Queen's College, London

Inspection report for early years provision

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101157 Unique Reference Number 12 October 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 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 lives with her husband and their adult daughter in a three-bedroom, semi-detached house in Wyman's Brook, which is to the north of Cheltenham town centre. The home is within walking distance of local shops, a park and Gardeners Lane School and family centre. The ground floor is used as the main play area. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the house available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered for 22 years and has completed two childminding courses. She is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are currently six children on the roll.

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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 inadequate. The childminder has a clear knowledge of the documentation she must keep to ensure that an accurate record is maintained of all medication administered and of all accidents involving children. However, she is not clear about procedures for informing the regulator which means that children may not be appropriately protected following accidents or serious illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is actively promoted. They are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meal times. Disposable towels are provided to minimise the risk of infection spreading. Children have regular access to fresh air and exercise. They walk to and from school each day and visit a local park during the holidays. Children are excluded from the setting if they are infectious to prevent illness spreading.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate and has not requested prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment from all parents so there is a risk of delay in children receiving the treatment they need in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to drinks. There are set snack times and children can request a drink at other times through the day. Particular dietary needs are discussed with parents so specific requirements can me met. Snacks are generally healthy and balanced. The childminder provides fruit salads, toast and crackers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable within the childminder's home. It is generally clean, suitably maintained and of an appropriate temperature. The use of space has been planned to accommodate children's needs. There is room to play and move around freely. Toys are checked regularly and the childminder looks at safety standards when buying new equipment to ensure resources are suitable for children to use. Toys are stored appropriately so children can make selections for themselves in safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is generally aware of safety issues and takes steps to minimise the danger to children. Socket covers are in place and a stair gate prevents children accessing the kitchen unsupervised. Children learn about road safety on their walk to and from school. Precautions such as the fire blanket and smoke alarms reduce the danger from fire but escape plans have not been practised so children are not familiar with them and do not know what to do in an emergency. The childminder ensures that children are only handed over to those authorised to collect. Parents nominate authorised collectors on the registration form.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is able to recognise the possible indicators of abuse and knows what to do if she has concerns about a child's welfare so children are suitably protected.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a broad range of activities. They speak enthusiastically about the activities they enjoy, both in and out of the home. They make decisions for themselves, choosing from a variety of play experiences and resources available to them on a daily basis. The childminder has a particular interest in crafts and uses her knowledge and skills to engage and support the children. They enjoy making puppets, knitting and sewing together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports and encourages the children but allows them to develop their skills and independence, offering suggestions, but encouraging them to try things for themselves. They are able to build on their own interests as the childminder provides resources and materials to develop their play. For example, providing a range of media to make their puppets.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested and engaged. The activities on offer are stimulating and appealing. They are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. She takes time to get to know the children and to develop a strong relationship. She is affectionate towards them and joins in with their play. For example playing computer games with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. Written records are maintained of children's specific needs so the childminder is well informed and able to accommodate individual requirements. There is a small range of multicultural resources so children have some limited access to toys and equipment which promotes their knowledge and understanding of other cultures. The childminder works closely with parents and adapts the way she works so the needs of children with learning difficulties or disabilities are accommodated and supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is generally supported sensitively. The childminder sets boundaries and models good behaviour herself to encourage children to behave well. Strategies used have not been discussed with parents so children do not always benefit from a consistent approach between home and the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are generally cared for in accordance with their parent's wishes. The childminder requests written consent to take children out in the car or on a trip. She discusses their particular needs before care commences. Parents are kept informed of their children's progress as the childminder shares documentation and ensures that she is available to discuss issues with parents on a daily basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's confidentiality is not always maintained as parents are able to read other entries when documentation is shared. Parents do not have access to information about complaints. The poster for parents is not displayed and the childminder does not have a clear knowledge and understanding of the requirements regarding the recording of complaints.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has not maintained a current first aid certificate so she does not meet the minimum qualification requirements. Suitability checks have been completed on all household members and children are closely supervised when in the presence of those who have not been checked so their safety can be assured.

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Organisation

The daily register provides a clear and accurate record of children's attendance and shows that children receive satisfactory levels of adult support as appropriate ratios are maintained at all times.

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Organisation

Records are stored securely where they can be readily accessed by the childminder, but are not available to others, to help maintain children's confidentiality. Records are routinely shared with parents who countersign to acknowledge entries. The certificate is not displayed so parents do not have access to information about the conditions of registration.

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Organisation

The setting does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were three recommendations made. The childminder was asked to ensure that the storage of documentation ensures that confidentiality is maintained, to make sure that children have enough space to play and that parents are asked to give prior written consent to seek emergency medical treatment when necessary.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Some progress has been made since the last inspection, but not all recommendations have been fully addressed. Documentation is now stored in a cupboard, out of general view but confidentiality is not always maintained as parents are able to view entries for other children in accident and incident records. The main play area is organised to provide sufficient play space for the children. There is open floor space available as well as space to sit at the table. Some, but not all, parents have been asked to provide prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This means that there could be a delay in children receiving appropriate treatment in an emergency situation.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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: • complete a first aid training course • develop knowledge and understanding of the requirements for recording complaints and sharing relevant information with parents • display the registration certificate 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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