Oliver Tomkins Church of England Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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126440 Unique Reference Number 27 June 2006 Inspection date Clare Stone 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 1988.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her partner and two adult children in a house in Staplehurst which is within walking distance of the shops, local pre-schools and primary school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and takes children on outings on the bus from time to time. The family have one dog.

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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. The children benefit from having healthy snacks throughout the day such as fruit, cheese and breadsticks. They also have access to drinks whenever they are thirsty. Parent's can provide their own meals if they wish and work in partnership with childminder to cater for their children's individual dietary needs. Children learn about hygiene practices and how to incorporate these into their daily routine, such as washing their hands before mealtimes. Children enjoy a range of activities, which contribute to their health. Each day they play outside and become involved in activities that improve their physical skills. For example, the children make daily visits to the park or go on local walks. The childminder does not mind children if they are unwell protecting all the children in her care from cross infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The childminders home is warm and welcoming, allowing children to feel secure and build on their confidence. Children's safety is promoted by regular informal risk assessments of the home, and the evaluation of these practices. This means children are able to move around freely and make choices for themselves. Resources are checked regularly and replaced if damaged. The childminder has clear systems in place to make sure children are safe on outings, for example she has parent's emergency contact numbers and explains the dangers of the road. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and understanding of issues relating to child protection, including the signs and symptoms of abuse and procedures to follow. However, as yet she has not taken appropriate measures to ensure children are protected from adults who are not vetted. As a result, children's welfare and safety is compromised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children can choose freely from the resources available. This promotes independence and allows children to follow their own interests. The children are confident with their relationship with the childminder and their peers. They were engaged in activities, such as role play and reading stories. The resources are age appropriate and held the children's interest for a long time. The childminder talked to the children in a kind and reassuring manner allowing the children to be themselves and express their likes and dislikes. This supports their well being and gives them a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats children with respect and uses praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem. As a result children feel good about themselves and learn to show respect for others. Children behave well and parent's are involved in any behaviour issues. This ensures

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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 that children know their boundaries and feel confident in their surroundings. All relevant information is gathered on the registration form. For example, food likes and dislikes, medical conditions and contact telephone numbers. This ensures continued support for the children and reassurance for parents. There are no children on roll with learning difficulties, but the childminder is proactive in supporting parents and helping with advice. Children have the opportunity to learn about themselves and the world around them, through access to a sufficient range of multi-cultural toys and activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has an inadequate understanding of the National Standards. Although the childminder keeps the mandatory documents, she has neglected to keep Ofsted informed of any significant changes. This is paramount to the children's protection and a legal requirement of her registration. The childminder is aware of the importance of confidentiality and stores her records accordingly. She keeps parent's informed about her service and their child's day through regular feedback. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has followed the previous recommendations, to improve her provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendation states that the childminder keep a clear record of the days and times children attend. The childminder is now keeping an account of when children will be in her care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendation states that the childminder keep dangerous plants out of the children's reach. The childminder has moved the plants so they are inaccessible to the children.

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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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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that all adults who have unsupervised access to children are suitable to do so and that the childminder deploy herself effectively and is vigilant at all times • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and set in place a procedure to notify Ofsted of relevant changes. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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