St Laurence CofE Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102437 Unique Reference Number 21 January 2008 Inspection date Anne-Marie Moyse 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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and two adult children. They live in a house in Liskeard, within walking distance of shops, the park, schools and pre-schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet facilities on the first floor. Children do not have access to the bedrooms. There is a small enclosed area for outside play accessed from the house and also, an enclosed garden which is accessed from a shared pathway. The family have two dogs, two cats, a hamster, and two tanks of tropical and marine fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Currently the childminder has nine children aged from one year to 11 years on roll, with five of these children being aged under eight years. The childminder walks to take and collect children from Liskeard Hillfort School, and Market Pre-school.

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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. Children are not able to receive appropriate care and first aid treatment in the event of an accident as the childminder has not maintained a current first aid certificate. This limits her knowledge of how to deal with emergencies effectively, placing children at risk. Children play in a clean home where they are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet. However, they do not always wash their hands before eating, which does not promote good personal hygiene. The childminder records all accidents and is aware that parental consent and records must be made when administering medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide children's foods which include some fruit and vegetables each day. The packed lunches are stored in the refrigerator to ensure the contents remain fresh and wholesome. Children sit up with the childminder to eat, developing their social skills and manners. Children frequently ask for drinks during the day which are easily accessible to children and keeps them well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their muscles as they go on daily walks, for example, to and from school. In good weather they visit the park and play in the garden. In wet weather the children dress appropriately and go puddle jumping.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a welcoming home where they choose from a range of suitable toys and games. Children are able to access them independently, although some of the less well used items require a wash. The childminder removes any damaged toys, and offers children an alternative to play with. During their play the childminder encourages children to think about safety issues, such as throwing the ball gently and moving objects away from their play space so they do not trip over.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe in the home as the childminder has assessed all areas for risks and ensures children cannot access harmful products. On outings the childminder uses appropriate safety equipment and reins to ensure that children remain safe, yet have some freedom. Children are well supervised whilst they are playing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is further supported as the childminder has a secure understanding of the child protection procedure. She has up-to-date guidance to refer to and is aware of keeping accurate and clear records, although these are not always completed fully.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder, they show confidence and curiosity in exploring the range of toys on offer. The children develop their play and ideas with the childminder, talking and thinking about their actions. The childminder supports children very well, allowing children to lead the play ideas and challenges their thinking, helping children learn from their play. For example, while playing with the Duplo the animals are put into pairs and they discuss what the animals might eat, or where they may live. Children's imagination is stimulated and

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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 supported by the resources on offer, as they talk about imaginary situations with pirates sailing down the river, or how the tiger may escape from the Zoo. The childminder encourages the children to count, match, and place objects in order, drawing children's attention to words that are the same on different pieces. This contributes well to children's pre-reading and mathematical development. Children's communication skills are developing rapidly, as they are confident to ask questions and extend their vocabulary. The childminder is very responsive and genuinely interested in what the children are saying and doing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are well known by the childminder as she develops effective communication with parents. She has a clear understanding of parental wishes and complies with these. All children's needs and development stages are discussed, with the childminder working closely with the parents to ensure that any specific concerns are discussed and supported. However, parents have not been asked to provide consent for children to go on outings and the childminder has limited information to give to parents on making complaints.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play with resources which reflect positive images of other cultures and social diversity, as they play with small world toys and access books with images of the wider world. Children are well behaved and polite. They have a clear understanding of the routine and expectations of their behaviour. The childminder has a calm and confident manner, which children respond well to.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has failed to renew her first aid training, which is a breach in the requirements. She has also failed to ensure that all adults in the home have undergone suitable person checks. This places children at risk from un-vetted persons having access to children. The childminder keeps a register of when children are expected to be in her care, but this is not accurately completed to ensure that precise details are maintained of children's arrival and departure times. As a result there is not a reliable record of who is on the premises. These are issues which were raised at the previous inspection and have not been adequately addressed to ensure that children are well cared for. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

Children are cared for by a warm and affectionate childminder who enjoys playing and interacting with the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was given an action to ensure that she attends an appropriate first aid course. The childminder has attended a course but has failed to ensure that she continues to renew the training every three years, which is a requirement. Therefore, this remains an issue, as children are placed at risk in the event of an accident.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was given a recommendation to ensure that all adults in the home complete relevant checks. One of her adult children has returned to the family home, but she has failed to ensure that updated checks have been made. This places children at risk from contact with un-vetted persons.

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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 The childminder was required to maintain a record of children's arrival and departure times, this is still an issue from this inspection, as it has not been completed accurately.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was required to ensure that parents sign medication records. The childminders current procedure is for parents to give the children any medication required during the day. The childminder is aware of ensuring consent and records are maintained if she gives children medication.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to ensure that details of all children attending were kept. The childminder now completes the required documentation to ensure she has clear details of all children in her care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 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.

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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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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: • attend 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 persons in the home are suitable • ensure that an accurate record of times of arrival and departure of children are maintained 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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