visited a temple. The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong identity and to feel good about themselves, their family and others. As a result, children gain self-esteem and confidence. Children are very happy and content because parents share information about their child’s individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. Children’s

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Helping children make a positive contribution

routines, activities and achievements are shared with parents daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children and she meets their welfare, care and development needs effectively. She is warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and happy in her care. The childminder has developed her knowledge and skills to benefit the children. For example, by attending the course “Birth to Three Matters” and First Aid training. She is keen to develop her knowledge further. The required records are kept. However, they are not maintained confidentially and the written agreements with parents lack necessary detail. Children’s overall care, learning and welfare are enhanced by the information shared between parents and the childminder. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has obtained parent consent for transporting children in a vehicle and she has provided a range of resources to promote equal opportunities. This improves the children's welfare and helps them to

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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 develop an understanding of the world they live in.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • remove possible hazards from the garden and ensure that children cannot access the first floor of the premises. • ensure that written agreements with parents are fully completed and confidential records are maintained. • organise toys and resources to enable children to make choices about what they want to play with.

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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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