Castle Community College

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 118825 Inspection date 16 May 2005 Inspector Deborah Ann Benn

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and adult daughter. They live in a house on a main road in Rainham, Essex. Local shops and a park are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children, currently she is caring for 5, all on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 activities and resources provided, such as garden toys and regular outings to the local park, enable children to practise and develop their physical skills. Children have access to drinks throughout the day and are encouraged to eat healthy snacks such as fruit in preference to sweets and biscuits. The childminder has a sound understanding of nutrition and provides balanced and substantial meals. Children learn about good hygiene practices through daily routines such as washing their hands after using the toilet. Appropriate systems are in place to ensure information regarding knowledge of allergies and health needs are available and to record accidents when necessary. Although the childminder has received first aid training, it was not the required 12 hour minimum course length and her certificate is no longer valid this leaves children vulnerable were they to need first aid whilst in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. There is ample room for children to play and move safely in the large through lounge. The childminder ensures that the environment is safe, low level glass in the doors is protected, regular checks are carried out and the gas fire cannot be operated. Children are able to access an appropriate range of toys and play equipment which is safe and suitable for their use. Good supervision and all adults in the household having been appropriately vetted, helps to keep children safe. The childminder's sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of different types of abuse mean that she is alert to children's welfare, however her lack of knowledge of local procedures could delay children gaining access to necessary support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and enjoy each other's company, they interact comfortably with the childminder who encourages their language development through conversation. Children use their imagination well in role play, particularly enjoying home life activities and they access toys freely from an appropriate range of suitable resources. The childminder's warm and affectionate manner toward the children helps them to feel settled and secure. They are confident to approach the childminder who responds readily to their needs and requests, they are at ease in her home and interact naturally together. Although the type of programmes are well monitored to ensure they are age appropriate, the constant use of the television sometimes hinders children's concentration on and development of their play activities.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. The use of resources such as books and figures which reflect different skin tones and cultures are available to the children and begin to help them to learn awareness of diversity. The childminder's use of appropriate praise and encouragement, coupled with explanation at their level of understanding, helps children to learn about the effect of their behaviour on others. They are well behaved and interact positively with each other, sharing in each other's games and taking turns with toys and resources. Children feel valued as individuals, special days are recognised and celebrated. Parents are kept informed of their child's routines and experiences through daily conversations. Friendly relationships have been built up and the childminder has

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Helping children make a positive contribution

been able to address issues such as diet together with parents to provide consistency of care. However, the lack of written agreements could lead to discrepancy.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder's poor organisational skills affect the quality of the provision overall and therefore the needs of the children attending are not met. Contracts are not in place with all parents and those that are in place are not reviewed which could affect consistency of care. Child protection procedures not being available and first aid training not being current could make children vulnerable and delay them receiving appropriate care and protection. The childminder has not pursued her last report or ensured that she has a current certificate of registration resulting in actions made at the last inspection not being fully achieved. However, play resources and the area for children to play in is generally well organised enabling children to access toys and resources and make their own choices.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, which took place in May 2003, the childminder was asked to ensure that effective procedures were put in place for undertaking checks on all persons over the age of 16 years living or regularly present in the household. Also to improve the range of play materials provided which reflect diversity and administration regarding partnership with parents. Although improvements have been made, weaknesses regarding organisation of administration remain. The childminder's daughter now has a current criminal records disclosure, but this was not taken up within the agreed timescale. Contracts are in place with some but not all parents. Some new books and figures reflecting different skin colours have been provided.

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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 an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • implement systems to improve the organisation of paperwork: establish a written agreement with all parents that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements and ensure that the daily register accurately reflects the attendance of all children cared for. 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

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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