Westvale Park Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147856 Inspection date 01 December 2005 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 10, 8 and 4 years, in Hatch End in the London Borough of Harrow. The whole 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 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 5 years all day. She also minds 5 children over 5 years before and after school, on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the

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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 local parent and toddler group. The family has one cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as the childminder sustains a high level of cleanliness throughout her home. Children are developing good self-care skills as they are encouraged to, wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. Individual, clean towels help to prevent the risk of cross-infection. Children enjoy a healthy diet because the childminder understands the importance of providing fresh and nutritious food to maintain their growth and development. She has recently reviewed her menus to enhance the quality of food she serves. For example, providing the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Through using food charts and posters, children are learning which foods are beneficial for maintaining good health and which to avoid. Children benefit from outdoor exercise as they regularly play in the large back garden. The extensive range of garden equipment allows children to practice their

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Helping children to be healthy

climbing and balancing skills. In addition, the childminder is promoting the children's understanding of maintaining fitness as they routinely walk to and from school instead of travelling by car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's welfare is safeguarded in the home as the childminder gives high priority to their safety, particularly in the event of an emergency. Smoke alarms are fitted and an emergency escape plan has been devised and practised to ensure the quick and safe evacuation from the home, should the need arise. The childminder also makes sure that all obvious hazards are eliminated from her home and garden. This ensures that children are able to move around the spacious home and garden unhindered and independently. Children also benefit from being in a home that is very clean and welcoming. The conservatory provides an ideal environment for children to increase their independence by self-selecting what they wish to play with from open fronted shelves and cupboards. The wide range of play resources are also clean and in good condition. Younger children are able to sleep and eat in comfort and safety as the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has appropriate furniture and equipment, such as a travel cot and highchair. Children's wellbeing is also safeguarded by the childminders in-depth knowledge and understanding of child protection matters. She knows the signs and symptoms a child may exhibit that could indicate they were being harmed and the procedure to follow

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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 to report such concerns. Children are developing an understanding of keeping themselves safe on the roads. The childminder makes sure they listen to her and follow her instructions when they are out. For example, staying together and crossing roads safely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's learning is promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of how they learn. Appropriate activities and resources are provided to encourage and extend their development. A balance of quiet and physical activities are available to suit the immediate needs of the children after a school day. For example, they are able to choose art and craft activities, but particularly enjoy making up dances. Younger children are encouraged to develop and enhance their listening and language skills because the childminder spends time talking and gently coaxing them to achieve new skills. They respond with obvious pleasure and enthusiasm to familiar rhymes, gentle cuddling and teasing. Play resources are also provided that encourage manipulative skills, such as shape sorters and simple inset puzzles. Younger children also benefit from the affectionate and gentle care given by the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder. Consequently, they develop a sense of belonging and trust as they learn that they are valued by, and important to, their carer. The childminder's understanding of how to meet the developmental needs of younger children is supported through using the Birth to Three Matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are given appropriate praise and encouragement to enhance self-esteem and confidence. The childminder works closely with parents and provides daily feedback about how their child has spent their day. This ensures children experience consistent care and parents are kept well-informed. Children are learning right from wrong in ways that they understand because the childminder uses positive methods to manage unacceptable behaviour. In addition, the older children have devised their own "golden rules" to abide by in the home. The children respect their rules, which help to create a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. Children have access to a good range of resources that enable them to develop a positive view of diversity within society and an understanding of others. Activities with the children, such as sorting items for recycling, enable them to learn about the wider

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Helping children make a positive contribution

world. Children with special needs are welcome in the childminder’s home as she has a

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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 positive attitude towards this area of childcare. However, she needs to gain knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to ensure that she is aware of her responsibilities as a service provider.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well-organised in her daily routine to meet the needs of all the children. She is also efficient in maintaining all required records. Written information is detailed, and kept up to date to ensure accuracy, thereby safeguarding the wellbeing of the children. However, surnames of the children should be recorded in the attendance register. Children benefit from the childminders willingness to develop her knowledge and skills. She keeps up to date with current childcare issues by taking advantage of appropriate training courses and workshops in a variety of relevant topics, such as child protection and behaviour management. As a result, the children's experiences while in her care remain positive and in line with current good practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, it was recommended that the childminder inform Ofsted of all frequent visitors to the premises. This has been carried out and all regular visitors have been checked to assess their suitability, to be in the proximity of minded children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report 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): • gain knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and its impact on service providers • ensure the surnames of all the children are recorded in the attendance register.

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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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