Hackney Community College

Inspection report for early years provision

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130407 Unique Reference Number 04 December 2006 Inspection date Maura Pigram 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 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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband, two adult children and one further child aged 12 years. They live in a house close to central Watford, schools and parks. There is a secure garden for outside play. The ground floor of the property is mainly used for childminding with access to the bathroom on the first floor.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding five children.

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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 stay healthy through the childminder's satisfactory hygiene routines. They are cared for in a clean and tidy environment. Children are beginning to understand good health and hygiene practices. They are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. Therefore they develop independence in their personal care. Effective procedures are in place to protect the children from cross infection. The childminder seeks information from parents about the children’s health needs and obtains written permission to administer medication. This ensures the children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has relevant first aid training. This means that children's health, if they have an accident, is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are met to a reasonable standard because the childminder takes account of parents' wishes. They mainly bring their own food, although they are also provided with additional snacks such as biscuits, fruit and cakes. Children can rest and sleep according to their needs. They generally have a sleep or rest in the lounge. The childminder discusses sleep patterns and routines with parents and carers. As a result, children benefit from the continuity of care between the childminder and the parent. Children are provided with appropriate opportunities to experience physical play. They visit the local park or play in the garden. Here, they enjoy riding wheeled toys or playing ball games. Consequently, children are able to develop their large muscle movements and their co-ordination skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe environment where they are closely supervised. Most risks are identified and appropriate action taken to minimise accidents and injury. However, the position of the bathroom and the lack of a safety gate by the stairs on the landing presents a potential hazard. There is an adequate range of toys and equipment which are in reasonable condition and comply with safety standards. These are mainly appropriate for the developmental needs of children and are routinely checked to ensure they are in a clean and safe condition. This means that children can play with them safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning about personal safety as the childminder explains safety issues to them both inside and out of the home, for example, sitting correctly on a dining room chair. They develop an appropriate understanding of how to keep themselves safe when they walk to and from school. The childminder always talks to the children about crossing any roads safely. Children's safety and welfare is protected because the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy playing together and using the adequate range of activities available. The children routinely create individual drawings using crayons and paper. The childminder offers positive

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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 interaction throughout the activity providing praise and encouragement as they develop their pictures. As a result, children's self-esteem is promoted. They enjoy taking their pictures home to share with their families. The childminder spends time with the children. She sits with them and joins in with their imaginative play developing conversation as they play together. The childminder has recently completed training on the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She has gained some ideas on activities and experiences to use with children under three years.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Some play materials are stored to allow for children to choose freely with little assistance. However, the resources tend to be appropriate for younger children. Other resources are stored in an non-accessible area which the childminder brings out for the children on request. This means that children are unable to independently access sufficient toys and equipment suitable for their age and stage of development. Consequently, the children's independence and learning is not fully fostered. The childminder takes them to local groups, a local park and on outings to toy and book libraries. During fine weather they enjoy playing with various toys in the garden such as a tunnel, sit and ride vehicles, bats and balls and skipping ropes. This means that they have opportunities to practise their physical skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder does not have any experience of caring for children with educational difficulties. However, all children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder respects parents' wishes, which enables her to provide appropriate care. She ensures that she gives them recognition and praise for their efforts and achievements and as a result they develop confidence and self-esteem. They feel a sense of belonging because they are cared for in a relaxed family home and warm relationships are developed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about diversity through an awareness of the childminder's own celebrations. There are some resources available which helps them to develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider community. These include small world figures and books to show diversity. Children behave well as they are provided with ample praise during their time spent with the childminder. She has effective relationships with parents. They discuss events in the children's day on collection. Children benefit from this working partnership. The childminder has a system to record any complaints. This means that children's welfare is monitored and that parents' views and concerns are acknowledged.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled. They are confident to make demands on the childminder in the knowledge that their needs will be adequately met. For example, older children are able to request play equipment from the utility area which the childminder obtains for them. The childminder has increased her resources since her last inspection. However, the organisation of these means that children do not have opportunities to develop their independence. The majority of the information relating to the children is relevant and helps to promote their

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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 well-being. However, registers do not always accurately show the children’s arrival and departure times. This potentially affects the children's safety and welfare.

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Organisation

Children’s care and development is supported through the childminder's commitment to developing her knowledge. She has recently completed courses on 'Birth to three matters' framework and child protection. Consequently, children's welfare and safety is safeguarded. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed on the following: to obtain Criminal Record Bureau checks on all persons over the age of 16 years living in the house; ensure that the child protection procedures complied with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB); plan and provide a suitable range of activities and keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has mainly addressed all of the above issues. All members of the household over the age of 16 years have obtained Criminal Record Bureau checks. The childminder has completed relevant training and is now aware of child protection procedures which complies with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board (LSCB). She has developed her resources and knowledge so that she can give more consideration to planning and providing suitable activities for children she is caring for. However, this area has been identified as requiring additional development therefore has been raised as a recommendation during this inspection. A system has been developed for the recording of complaints. This means that any concerns regarding the children's welfare can be dealt with appropriately.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 1 2004, Ofsted received one complaint relating to National Standards 1: Suitable person, 2: Organisation, 3: Care, learning and play, 6: Safety, 7: Health and 14: Documentation. The complaint related to the over minding and insufficient documentation.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted investigated the concerns raised and found that there was a breach of registration. The provider was given actions to complete and was invited for an interview with Ofsted at the regional centre. It has been decided that the provider has satisfactorily responded to the actions given and she confirmed she will work within her conditions of registration. Ofsted was satisfied by taking these steps the provider met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration.

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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 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): • assess the risks to children in relation to the top of the stairs and take action to minimise these • develop resources so that there are sufficient, suitable toys and materials to meet the developmental needs of the children • organise resources so that they are readily accessible to children • ensure a record of children being looked after and their hours of attendance is updated on an on-going basis.

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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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