Oaklands School

Inspection report for early years provision

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100972 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2006 Inspection date Ruth Tharme 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 registered in 1999. She currently cares for 10 children aged between one and 10 years-of-age. She offers full- and part-time care all year round, and before and after school care during school terms. Children can be collected from Parton Manor Primary School.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband, and their two children aged nine and 16 years. Their three-bedroom, semi-detached house is in the residential area of Churchdown on the outskirts of Gloucester. The whole of the house is available for childminding with the main care taking place on the ground floor. Upstairs bedrooms are available for sleeping. Children have access to an enclosed rear garden. The family has pet goldfish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed first aid, child protection and HIV and Aids awareness training courses. Children are taken to the parent-and-toddler, drop-in and playgroup on a weekly basis. They also make visits to a family centre and places of interest in the local area. There are play

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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 parks, primary schools, shops and a library nearby. The childminder is a member of the Cheltenham and Cotswold Childminding support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. An effective system of documentation is in place to ensure that clear and accurate records are maintained for each child should an accident occur, or medication be required. Children's health is suitably promoted. The childminder implements a non-smoking policy and ensures that her home is cleaned to a comfortable standard. Walks to school and a nearby play park mean that children have regular access to fresh air and exercise. Basic hand-washing procedures are in place but the sharing of hand towels means that infection can spread from child to child.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a first aid box is readily available so children can be treated effectively following minor accidents. Those who are ill or infectious are excluded from the setting so other children are suitably protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to drinks. Older children are able to help themselves whilst younger ones are reminded to take a drink at frequent intervals. Children enjoy a generally well-balanced diet. Home-cooked meals are provided, although some convenience foods are used from time-to-time. Written information is requested from parents so the childminder is well informed and individual dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are suitably clean, well maintained and are of an appropriate temperature so children are generally safe and comfortable. Space is used appropriately to meet children's needs. They have access to play space and suitable sleeping facilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys, furniture and equipment are in generally good condition so children can use them safely. The childminder checks equipment regularly to ensure it is suitable for use. Toys are stored at low level so children can access them safely for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound level of risk awareness. She has taken some positive steps to minimise some of the potential dangers to children. There are socket covers and cupboard locks in place and some internal doors are locked to prevent unsupervised access to bedrooms. However, cleaning materials, shaving equipment and medication are accessible upstairs and pose a danger to minded children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire precautions reduce the danger from fire. There are smoke alarms and a fire blanket in place. Evacuation plans are practised with the children so they know what to do in an emergency. The premises are generally secure, although the key is left in the lock of the front door. Older children are able to open the lock and leave the premises unsupervised.

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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 The childminder is able to recognise a child in need. She knows some of the potential indicators of abuse. She knows what action to take so children are suitably protected, should she have any concerns. There are written procedures in place to protect children should an allegation be made against the childminder herself.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The provision meets the needs of the children and helps them to make progress in all areas of their development. The childminder has attended relevant training and is familiar with the Birth to three framework so she is well equipped to provide appropriate activities and experiences for young children. They are able to make decisions for themselves, and are involved in a good range of activities throughout the day. There is a good range of resources available so children are sufficiently challenged. The childminder organises activities carefully which means that all children can take part. Toys and equipment are thoughtfully presented so children can explore them for themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes an interest in what children say and do. She engages with them in discussion about their holidays and recent events. She skilfully asks open questions so children are encouraged to think. The childminder builds on children's interests and makes good use of resources to support children's play, for example, encouraging children to make use of bricks as the load for construction vehicles. Children develop their social skills as they attend local parent-and-toddler or childminding groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. She has developed strong relationships with the children, who enjoy the cuddles and comfort she provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children have access to appropriate toys and equipment. Resources are presented so children can make choices for themselves. They learn about diversity through the use of a range of equipment which promotes equality of opportunity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents and ensures that relevant information is shared. This means that she is able to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities should the need arise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed sensitively. The childminder has a calm and gentle approach. She uses positive language and gives clear explanations of the reasons for the house rules. The written policy is shared with parents so children benefit from a consistent approach. Good behaviour is actively encouraged. The childminder praises children appropriately and sets a good example herself.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in accordance with their parent's wishes. Written consent for outings, photographs and the application of sun creams is requested. Pre-care meetings are held to ensure that both the childminder and parent are well informed. Inspection reports and written

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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 policies are made available so parents know about the care their children receive. All documentation is shared with and is countersigned by parents to ensure that they are kept up-to-date with their child's progress. Documentation is appropriately stored so children's confidentiality is maintained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are currently no arrangements in place for recording information should a concern be raised. Parents do not have sufficient access to information if a complaint is made. However, the poster for parents is displayed so they do have access to information on how to make a complaint should they wish to.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There are suitable arrangements to ensure that the regulator is notified of significant changes. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to inform Ofsted when members of the household reach 16 years-of-age. She has attended a range of training courses which means that she is appropriately qualified to provide care for young children. Checks have been carried out on household members, and children are closely supervised to ensure their safety.

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Organisation

Good use is made of space and equipment, so children can move around freely and their activities are well resourced. Suitable ratios are maintained which means that children receive sound levels of adult support. The daily register is well maintained to provide a clear, accurate and up-to-date record of children's attendance.

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Organisation

Most records are in place to ensure the safe and efficient running of the setting. The certificate is clearly displayed so parents have access to information about the conditions of registration.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that records for the efficient and safe management of the setting are in place, and that a clear record is maintained of children's attendance. Significant improvement has been made since then. An effective system of documentation is in place to ensure that clear records are maintained for each child. The administration of medication, any accidents and the times and dates of children's attendance are all now accurately recorded.

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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 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): • ensure that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised, and that danger from cleaning materials, medication and shaving equipment is minimised when children go upstairs unsupervised • ensure that parents have access to information regarding any complaints that may be made • ensure that hand-drying arrangements minimise the risk of infection

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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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