Ark Brunel Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 139645 Inspection date 13 February 2006 Inspector Jane Elizabeth Chappell

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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 in 1993. She lives with her adult daughter in a residential area within the London borough of Sutton. The whole of the ground floor and master bedroom of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a rear garden for outside play. The childminder attends local toddler groups and takes children to the local parks. The childminder has two cats. 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 four children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a safe and warm environment where they learn to follow good hygiene procedures. Children receive appropriate support to develop good personal hygiene skills. They learn the importance of hand washing after toileting and before meals to prevent the spread of infection. Children have good opportunities to learn about physical exercise and a healthy life style by having regular opportunities for fresh air. Toys and equipment are available outside so children can improve their physical skills. For instance, playing on the ride on toys. Regular walks to local shops, parks and toddler groups also contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Children receive a range of healthy meals and snacks including fresh fruit and vegetables. Drinks are freely accessible throughout the day. The childminder is aware of their likes and dislikes, and respects their individual dietary needs. By

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Helping children to be healthy

following parental wishes and the children’s choice, the childminder ensures that food meets all of the children’s dietary requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe home where the childminder identifies and minimises most risks. However, the back garden fence is not secure; therefore, there is a potential risk to children's safety, however the children are not using the garden as it is winter. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, for instance, learning to hold onto the pram whilst going for a walk. Children have access to a range of toys and activities, which the childminder ensures are safe and suitable for their age and stage of development. Children can independently select from this range of toys, which gives them freedom of choice. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and has the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a good understanding of child protection procedures,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

including her role in keeping children safe, in line with the latest government guidance.

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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 develop good relationships with the childminder, who is responsive to their individual needs and joins in with their play. This helps children settle in quickly and feel at home. The children respond well to the childminder's positive interactions, which enable them to develop their language skills, for example, sounding out the names of fruit and vegetables at their pretend shop. The children receive good support and encouragement in their activities, allowing them to feel secure in their environment. A suitable range of play materials to stimulate and develop the children’s imagination is available. Children take part in a variety of activities that support their development including role-play, outdoor activities and free play. Children develop a good sense of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

achievement because the childminder shows an interest in their play. The childminder introduces new experiences to extend their learning, such as taking the children to various local amenities including parks and toddler groups. Children are cared for by a childminder who demonstrates a commitment to updating her practice through training. For example, the childminder has attended a conference on the 'Birth to three matters' framework which enhances the provision for children under three years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with respect and uses praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem, which contributes to the children’s sense of well-being. Children become aware of their own and other cultures due to the childminder's positive attitudes towards diversity. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to meet and plan for children’s individual needs. For instance when one child had a dentist visit, they talked about healthy eating and brought tooth brushes to the childminders to keep their teeth clean. Relationships with parents are friendly and flexible. Children are cared for according to the needs of the parents and their work patterns. Children behave very well and respond to requests for good behaviour. They understand the rules within the home and abide by them. This ensures good relationships and promotes harmony.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The premises layout is appropriately organised to allow children to play freely both inside the home. The childminder uses her time well and children benefit from good adult support. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. All records are confidentially stored. The childminder has breached the conditions of her registration to ensure that persons over the age of 16 years in the household have been vetted. However, she is compliant and proactive in relation to rectifying this situation immediately to ensure

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 that this breach does not occur again. Overall, 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, the childminder was asked to obtain written consent from parents before administering medication and to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder was also asked to ensure that the fire blanket is readily accessible in the kitchen. These are now all in place and ensure children's safety and well-being is paramount.

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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 that all members of the house hold over 16 years old holds a current CRB check • ensure that the outside play area is secure

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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