Innellan House School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

102255 Unique Reference Number 19 February 2007 Inspection date Sarah Jane Wignall 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 1997. She lives with her husband and one child aged 15 in a small village, in Cornwall. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She sometimes works with an assistant. She is currently minding seven children, on different days throughout the week. The childminder walks and drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and the local park.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Cornwall Childminding Association (CCMA) and National Childminding Association (NCMA). She is a member of the Kernow Childminding Network.

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. Children are cared for in an adequately organised setting, which is warm and comfortable. They follow simple hygiene routines such as washing hands before eating, and access to individual flannels helps limit the risk of cross-infection. The childminder takes appropriate action if children become ill while in her care. She holds a current first aid and food hygiene certificate and has access to a first aid kit. A written sick children's policy helps inform parents of when children will not be admitted.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children generally bring a packed lunch if staying all day. The childminder provides children with breakfast items, such as cereal and toast and occasional healthy midday snacks, such as fruit. Older children ask for drinks during the day, but younger children have access to filled beakers and cups. The childminder encourages children to drink water or milk if thirsty. Information about special diets is recorded on the enrolment form.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular access to fresh air. Daily walks to and from school help children to stay healthy. Children enjoy visiting the local park where they can access large equipment, and they play in the small enclosed garden during good weather. Occasional visits to the local leisure centre benefit children as they learn to swim.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a busy home environment where care is confined to the ground floor. Risk assessments have not been used effectively to identify and minimise all hazards, such as hazardous items on worktops and poor storage of toys and resources. Children learn about fire safety as they participate in regular fire drills. Suitable fire fighting equipment is in place and serviced regularly. Children are well supervised as they play and good support is offered through the use of an assistant during busy times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an adequate range of toys and resources, most of which are stored in the conservatory play room. Poor organisation of resources makes it difficult for children to safely and easily select their own resources. The childminder monitors children's use of resources so that young children do not have access to small dangerous items such as magnetic beads and small jigsaw pieces. Children learn about road safety as they discuss dangers while out walking, such as holding hands while crossing roads and being careful on uneven surfaces.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. She has had experience in the past and is able to recognise possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She ensures that both herself and her assistant are kept up-to-date with current guidelines, and attends regular training courses. She is aware of appropriate agencies to contact for advice or referral.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and comfortable in the childminder's care. They participate in a wide range of activities that include lots of opportunities for craft work. Days are informally planned, but the childminder tends to follow the planning that the local play groups use, so that younger children get continuity in their play. Children have good relationships with the childminder, the assistant and each other. They benefit from the additional help and support provided by the presence of an assistant. Children enjoy drawing and colouring pictures of pigs and dragons to celebrate Chinese New Year. Young children complete jigsaws and make patterns using magnetic beads.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive praise for their work as they proudly show pictures they have completed. The childminder responds well to their requests and suggestions for different activities, such as finding a picture of a Chinese dragon to copy.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from additional levels of adult support during busy holiday times. Both the childminder and assistant respond promptly to children's requests for support in their play. The childminder has a good understanding of individual needs, having cared for several children for many years. Children have lots of opportunities to learn about their local community. Many children attend local pre-school and nursery classes and younger children enjoy attending community groups where they have opportunities to learn how to sing and sign. Some children have recently learnt to swim as they attended a 'tots swim' course at the local leisure centre. Children learn about the wider world as they complete craft activities in celebration of different festivals and have occasional access to additional toys and resources.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the childminder and have a good understanding of expected levels of behaviour. Simple house rules are in force, such as not running or throwing things in the house. Children are rewarded with regular verbal praise and encouragement for work well done, such as completing pictures and puzzles. The childminder works with parents in addressing any ongoing behavioural issues. Older children are encouraged to be independent for instance in using the bathroom and putting on shoes and coats.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit as the childminder has a relaxed and informal relationship with parents. Parents confidently talk to the childminder and share relevant information. Appropriate contracts and record forms are in place. Parents have access to written policies and procedures.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared by a well qualified childminder who keeps her knowledge and skills updated by attending regular short courses and training events. Good use of a qualified assistant provides children with additional support during busy times. The home is adequately organised, although some safety issues have not been adequately addressed. The childminder is a member of the

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 Kernow Childminding Network. Children benefit from involvement in local community groups where they have the opportunity to learn new skills. The childminder keeps appropriate attendance registers. She is aware of her responsibility to protect children from unvetted adults.

p.4

Organisation

Suitable documentation is in place and well organised. The childminder seeks additional information to support her practice. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure that the system to record the daily attendance of the children is effective in confirming that adult:child ratios are met at all times. To provide confirmation that all persons in the household over the age of 16 have undergone a police check and to undertake a simple written risk assessment in order to identify actions to be taken to minimise potential risks, such as the unlocked front door, hot pipes in the living room and any other potential hazards.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder completes daily attendance records showing children's times of arrival and departure. Children are protected as all members of the household have undergone, or are going through current checks to ensure their suitability. Risk assessments have not been used effectively to address all safety and security issues.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 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.

p.5

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 complaint 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 resources are well organised so that they are easily and safely accessible to children

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 • carry out risk assessments to improve safety by ensuring that all areas used by children are safe and secure • obtain written permission for hazardous activities such as swimming, and ensure detailed risk assessments have been completed.

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.6

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.6