Raysfield Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

109052 Unique Reference Number 03 August 2006 Inspection date Sue Taylor 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 1990. She lives with her partner, two adult daughters and two children aged 14 and three, in Eastbourne. The ground floor is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children part time. No minded children were present during the inspection.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She occasionally walks to school to take and collect children. The family has a dog, a cat, a hamster, with fish indoors and outside in a pond.

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. The home is warm and clean. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of how children's health is promoted. She describes how children learn about personal hygiene through everyday routines such as hand washing after using the toilet. The use of liquid soap and paper towels or wipes helps prevent cross contamination. She ensures that the garden is clear from dog waste and the appropriate area disinfected before children use it.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding a child's medical needs, dietary requirements, and allergies. However this is not obtained for all children. The childminder has not maintained a valid first aid certificate and as such is not fully aware of up to date practice guidelines should a child get ill or have an accident. The childminder is not providing meals for minded children as parents provide packed lunches. The childminder ensures children have a reasonably healthy snack that includes fruit. She describes how children have easy access to their drinks throughout the day. This helps prevent dehydration and allows children control over their own thirst needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Through discussion with the childminder, it was established that children are able to enjoy daily physical exercise by playing in the garden, or going to local parks. A range of equipment including bikes, skipping ropes, bats and balls is available for children to use.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken action to ensure risks inside and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. This includes using a safety gate at the bottom of the stairs, keeping chemicals out of reach and placing a cover on the pond. Children are able to explore the ground floor easily, safely accessing the lounge, toilet and playroom. There are fire precautions in place with mains operated interconnected smoke alarms and a fire blanket that is easily accessed in the event of a fire.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The toys and equipment used by minded children are of a good standard. The organisation of storage enables children to make safe choices about their play. For example, the playroom has low level shelving with small toy boxes that young children can access easily.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates an acceptable understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. She is aware of her responsibilities with regard to child protection and keeping children safe.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates how she provides a range of resources and activities for the children in the home. Good quality toys provide balance and variety. Play resources are organised

p.3

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 in a manner that promotes children’s free choice. They gain independence as they can use the toilet as and when they need to.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder describes how children are involved in active and quiet activities in the home. From discussion the childminder talks about how they look at books quietly, make a camp under the dining table or play with the small world toys such as the cars and a road mat. The childminder demonstrates her understanding of helping children learn through play. For example, they learn colours as they colour or play with cars. They use the garden for physical play and visit the local parks.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to some resources that promote equality and reflect positive images of diversity including gender and culture. However there are very few that promote positive images of disability. She understands the need to work closely with parents, to ensure children's individual needs are met.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving examples of how she would manage issues or look to prevent a situation arising in the first place. There is an emphasis on developing children’s own understanding of what is acceptable behaviour.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder talked about how parents have verbal feedback informing them about their child’s day, with younger children also having a written record provided. Parents obtain information about the childminder’s practices through discussion. However, the childminder has not yet developed a complaints process in line with current guidelines to share with parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder protects children from unvetted persons by supervising children at all times. However, the childminder has breached a Children Act regulation by not obtaining relevant suitability checks for a household member and she is aware she must rectify this urgently.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder keeps relevant and mandatory documentation to support the care of children. However, detail is not available for one child and this is a breach of a Childcare Act regulation. This means that the childminder may not have all the necessary detail to meet the child’s needs. A record of attendance is maintained, though the recording of arrival and departure times is not always clear.

p.4

Organisation

Through discussion the childminder demonstrated how children would gain from the organised environment and routines. Children have access to a balanced range of play resources and activities. Overall, evidence suggests that the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it 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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that an accurate daily record of attendance of minded children is kept. A record of children's names is now kept in a diary and the childminder stated that she would record times if they differ from the contracted hours. However it is recommended that the times of arrival and departure are also recorded in the diary to give a clear picture of attendance.

p.5

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.

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 that the attendance record clearly shows the arrival and departure times of minded children • submit appropriate forms, including a criminal record bureau form, to Ofsted for checking to ensure all persons aged over 16 years in the household are suitable • develop a complaints process and log in line with current guidelines and share this with parents • ensure that an approved first aid training course is undertaken and a valid certificate maintained • ensure required written records and consents are obtained for all minded children

p.5

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

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.5