Blackwell County Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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130183 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2007 Inspection date Cheryl Langley 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 registered in 1982. She lives with her husband in a house in South Mimms, near Potters Bar. The whole of the property, except for the master bedroom and garden, is used for childminding. The family have one pet dog in the house and two rabbits in the garden. The childminder operates a local carer toddler group once a week. She is registered to mind a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for 11 children at various times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy activities which contribute to their health. They develop and enhance their physical skills. For example, children visit local parks regularly to benefit from the fresh air and use the large apparatus. They become adept at using mark-making equipment, tools and utensils. Children enjoy operating scissors to cut paper and card or control pencils to draw pictures. They play musical instruments, complete puzzles and mix ingredients to bake cakes.

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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 Children are nourished. They are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Children are encouraged to eat fresh fruit each day and drink regularly. They like to help themselves from the fridge dispenser. Their interest and knowledge of food is promoted through activities, such as cooking, imaginary play with pretend food and helping to prepare their own snacks. Meal times are a social occasion when the minded children join the childminder and her family to eat. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and works with them closely to provide nutritious snacks and meals that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has suitable routines in place to keep the home, equipment and toys hygienic. Through discussion and their daily routine children learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They know why they need to wash their hands at appropriate times and clean their teeth thoroughly. Children enjoy looking at books which promote a healthy lifestyle. Most of the required policies and procedures are in place to support the children's healthcare and enable the childminder to act in their best interests if they become unwell. For example, parental consent is requested at the time of placement to seek emergency medical treatment and advice, the sick children policy excludes children with infectious illnesses and records of medication administered are kept. However, details of children arriving with injuries are not recorded. This is to make sure there is consistency in care between the parents and childminder and that

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Helping children to be healthy

information is available to support the welfare or any future care of the child that may be required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Steps are taken by the childminder to ensure the children are safe in her care, both in the house and on outings. Any potential hazards are removed or made inaccessible in the house to keep the children from harm. They move around safely and freely to engage in their play and personal needs. This gives the children a sense of belonging and promotes their independence. The home is welcoming and secure. Children have a selection of interesting toys and resources to choose from. They are aware of rules which help to keep them and others safe. For example, children are aware not to climb on furniture and to sit still while they are eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to protect themselves. They practise codes to cross the road, know not to approach strangers or animals and take care on large play equipment to avoid accidents. An emergency escape plan has been devised and shared with the children so that they know what to do in the event of a fire. Parental consents and procedures are in place to support the children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She has some of the required procedures and documents in place to make sure the correct steps are taken should she have any concerns about a child in her care. However, she does not have a copy of the guidelines to support her practice. There is therefore, the potential for the protection of a child to be compromised if confidentiality is not adhered to in accordance with this government summary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are interested in a suitable range of developmentally appropriate activities. A combination of child-led play and organised activities makes sure they have a range of different

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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 experiences. Children develop confidence and self-esteem. The childminder praises them for their achievements acquired at school and whilst in her care. Children feel relaxed and comfortable. They make choices about their play and use their initiative. For example, they have great fun making paper aeroplanes and seeing how high and far they can fly around the house.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Knowledge and skills are developed through play and completing homework. Children use their imaginations creatively. They draw pictures of animals, such as a horse or lion. Children make cards and decorations to celebrate festivals and anniversaries. They create models with play-dough or dress up to become different characters. Their language and communication skills are promoted by singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes and sharing books. More able children are supported with their homework. They read, learn spellings and practise their handwriting. Children begin to recognise colour. They match giant colour dominoes or pick out toys by colour. Children count, divide and use weights and measure during cooking activities. They learn about the environment. For example, children visit the seaside, woodlands, parks and working farms. They are aware of the changes to the plants over the seasons and enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

collecting autumn leaves to make collage pictures. Children help to care for and walk the family's pet dog.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make positive relationships. They socialise on outings, play games such as pairs or board games and have fun with the childminder. Children are given guidance and support when it is required. This is to ensure their individual needs are met and they are able to take part in all the activities. They enjoy games that they can all do such as musical statues and musical bumps. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan appropriate activities for children up to the age of three years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides some resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. Books, dolls and activities to learn about people from other countries and cultures or with differing abilities increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder knows the children well. Children are content and settled in the setting. They are valued and respected. She compliments them on their achievements and encourages them to rise to challenges. Children understand right and wrong through clear boundaries and appropriate methods used to manage behaviour. As a result, children are well behaved, polite and considerate. They learn that their actions may have an impact on others. The childminder makes sure children with learning and/or physical disabilities are treated with equal concern and have the same opportunities as the other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a strong partnership between the childminder and parents. They exchange information regularly and contracts and individual details are updated when required. The childminder gives the parents a choice of how they would like to share information, either written, verbally or both. This supports the children's care, ensuring their needs are met consistently. Parents are aware of how their children are developing and the level of care they receive. The childminder is aware of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality to respect the children and parents. However, confidentiality has not been adhered to with regard to the records of accidents that have occurred.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children's needs are met through generally effective organisation and communication with parents. Space and equipment is prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently. This enables them to make choices about their play. A balance of child-led activities and organised play ensure children have a range of different enjoyable experiences whilst they are with the childminder. They benefit from routines which make them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to.

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Organisation

Most of the required policies and procedures are in place to help keep children healthy, safe, and safeguard their welfare. Children benefit from the childminder's experience. However, a current first aid qualification has not been maintained. Children's healthcare may be put at risk if incorrect first aid treatment is applied. Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to seek written permission and record appropriate details of any medication administered to the children. Records are kept each time a child requires medication. This is to ensure children are not put at risk by being given the incorrect medicine or dosage and that there is consistency in the children's healthcare between the childminder and parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder also agreed to keep a written record of the children's daily attendance. Accurate information is recorded of the children's time of arrival and departure. This is so that there are details of the children present if they have to evacuate in an emergency, a record that the childminder is adhering to the conditions of registration and evidence of attendance to support any child protection concerns.

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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): • record details of existing injuries when a child arrives

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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 • make sure confidentiality is maintained, this is with regard to the records of accidents • obtain a copy of the guidelines 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - summary' • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children, and which is consistent with any guidance issued by the Secretary of State. Make sure a current first aid certificate is maintained.

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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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