Eden Park Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 101964 Inspection date 06 February 2006 Inspector Shan Gwendoline Jones

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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 satisfactory. 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 2000. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 21, 20 and 13 years in the London Borough of Camden. The whole of the ground floor of the maisonette and one upstairs bedroom is used for childminding. There is no access to an outdoor area but children are regularly taken to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day.

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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 attends the local parent and toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association. As well as English the childminder speaks Bengali. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a range of physical play experiences for younger children, such as regular outings to the local parks and parents drop in groups. Children are able to rest or be active according to their individual needs; these routines are child led and ensure their well being is supported. For example the childminder is relaxed during meal times and interacts positively with the children to ensure they have an enjoyable experience. Children's allergies and dietary requirements are met, taking into account children's individual food preferences and the wishes of parents. Younger children are offered drinks throughout the day, for example water. Children are adequately cared for, protected from illness and well looked after in emergencies due to the childminder having efficient procedures in place for accidents and medication, all of which are shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has an adequate understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. The childminder ensures necessary fire safety measures are in place, for example, smoke alarms on all levels and stair gates. The childminder has knowledge and understanding of the procedure to follow in an emergency. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment which are clean and in good condition. She monitors and supervises the choices the younger children make to ensure that they are appropriate and safe, younger children benefit from the varied range of activities and are occupied and content.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and comfortable in the care of the minder. The interaction is warm and affectionate, so that children are becoming confident to express their needs and wishes.

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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 The childminder provides a varied range of toys and activities to meet children's developmental needs. The toys encourage progress as well as being fun for the children. They relate well to her and her family and regularly socialise with other children at a local parent and toddler group. The childminder encourages children to develop and enhance their listening and language skills by talking, singing and reading books with them. Children enjoy these activities and join in with obvious pleasure. The confidence and self-esteem of the children is reinforced because of the care and kindness of the childminder. She intends to build upon her existing childcare skills by finding out about the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Lots of attention is given, this includes praise and encouragement. They develop a sense of belonging within a family environment. As children are fully engaged in play, their behaviour is good. The childminder uses age-appropriate and positive strategies to manage any difficulties that may arise. Children are beginning to learn about other people, as the childminder raises their awareness of cultures through discussions, however there are few resources to promote positive images of other cultural backgrounds and people with varying needs. Further resources in this area will help children to develop a positive image of themselves and others. The childminder is keen to gain a greater understanding of the disability and discrimination act and the impact of the legislation on her service. The childminder has a positive approach towards working in partnership with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

She has appropriate forms in place, ready for parents to discuss and complete, ensuring she has all essential details enabling her to support the child's day to day care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder’s home. Children benefit from a well organised physical environment, and daily routine which helps them to feel comfortable and at home. They have easy access to resources and can extend their own play and learning. The childminder is warm and attentive to children who are relaxed and happy in her care. The welfare of the children is safeguarded because the childminder keeps detailed and accurate records. She also has policies and procedures in place for their protection and wellbeing. The childminder is committed to improving her practice and attends training to enhance her skills and knowledge. For example she has attended courses on 'child

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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 protection' and 'business management and planning' for childminders. The childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 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 satisfactory. 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): • increase understanding of the needs of children under three through use of the Birth to Three Matters framework • provide play materials which reflect diversity and which show positive images from a variety of cultural backgrounds and with varying needs • gain knowledge and understanding of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001.

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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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