Copthall School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

101349 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date Ruth Tharme 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1997. She may provide care for five children under eight years on her own, and six when working with an assistant, at any one time. She currently cares for 12 children during the week. The childminder offers full- and part-time care all year round and before and after school care during school terms.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and their four children. Their four-bedroom, semi-detached house is located in a cul-de-sac in the North Cotswold town of Moreton-in-the-Marsh. The whole of the house is available for the childminding with the main care taking place on the ground floor. Children have access to an enclosed rear garden with grassed, patio and pebble areas. The family have one pet hamster to which minded children have supervised access.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children are taken to a local playgroup on a regular basis. They also make visits to places of interest in the area. There are play parks, shops, primary schools and a library within the locality. The childminder provides a drop-off and collection service from the playgroup and school.

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 inadequate. The childminder's home is suitably clean but poor hygiene arrangements, such as a lack of hand washing before snack time and children sharing dummies, put them at risk of infection. Children spend time out of doors each day which means that they have regular access to the fresh air. First aid arrangements mean that children are generally treated appropriately should an accident occur. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a suitably equipped first aid box is readily available. Medication is stored where children cannot gain access to it and documentation is in place to ensure that a clear record is maintained of any medication administered or of any accidents that occur.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have a drink of water whenever they wish. Their individual and easily recognisable cups are kept within reach throughout the day. There are clear procedures in place to ensure that children's dietary needs are met. The childminder requests written information from parents on joining, and speaks with them on a daily basis to ensure that information is kept up to date. Children are provided with fresh, home-cooked meals which means that their diet is generally healthy and balanced.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The childminder's home is clean, well maintained and attractively presented. Children feel comfortable there. The use of space is generally suitable, in that children have a quiet place to sleep and can move freely from room to room.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and resources are in good condition and are well presented so children can use them without risk of injury. Shallow storage boxes are used which enables children to rummage for resources safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken some steps to identify and address dangers to children. There is appropriate insurance in place and precautions, such as a fire guard, cupboard locks and stair gates, promote safety. However, the premises are not kept secure at all times which means that unauthorised visitors can gain access to the premises and children can leave unsupervised, putting them at significant risk. There are suitable procedures in place to minimise the dangers from fire. Arrangements for outings, such as the use of appropriate car seats, keep children safe when away from home.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended child-protection training. She is able to recognise some of the indicators which may mean a child is at risk. There are basic procedures in place to ensure that children are suitably protected if concerns are identified.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is inadequate. The provision does not meet the needs of all of the children. There is a basic range of activities on offer, from which children are able to make choices for themselves. But, older children have access to resources and activities appropriate to their age and stage of development only when

p.3

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 younger children are asleep. This means that they are often insufficiently challenged and are not suitably occupied.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder sometimes observes children's progress, noticing areas where children are not making sufficient progress. But, arrangements do not ensure that these areas for concern are suitably addressed to encourage future development.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy hearing stories and sharing books as the childminder asks open questions to encourage children to think and share their views. There are some opportunities for children to build on their own interests. For example, during role play, children are provided with resources to make pretend tea for everyone.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. The childminder requests written information from parents about specific needs and takes account of these in the care she provides. However, needs identified by the childminder are not discussed with parents so she is not sufficiently well informed to meet needs effectively, particularly for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Older children have their access to suitable resources limited which means that their needs are not consistently met.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and her assistant use generally appropriate strategies to manage behaviour and have a calm and sensitive approach. However, as children are not consistently occupied and engaged appropriately, their behaviour sometimes deteriorates as they seek attention and support.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are generally well informed about the care their children receive. Consent is requested before outings or medical treatment. Pre-care discussion and visits to the childminder's home ensure that they are informed about routines and daily activities. The childminder shares examples of children's work and photographs, but does not always share her concerns about children's progress so parents are not always sufficiently aware of how children are developing in her care. Confidentiality is appropriately maintained as records are stored securely.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is not sufficiently aware of the requirements for dealing with complaints which means that should a concern be raised, parents do not have access to relevant information.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has completed mandatory training so she has the necessary qualifications to provide care for young children. Checks have been completed on household members and the childminder supervises children when out to ensure that children are suitably protected.

p.4

Organisation

The use of space and resources is not well considered so the needs of children are not consistently met. Suitable ratios are maintained but poor deployment of adults means that some children receive little support. The daily register is not sufficiently detailed to provide an accurate record of children's attendance. The actual times of arrival and departure are not recorded.

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 Individual record files are stored appropriately but entries are not signed by parents to acknowledge that relevant information has been shared. The certificate is not displayed which means that parents do not have access to information about the conditions of registration.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were two actions set and three recommendations made for the improvement of care standards. Satisfactory progress has now been made in addressing these. The childminder was asked to ensure that a record of children's attendance is maintained, and that the condition of registration regarding the numbers of children cared for is met. A daily register is now in place, but the times of arrival and departure are not recorded which means that there is still no accurate record of children's attendance. Suitable ratios are now maintained which means that the conditions of registration regarding these are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, devise and practise an emergency evacuation plan and to request from parents prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has completed a child protection training course. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of the issues and is able to take action to protect children should the need arise. Evacuation procedures are clearly displayed and are practised so children are aware of what to do in an emergency situation. Parents are routinely asked to give prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment to ensure that any treatment given to children is in accordance with their wishes.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider of 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 complaints 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that hygiene standards are suitably maintained, with particular regard to children's dummies and hand-washing procedures • plan and provide a suitable range of activities for children, which are appropriate for their stage of development and based on their individual needs

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 • ensure that relevant information is shared with parents and implement strategies to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities more effectively • ensure that the certificate of registration is clearly displayed during the hours childminding takes place • ensure the premises are secure so that children cannot leave and strangers cannot enter unsupervised These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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