Robert Shaw Primary and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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144461 Unique Reference Number 11 October 2007 Inspection date Rosemary Coburn 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been minding for the past 20 years. She lives with her husband and grown up son. They live in a three bedroom town house in Hackney within walking distance of shops, parks and the train and bus service. Children do not have access to the second floor of the home and there are toilet facilities on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden area for children to play in. The childminder is registered to care for three children aged birth to eight years. There is currently one child on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder maintains a clean, tidy and well maintained environment where children receive good support to promote personal hygiene through appropriate daily practices. For example the childminder teaches children to wash their hands before eating, after toileting and after playing in the garden. The childminder maintains good daily routines such as mopping the kitchen floor daily and keeping toys suitably disinfected and in good condition. However, the

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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 childminder does not have a current first aid certificate and the fire blanket is not suitably placed. This means that children's well-being is not fully supported.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder working in partnership with parents. For example, parents provide balanced, healthy meals which are suitably stored and reheated by the childminder. This means that individual needs such as religious or specific dietary requirements can be met. Snacks provided such as fresh fruit, raisins, vegetable sticks, fresh drinking water and fruit juice are given to children throughout the day. This means that children are supported in developing healthy eating habits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn and develop in a suitably organised environment that allows them to move around and play independently. There is a sufficient range of equipment which conform to safety standards that allow babies and children to sit, eat and sleep in comfort. The childminder is not secure in her understanding of safety issues, for example, the kitchen is accessible to children. Sharp knives are not kept out of children's reach and stair gates are not in place. The storage room which contains dangerous substances and a number of household items is out of bounds but is not in-accessible to children. However, children are closely supervised at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an adequate level of understanding around the importance of safeguarding children and how to put child protection procedures into practice. However, children are not fully protected from harm as the childminder does not have any systems in place to record concerns that she may have. The childminder has not undertaken suitable training for a number of years although she develops her awareness about child protection issues by reading suitable books or information.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children's confidence and self esteem is suitably developed because they are settled and have a good relationship with the childminder. The childminder demonstrates that she has an adequate understanding of children's learning and development and provides children with suitable activities and play experiences. Children are taken out on regular trips to shops and local parks. This helps them to learn about their local environment while supporting their physical and social development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing good language skills. They engage in meaningful conversations with the childminder, who actively listens to the children and extends their thinking through questioning. Worthwhile activities such as storytelling help to promote children's language and communications skills. The childminder does not have a clear understanding about the Birth to three matters framework as she has not undertaken training to develop her knowledge however, her daily practice while providing for the needs of babies and young children is suitable.

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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 satisfactory. Children are valued and respected and their individual needs are suitably met. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of right and wrong, because the childminder uses appropriate methods such as 'time out' to manage children's behaviour. Relationships between the childminder and parents are suitable. Parents are kept informed about their children's learning and development through regular discussions with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have insufficient toys and resources that reflect positive images and diversity. However, the childminder talks to children about different foods and different cultural values. This means that equal opportunities are not actively promoted but children are adequately supported in becoming aware of people from different parts of the world of people living different ways of life. The childminder has a limited understanding of Disability Discrimination issues, but has a positive attitude and is willing to care for children with special needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm and welcoming environment that enables them to settle well and feel secure. Children make adequate progress in in all areas of their development and are suitably supported by the childminder. Most policies and procedures are in place however, the childminder does not have a valid first aid certificate. Children benefit from good relationships with the parents and childminder. This means that the shared management of children's individual needs being met. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder is insecure in her knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop as she does not have suitable access to the National Standards however, despite this she demonstrates a suitable understanding of good practice. The provision for toys and equipment is adequate and children can independently access toys that are set out for them on a daily basis.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder ensure that CRB forms be completed for all members of the household aged 16 years or over; ensure that kitchen cupboards which are at the child's level are made safe and the fire extinguisher and fire blanket placed appropriately; ensure public liability insurance is renewed; ensure registration certificate is available for inspection; ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has steadily developed the range of toys and activities for children of all ages and consequently they participate in various activities which promotes their learning and development. However, there is insufficient range and variety of activities which actively promote equal opportunities and diversity. The childminder has suitable public liability insurance in place and her registration certificate is on display. However, the kitchen cupboards remain accessible to children and the fire blanket has not been placed appropriately. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to ensure that all members of the household age 16 years or over are CRB checked, however this has not been implemented. These remain as recommendations to improve in order to fully promote the safety and welfare of children.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets 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 further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that kitchen cupboards and storage areas are made safe, stair gates are in place and sharp knives are in-accessible to children at all times. • ensure that suitable first aid training is undertaken and fire blanket is appropriately positioned at all times. • develop knowledge and understanding around child protection issues • develop knowledge and understanding of Birth-to-Three framework • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discrimination.

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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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