Samuel Whitbread Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 137948 Inspection date 02 November 2005 Inspector Patricia Ann Edward

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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 2000. She is currently registered to provide care for 3 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year. When working together with another childminder from the same premises, they are registered to provide care for 8 children under 8 years; of these, no more than 6 may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than 2 may be under 1 year. At present, the childminder and the co-minder care for 9 children, some full-time and some part-time, their ages ranging from 7 months to 8 years old.

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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 lives with her father and mother who is the co-minder. The house is situated in the London Borough of Merton. All areas of the property are used for childminding apart from the main bedroom and the study on the first floor, and the second floor loft conversion. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has a dog and a cat. The childminder and co-childminder take the children to parent and toddler groups and childminders' drop-in centres. They also provide before and after school care. The childminder holds a NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have access to the garden and make regular visits to local parks, playgroups and the local farm to enjoy physical activities, exercise and fresh air. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and they are encouraged to try healthy choices and appreciate healthy meals and snacks. They have access to juice and drinking water throughout the day and their individual dietary needs are recorded and met as the childminder has previous experience of providing a diet for a child with an allergy. Children are nurtured in a warm tidy and clean environment, where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. The children learn about the importance of good hygiene practice, such as washing hands before lunch. The childminder has effective hygiene routines in place to prevent the risk of cross infection. Children are safeguarded well by the childminder's knowledge and understanding of

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Helping children to be healthy

health issues. The childminder keeps accurate records on children's health needs and information is effectively shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around certain areas of the home safely because the childminder follows a daily routine, before the children arrive, checking that safety equipment is in place and there are no unidentified hazards. Children are protected well outside the home, younger children are in buggies, older children hold hands and the childminder teaches older children about road safety. The childminder ensures that on trips further a field, labels are put on the children which details her name and mobile number.

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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 are effectively supervised throughout the day due to the organisational skills of the childminder. Children's safety in the event of a fire is ensured because the childminder has devised an appropriate written evacuation procedure, although this has not been practiced with the children. They are further protected as the childminder has a good knowledge of the procedure to follow if she has child protection concerns about a child in her care. The childminder has knowledge of Local Authority procedures and local telephone numbers. Children make independent choices from a good selection of safe, age appropriate toys. All the equipment used by the children is regularly safety checked by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled within the childminder's home. They have good opportunities to engage in a wide variety of activities which supports and encourages their learning. Children relate well to the childminder because she encourages and gives praise enabling their confidence to grow. The children's independence and confidence is well supported because they choose what they want to play with and the childminder joins in with their play, encouraging children’s individual development of skills and abilities. Children take part in a number of activities that contribute to their enjoyment and learning such as imaginary play resources, drawing and puzzles. Children benefit from a range of different outdoor play activities, which includes visits to local parks and toddler groups where children can socialise and meet others. Children's language development is supported and well extended by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

She listens and responds to the children, asks them questions about what they are doing, what they can see and what interests them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected as individuals and their needs are effectively met by the childminder, who works closely with the parents to get to know the children well. Children’s early learning about diversity is appropriately supported because the childminder uses an excellent range of resources illustrating the positive aspects of cultures and differences. Children are also taught knowledge and understanding of the world and diversity by celebrating a range of festivals throughout the year, making cards at Easter, Diwaili and Chinese New Year. Children are well behaved and are encouraged by the childminder to be aware of the needs of their peers, by sharing, playing together co-operatively and turn taking. Children have a good relationship with the childminder because she works well with them and their parents to meet children’s individual needs.

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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 The childminder has no experience of caring for children with special needs. However, she is happy to provide care and has knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and secure in a well organised environment, which helps them gain confidence and independence. Children have sufficient space in which to play because the childminder organises her home to ensure that the maximum amount of space is always available. Children’s safety, wellbeing and health is effectively supported and monitored by the childminder maintaining all the required documentation in good order. Systems are in place for exchanging verbal information with parents on a daily basis, which keeps them informed about their children's developments and the care that is provided. The childminder has a positive attitude to training and has attended a number of courses to develop her childcare 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

Children's safety is enhanced because the childminder has ensured details regarding emergency contact numbers have been obtained for all children.

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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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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): • practise devised emergency escape plan with the children and record details.

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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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