Sutherland Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 138548 Inspection date 08 November 2005 Inspector Victoria Vasiliadis

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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?

This childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her partner and three school age children. The family live in a residential area of Eastcote in borough of Hillingdon within easy reach of all local amenities and close to transport links to London and the local areas. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time

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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 and is currently minding eight children aged from three and a half years to eleven years on a part-time basis. She is not registered to provide overnight care. The family have a dog, one cat and four tortoises.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities such as walks, visits to the park, toddler groups and toddler gym. Regular visits to the park and toddler groups improve children's physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder has good procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection when attending to children's personal needs and caring for them when they are ill. Children benefit from a healthy diet. Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder. These take into account special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children independently select activities from a good range of resources. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, appropriate and suitable for their ages. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures. The home is comfortably furnished and equipped enabling children to make good use of space that is well organised and child focused. Children have access to an environment that is safe and free from potential risks. The childminder has identified and minimised hazards within the home, resulting in children being able to move around safely and independently. However, the garden is not safe for children's use as improvement work is taking place. The childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has identified this and is making alternative arrangements for children to have regular access to the outdoors.

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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 Children are becoming independent as they choose from a good range of resources that are well organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning and are enjoyed by the children. They play happily and are interested in the activities provided, the children particularly enjoyed imaginative play. For example they made a secret den from the large cardboard box the childminder had provided and enjoyed playing hide and seek. Resources are suitable for the ages and development of the children cared for. The children are provided with good opportunities to develop their physical skills as they have daily outings to the park, toddler groups, gyms and go for walks. Children are comfortable at the childminder's home. They confidently settle in the environment provided by the childminder, the children are spoken to in a warm,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the needs of the children and actively involves parents. Children are provided with a sufficient selection of resources that promote a positive view of the wider world in which they live. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages, children are beginning to learn right from wrong. The childminder has an understanding of the needs of the children, whilst ensuring parents' views are sought. Good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's wellbeing. The childminder ensures that parents know how their children are progressing and developing as she keeps written records on the children. Information is shared with parents on a daily basis both verbally and through the use of written policies.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the environment provided by the childminder. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled enough to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder has completed her Introduction to Childminding Practice course; her procedures are regularly shared with parents to keep them informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. The setting is meeting the needs of all the children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain contact details of social

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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 services and to obtain a fire blanket, she has now completed this ensuring the safety of the 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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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 children are not exposed to hazards in the garden

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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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