The Gateway Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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133114 Unique Reference Number 30 August 2007 Inspection date Moreen Johnson 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 a childminder since 1995. She lives with her husband and three adult children in the London borough of Islington. The areas of the childminder's home available to minded children are the kitchen/diner, living room, toilet and a fully enclosed garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is available to collect children from the local schools and attends local drop in groups on a daily basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently two children under five years on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children's safety is at risk in times of emergency because the childminder has not requested written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. However, children are

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 treated appropriately in the event of accidents because the childminder is trained in first aid, holds a current certificate and has a fully stocked first aid kit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is not safeguarded because the childminder is not aware that Ofsted must be notified about infectious and communicable diseases. However, the childminder does not care for children with infectious illness thus preventing the spread of the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about personal hygiene as the childminder has appropriate procedures in place to encourage children to wash their hands after toileting and before and after eating. There are systems in place to record the administration of medication. Accidents are recorded in accordance with requirements. Parents sign to confirm that they have been notified about accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met appropriately. The childminder promotes healthy eating by offering children foods from all the food groups. The childminder is aware of children's individual needs. She liaises with parents to obtain information about children's special dietary needs and respects parents' wishes. This means that the needs of children with special dietary needs are met well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to develop their physical needs by going on walks and taking part in music and movement sessions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children's wellbeing is not safeguarded because the childminder does not keep the register updated with children's arrival and departure times. The childminder is not aware that she must notify Ofsted of child protection concerns and of allegations made against herself or other household members. However, the childminder has a basic knowledge of the signs of abuse. She keeps records about such concerns and knows that she must report them to Social Services.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a limited range of resources that are not easily accessible to them. However, toys are safe and well maintained. Children do not rest comfortably because they are put to sleep in their buggies. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy home in which their art works are displayed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is safe because the childminder has taken the necessary precautions to eliminate hazards. For example, the childminder has fitted a safety gate, window locks and appropriate smoke alarms.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is inadequate. Children have access to a limited range of activities, which do not always adequately stimulate them. Activities do not provide children with sufficient challenge. For example, there are four musical instruments and three books available on the day of the inspection and as a result children become bored and wander around aimlessly. Children have access to a wider range of activities when they attend drop in centres. However, children attend the groups daily and stay there for the majority of the day. This means that children do not have sufficient individual time at home with the childminder.

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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 Children receive good attention when they are unsettled and the childminder ensures that settling-in periods meet the needs of each child. For example, she previously worked closely with parents and exercised great patience over several months to ensure that children settled well. The children eventually settled well and now happily separate from their parents. When children are restless the childminder recognises that they are tired and puts them to sleep.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. Children’s welfare is compromised in the event of an emergency as the childminder does not have essential information regarding emergency contact details. This is a breach of regulations. However, children are treated and respected as individuals and have access to a selection of resources that reflect diversity. The childminder understands the benefit of working with parents, in order to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Children with disabilities are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to distinguish between right and wrong because the childminder use a range of suitable methods to manager inappropriate behaviour. She uses methods such as offering alternative toys and providing explanations about how children's behaviour affects others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The complaint procedure does not meet with requirements. The childminder is not aware of her regulatory responsibilities of how she should proceed if a parent makes a serious complaint. Parents are given information about the events of the day and are encouraged to express their views about the childminder's service. However, the childminder has not requested all the necessary information to ensure that children receive immediate medical attention.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder does not keep accurate records of children's attendance. She is not aware that Ofsted must be notified about infectious and communicable diseases and has not requested parents consent to seek emergency medical treatment. These are breaches of regulations. Medication and accident procedures are in place and are kept in a secure manner. The childminder ensures that her registration certificate is displayed in accordance with requirement. The childminder is aware of the importance of retaining records and demonstrates that she will keep them for the required time. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Children are cared for in a safe environment. They are protected from unvetted persons because household members have undergone vetting and the childminder ensures that children are not left in the care of other people.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder: ensure that space is sufficiently organised for children to move around freely and enjoy their play; ensure that toys and equipment are made easily accessible to children and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has organised her home so that children have sufficient space to move around play comfortably. Toys and equipment are not easily accessible to children, which limits their independence and play opportunities.

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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 has not requested written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. This means that children are at risk in the event of an emergency.

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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.

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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: • request written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment • develop knowledge and understanding to notify Ofsted about infectious and communicable diseases • develop knowledge and understanding to notify Ofsted of child protection concerns and of allegations made against yourself or a member of your household • plan and provide a suitable range of activities and resources for children, which are appropriate for their stage of development and based on their individual needs and provide sufficient challenge • keep written documentation of children's attendance updated with arrival and departure 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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