E-ACT Ilminster Avenue Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 137700 Inspection date 20 December 2005 Inspector Beverley Jarrett

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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 1995. She is also a registered foster carer with a private agency. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 15 years in the London Borough of Brent. The ground floor of the 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five. The family has no pets.

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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 well-promoted as the childminder maintains good levels of hygiene throughout her home. Children are developing an awareness of the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet and before meals. They are protected from unnecessary illness and they are well-cared-for in emergency situations as the childminder has thorough procedures in place for accidents. She has up-to-date first aid knowledge and ensures that her first aid box is kept fully stocked at all times. Each child's particular dietary needs and preferences are provided for well. Parents provide the meals for their children. The childminder ensures that they are appropriately stored and heated to the correct temperature before serving. The routine meets the children's care needs, appropriate times are set aside for rest and play. Children are able to participate in a range of indoor activities. However,

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Helping children to be healthy

outdoor activities are limited. Children's physical development is not sufficiently encouraged. Regular outings to local parks and for walks are not planned for and play in the garden only occurs in good weather. The children do not go out during cold weather and miss out on opportunities for fresh air and exercise during these periods. As a result their physical skills are not being sufficiently developed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is very welcoming for children. Toys and resources are set out attractively and safely before children arrive, inviting and enticing them to play. Children are secure and safe on the premises as risks are identified and minimised. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The home is large enough to accommodate all the necessary equipment to support the care needs of young children. Children are able to use equipment and toys that are clean and in good condition. Their needs are met by the well designed equipment that is appropriate for their ages and stage of development. Toys and activities are easily available so children can make choices. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child

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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 have lot of fun and they play enthusiastically with a good range of toys and resources which fully promote their learning. Children are developing their vocabulary as the childminder asks questions and encourages them to talk. Children play and have ample opportunities to have fun. They enjoy a secure, warm and loving relationship with the childminder. As a result, they are happy, confident and motivated to learn. Children enjoy listening to a range of stories and they have good opportunities to practise their early writing skills when drawing and painting. Children are developing good self-help skills as they choose their own toys and resources independently. Their enjoyment and learning is enhanced by the childminder's involvement in their play. She participates in children's games to help

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

them develop their imagination. Children are learning a lot of words and phrases. The childminder talks to them about what they are doing as they play. They are praised and acknowledged for their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave very well as the childminder provides consistent boundaries and offers a lot of praise and encouragement. They enjoy close and loving relationships with the childminder and her family and they clearly enjoy the time they spend together. Children make themselves at home and are developing self-esteem and confidence as they made choices and decisions in their play. Children are beginning to learn about other people as the childminder raises their awareness of cultural differences and varying needs. They are developing a positive image of themselves, their family and the wider community. Children are happy and content because parents share information about their child's individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. Children's routines, developmental progress and activities are shared with parents daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare, care and development needs are met effectively as the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. She is well-organised, warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and very happy in her care. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children. For example, she has attended training courses in Diversity Issues and Attachment, Loss and Separation and Working with Children Who have been Abuse. Effective policies and procedures are in place and regularly shared with parents. The childminder continues to update these to ensure parents are fully informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care and leads to a professional working partnership with the parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was required to ensure her garden is safe. The construction of a garden wall is now complete. This area is now safe for children to use. The childminder was also required to complete an appropriate first aid course for infants and young children. This has now been achieved and means that first aid can be administered when needed.

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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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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 children are given opportunities to participate in a range of outdoor play activities all year round

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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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