St Kew Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 144522 Inspection date 16 September 2005 Inspector Rosemary Coburn

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and two of her daughters. They live in a two-bedroom maisonette situated in the Dalston area of the London Borough of Hackney. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years old. Childminding takes place in the living room. Toilet and washing facilities are situated on the first floor. There is no outdoor play area but a number of local shops and toddler groups are within easy walking distance. The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care. There are no pets on the premises.

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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 satisfactory. Children's good health is effectively promoted as the childminder holds an appropriate first aid certificate. In addition to this policies, procedures, appropriate arrangements and documentation are in place, and if medicine is needed, children are given accurate doses in line with agreed procedures and written permission from parents. Children are taught that good personal hygiene practices will prevent the spread of germs. Children are able to rest, sleep and be active according to their needs. They feel secure as the childminder is familiar with their routines and supports them well in gaining confidence, babies for example, are given opportunities to make their own choices from the range of toys and play opportunities that are provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a suitably maintained home where risks are identified and minimised. This allows children to move around freely and safely within the setting. Children can play safely when taken on outings and they are under direct supervision at all times. Children's safety is effectively promoted when they are outdoors as the childminder teaches them good safety routines that are appropriate for their age and understanding, for example, so that they can become aware of risk to themselves from cars when crossing roads and other hazards when outdoors. Children are monitored and observed daily to ensure that early detection of any of concerns relating to the signs or symptoms of child abuse or neglect would be acted upon in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures (ACPC). This ensures that children's welfare and well-being is supported through these measures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled at the childminders house. Younger children explore from a range of age appropriate toys and are developing their early communicative skills through story telling. Older children are developing their independence as they make choices about what they want to do for themselves, and show some interest in a suitable range of developmentally appropriate play equipment. which overall are sufficiently varied to maintain their interests. Children socialise well together for example playing 'peek a boo' behind the curtains. The childminder does not use Birth to Three Matters framework but is aware of the importance of promoting younger children's learning.

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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 satisfactory. Children respond well to the childminders positive interaction and as a result their behaviour is good. All children are valued in the setting and the range of anti-discriminatory resources and activities generally support children in learning about others differences and similarities within their community through the childminders sensitive approach and simple explanations. The childminder works well with parents to support children in settling in, and children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has developed with parents. On the whole, partnership with parents is generally good. Basic information about the services keeps parents mostly informed about the provision and their children's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel comfortable in a warm and well organised environment which enables them to play and develop which means that they are confident exploring and investigating play materials and equipment. Verbal policies and procedures are used during discussion with parents and information is shared daily keeping them well informed about the service and their children's development. Children's safety and well being are mostly promoted as written documents are in place, however the childminders knowledge of current childcare and educational practices needs to be developed further. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children that attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ofsted have not received any complaints since the childminder completed registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted have not received any complaints since the childminder completed registration

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • Develop knowledge and understanding of current Early years practices to support children's learning and development through play

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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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