Derrymount School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

122949 Unique Reference Number 31 August 2006 Inspection date Sarah Street Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1985. She lives with her partner and adult son in Battersea, London. The first floor and one of the bedrooms of the childminder’s maisonette are used for childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children who attend on a part time basis Monday to Friday. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's risk of cross infection is minimised as good hygiene practices are in place. For example, the childminder prompts children to wash their hands before and after eating and when they have used the toilet. Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her nappy changing facilities. Children who are unwell do not attend as a written policy clearly informs parents. However the childminder does not have a list of all the notifiable diseases she needs to contact Ofsted about.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children receive appropriate attention following accidents as the childminder has a current first aid certificate and the first aid box is accessible. The childminder keeps a clear record of accidents. However, parents do not always sign the entry which relates to their child. This does not demonstrate that parents are aware of all accidents. As a result they do not always know to look for further symptoms which may develop.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a varied range of activities which contribute to their good health. The childminder ensures children have daily access to fresh air as they go for walks and visit parks. In parks, children develop their large muscle skills as they use the climbing and balancing equipment.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children do not become thirsty as they have drinks available at all times and the childminder reminds younger children to drink. Children begin to learn about healthy eating as the childminder is able to provide a well balanced diet. Food which parents supply is appropriately stored and heated.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where the childminder has taken action to reduce most of the risks. This means that children can play safely. For example, safety gates prevent unsupervised access to the stairs and kitchen, locks are in place on cupboards which have items which pose a hazard to young children and alcohol is out of reach. However the toilet lock is low. Children can become locked in as it cannot be opened from outside. The childminder has taken some action to minimise any risk in relation to fire. Smoke alarms are regularly checked and the childminder has clearly thought about her emergency evacuation plan. However the childminder does not practise the plan. This means that she cannot assess its effectiveness and children do not know what to do.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in clean premises using toys and equipment which are suitable for their age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is aware of her responsibility to refer any concerns and the referral procedures are in place.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children participate in a varied and stimulating range of activities suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder's clear knowledge of each child's development helps her provide them with activities which offer a challenge. For example, when one of the children easily completes a puzzle the childminder praises him and then suggests they try a harder one. The childminder ensures children have favourite toys available when they arrive which helps them settle. The baby waves her arms and smiles when given her favourite musical toy. During the children's play the childminder regularly encourages their learning. For example, a child confidently discusses colours and numbers. Regular outings to local groups enable children to socialise with children of a similar age.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Warm relationships exist between children and the childminder. The children happily approach the childminder for attention and support. Babies confidently make their needs known to which the childminder positively responds.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and respected as individuals. The childminder provides a routine which supports their needs and ensures all children receive good attention. For example, when the baby has a rest the childminder devotes her time to playing with the older children. This is because she recognises that when the baby is awake she needs additional attention.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about acceptable behaviour as the childminder is a positive role model who regularly praises their good behaviour.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective links exist with parents. Regular discussion ensures parents and the childminder work together to support each child's routine. For example, following a holiday the parents discuss changes in routine. Clear contracts ensure parents are aware of the business arrangements. Parents sign and receive a copy of the contract stating they agree to the terms and conditions.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel comfortable in an organised home. For example, the effective arrangement of the furniture in the lounge provides children with lots of play space. Children confidently make choices about what to play with as they select from the shelves in the hall.

p.4

Organisation

All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is in place. However the registration certificate is not on display during operational hours and this is a requirement.

p.4

Organisation

All paperwork is neat and confidentially stored.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken effective action to address the issues raised at the last inspection. Attendance at a first aid course means she now has current knowledge and the first aid box is adequately stocked. There are now more resources which give children positive images of the diversity of society. These include books, puzzles and imaginative toys. The range of activities are sufficiently challenging for all the children as the childminder uses her knowledge of the children to ensure this.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint made to Ofsted. The complaint in November 2005 related to Standard 1: Suitability, Standard 11: Behaviour Management and Standard 13: Child protection. An unannounced visit took place which led to an action and four compliance notices being set. Following a monitoring visit the childminder met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed. The provider has made a record of the complaint in the complaint record.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 parents sign all accident entries which relate to their child • ensure the fire evacuation plan is regularly practised • gain information of the notifiable diseases required to be notified to Ofsted • ensure children cannot become locked in the toilet • make sure the registration certificate is on display during operational hours

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6