Dunston Primary and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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112777 Unique Reference Number 14 June 2007 Inspection date Coral Hales 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her three children aged 16, 14 and five in Farnborough, Hampshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding apart from the ground floor bedroom. The upstairs is used for toileting and sleeping only. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time when working alone. She is registered for a maximum of 10 children when minding with another childminder at her premises. Together they are currently minding seven children under five during the day at various times and five children over five before/after school. Children are collected from a variety of local schools and pre-schools. 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. Children are developing an understanding of personal hygiene and are aware of the need to wash their hands regularly, however children do not always wash them before eating. The older children are developing suitable self-help skills and access the toilet independently. Appropriate nappy changing routines are followed and gloves are now used to prevent cross-infection. Children receive appropriate care in the event of an accident. However, the children's continuing good health is at risk since the childminder has not maintained her first aid training. Although verbal permission is given by parents no written consent for emergency treatment/advice is kept. Younger children's needs are met as home routines are followed as necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished because the childminder suitably promotes healthy eating and helps children to understand the benefits. Their dietary needs are met because the parents provide all meals. Frequent drinks are offered to all children throughout the day. Mealtimes are relaxed and children sit together in the kitchen and enjoy the company of the childminder who chats to them about their different meals as they eat.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop an awareness of a healthy lifestyle and enjoy fresh air and exercise. The garden is used regularly which enables them to take part in physical play as they climb, balance and ride around on wheeled toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The childminder has not considered fire safety procedures. Therefore children are unaware of what to do in an emergency and this compromises their safety. Suitable and safe procedures are in place to ensure all children are kept safe when in the car and when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose from a suitable selection of resources which are set out appropriately to maintain children's safety. Toys and equipment are in good condition and well maintained. Children move around freely in the available space under the supervision of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child. She is however, not fully secure in knowledge of the guidance issued by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They make themselves at home and are welcomed by the childminder who has developed warm and caring relationships with them. Children play with a satisfactory range of play and learning resources to enhance children's learning. However, planning is not guided by the 'Birth to three matters' framework as the childminder does not have the pack. Children's language development is promoted and developed as they enjoy lots of discussions with the childminder who listens and joins in with their play. Outdoor activities such as playing in the garden and visiting places of interest locally extends children's range of experiences.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. The childminder is not aware of new regulations relating to complaints. This is in breach of registration, as she is not following requirements to record complaints or share with parents. The children benefit from the good working relationship between the childminder and their parents. They work successfully together to meet children's needs to ensure their well-being is promoted. Information about the care of the children is shared each day. Written agreements are in place as required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's sense of belonging is fostered through the warm welcoming environment provided by the childminder. They are cared for in a way that ensures their individual needs are met and the childminder has a satisfactory practical awareness of how to care for children with special needs and would discuss their individual needs with parents in detail. Children begin to learn about the local community as they go out on visits and about the wider world by looking at books. They use an appropriate range of resources that promote positive images of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children relate well to the childminder and behave well as they enjoy their play opportunities and are becoming aware of the boundaries. She manages their behaviour effectively according to their age and understanding and praises children's efforts which helps them to develop their self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder is not meeting the National Standards and is in breach of regulations. She has insufficient knowledge of requirements of, and fails to comply with, current regulations. She has not informed Ofsted of a person in the household who is now 16 to enable checks to be carried out to ensure their suitability. The childminder has not attended required training in order to maintain her first aid certificate. Most documentation is kept, however attendance records are not in place. This has implications about the number of children minded at any one time and they hours they attend, which may affect children's safety and welfare.

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Organisation

Although the adult to child ratios are usually maintained the childminder is not clear about requirements when working with another childminder. The premises are organised to meet the needs of the children both indoors and outdoors. The garden is used effectively to maximise play opportunities for them. Children have opportunities for free play with a suitable range of toys and to participate in activities and outings planned by the childminder. Overall, the provision does not meet 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 agreed to plan a range of play activities for the older children, and to organise toys to allow children to self-select. Children play happily with games, use the computer and have opportunities for free play which develops and extends their learning. She has also improved her procedures relating to medication and parents sign relevant documents. It was also highlighted that she should develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and this is still being addressed.

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Improvements 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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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. 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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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 • ensure that there are effective procedures in place for checking that all adults over the age of 16 are suitable • devise and implement an emergency evacuation procedure • update knowledge and understanding of the new complaints procedure and make parents aware of the system to follow if they have any concerns • ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible and available for inspection at all times 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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