Waterwells Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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139693 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2006 Inspection date Lindsay Ann Farenden Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 since 1997. She lives with her husband, one adult child, and two children aged 11 and 12 years. They live in a house in the London Borough of Sutton. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a secure garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have pet fish in a covered pond in the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part time basis.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where they are helped to learn about good hygiene practice, such as washing hands before meals and after touching animals at the farm. The childminder herself demonstrates good hygiene awareness, when preparing foods and during nappy changing to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

To protect children’s health all perishable foods, from meals parent’s provide for their children, are stored in the fridge. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure any dietary needs of the children are known to her. Children are provided with ample drinks to ensure they do not get dehydrated or thirsty. For example, drinks are kept at the children’s level, so they can access them at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health and physical development, through using bikes, ride on toys in the garden and climbing frames and tunnels at toddler group. They also have opportunities to visit soft play centres, where they can climb and jump safely. Children benefit from walking to parks on a regular basis, where they are able to run, use swings and large climbing equipment to promote children’s physical skills and receive plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children have time to relax as well as be active.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health and welfare are protected because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and the first aid box is suitably stocked. This means children are safeguarded in an accident. For continuity of care parents are informed of accidents or medication given. Parents provide appropriate consent in relation to medication. However parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment has not been requested.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move around the home safely because the childminder has taken action to minimise risks and by making hazardous items inaccessible to them. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and procedures to follow, if she has concerns about a child. To protect children all fire precaution equipment is fitted appropriately and the smoke alarms are in working order. The childminder is able to demonstrate the fire evacuation procedures. However these have not been practised with the children, in order for them to become familiar with evacuation procedures. Children are well supervised throughout the day, due to the good organisation of the childminder and the layout of the areas used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The risk of accidents outside the home are reduced, because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example, children use appropriate car seats and wear restraints when travelling in vehicles. The childminder helps children to learn about road safety as she talks to them about looking and listening before crossing the road. Children

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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 are learning to use the slide and other equipment safely, as the childminder reminds children to hold on and be careful when necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose activities from a good range of clean, quality toys. The childminder makes they are suitable for their age and stage of development so children can play safely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled and confident within the childminders home. They relate well to her, because she plays with them and shows them warmth and affection. This contributes to their sense of belonging when they are with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder’s good organisation of the play materials to meet children’s individual developmental needs and interests. These results in children spending their time purposefully and are motivated to play. They enjoy choosing from a variety of toys, books and which appeal to them. Children are helped to learn through everyday play. For example, the childminder talks to children about the different coloured bricks as they use them and helps them count pens as they put them away. Children are helped to develop fine motor skills within the home. They are given lots of opportunities to do puzzles and play with toys, which require them to push buttons. Children visit the library regularly, which helps to develop their interest in books. They enjoy looking at books and having stories read to them by the childminder. This contributes to the development of children’s language and communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy exploring a good range of activities, which contribute to their creativity. For instance, painting, craft activities and sand play. Children benefit from visiting the farm, where they are able to see real animals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children gain social skills from attending toddler groups, where they have opportunities to meet other children and access further activities. This contributes to their enjoyment, creativity and enhances their all round development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued are respected as individuals. Their needs are met well, as the childminder obtains from the parents details of children’s individual likes, dislikes, their needs and daily routine before she begins caring for them. She follows their daily routine as much as possible and discusses any changes with parents about their child’s day. The childminder and the parent’s work well together and exchange information on a daily basis. She also keeps a daily diary of children aged under two years day for parent's to view. This keeps parent’s well informed of their child’s day and ensures continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their local community through regular outings to parks, toddler group and the library. They learn about the wider society and develop respect for others, because they are provided with a good range of anti-discriminatory books and toys.

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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 The childminders uses lots of praise to reinforce positive behaviour and acknowledge children’s achievements. This contributes towards children’s high level of self esteem. The childminder herself provides a good role model, as she talks to children in a kind and gentle manner. Children play and behave well and are encouraged to share toys, and show consideration for each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children with special needs, she demonstrated an awareness of how to meet their needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and secure in a well organised home. This helps them gain confidence and be independent. The environment is well laid out to make the most of space and maximise children’s play opportunities. The play resources are set out, so they are easily accessible to the children. This enables them to confidently initiate their own play. Children receive the childminder’s full attention, as she dedicates her time with them when they are present.

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Organisation

The childminder makes good use of contracts to invite discussions with parents about their individual needs. She uses this information to promote the welfare and care of the children. Most required records are kept, which contribute to children’s health, safety and well being. Information is regularly shared with parents to keep them informed about their child’s day at the childminders. This contributes to the continuity of the children’s care. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

One recommendation was made at the last inspection to provide an appropriate range of resources that promote anti-discriminatory practice. Children are now provided with a good range of play resources and books to help them learn about the diversity of others.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints 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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Complaints 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

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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): • devise an emergency fire evacuation plan and practise it on a regular basis with the children • request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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