Lancasterian County Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129788 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2007 Inspection date Siobhan O'Callaghan 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 was registered in 1994. She lives with her partner and three children, she has a 13 year old and twins aged four years. The family live in Bushey Heath Hertfordshire. The whole of the house is registered for childminding purposes however, children mainly access the ground floor area where there is direct access to cloakroom facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for two under fives on a part time-basis and two children over five years before and after school, one child is over the age of eight. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning about healthy living as they are supported and encouraged to take regular exercise when walking to and from school everyday. They have opportunities to play in 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 local park and in the childminder's garden where they can access ride-on toys and ball games which help to develop their muscles and coordination. Children with specific dietary requirements and those that have serious allergies are well cared for as the childminder ensures that their food is safe and nutritious. Children are offered healthy meals and snacks, they confidently request an apple and some milk when they are feeling hungry. Children have satisfactory provision to rest comfortably when they are tired, separate bed-linen is available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn good hygiene practices as they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. They are cared for in a clean home with good emphasis on keeping their toys and equipment clean. They are protected from infection as the childminder has a positive health policy that reinforces that anyone who is ill and infectious should remain at home until they are well. The childminder maintains required documentation to record any accidents that may occur whilst children are in her care along with any medication that may need to be given to a child. However, this information is not detailed enough to ensure that the recording of times of accidents and of when medication is given to a child. This may potentially compromise children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment where appropriate precautions such as cupboard locks, smoke detectors and socket covers are in place to keep children safe. There is access to a small, secure outside play area which has been risk-assessed to ensure children can play safely. Children independently access a good range of safe equipment that is suitable for their age and stage of development. Resources are checked regularly to ensure that they are of good quality and suitable for the children being cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them to sit when they are eating apples, as they may choke. They learn about the dangers of traffic when they are out walking and how they should cross the road safely. Children are further protected as the childminder ensures that she has appropriate car seats and car insurance in place to transport children safely. However, there is no written parental permission consenting for children to be transported in the childminder's car, consequently children's welfare may be compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected against harm as the childminder has satisfactory knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and her role in ensuring that children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They confidently access resources and delight in demonstrating their abilities in using these. They talk enthusiastically about their play and make requests for specific equipment which is then found for them. Children are interested in the small child-sized laptops where they have one each to play. They are able to create different musical sounds with these and enjoy tapping their feet in response to the music. Children's individual needs are fully met as the childminder ensures that she has gathered comprehensive information from their parents in order to provide good care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's self-esteem is promoted through consistent praise and recognition of their efforts. Children are proud to show off their drawings that they have spent considerable time colouring

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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 in. The childminder acknowledges their work and tells them how clever they are. Children are involved in a broad range of activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. They confidently build models with bricks, and play imaginary games with small world figures and dolls. Children are supported to play and extend their learning through the recognition of colours when drawing and counting when they are colouring the giraffes many spots.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning to develop positive relationships with their peers as they share toys and help each other in their play. Younger children enjoy bringing older children their milk and likewise older children are very happy to support younger children in their play. Children's behaviour is good they can listen to instructions and play cooperatively. It is evident that they have a secure and warm relationship with the childminder as they frequently go to her for cuddles and general attention.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a sense of belonging as the childminder values and respects their individuality. Children's cultural backgrounds are acknowledged and celebrated through festivals and the provision of different foods. Children have access to a satisfactory range of resources that value diversity. They have equal access to the resources available and there is time for each of them to have special one-to-one time with the childminder. Children feel secure as they bring comforters from home such as special cloths and dummies which they access when they are feeling tired. They are developing an awareness of their own needs as they request snacks and help themselves to milk when appropriate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's understanding of responsible behaviour is evident as they play cooperatively with each other. This is clearly supported by the positive role models displayed by the childminder. Children are able to make choices about their play and they can rest appropriately when they are tired. Children are cared for by a childminder who works in partnership with their parents to meet their very individual needs, they share information verbally on a daily basis. There is adequate documentation in place to support the care and well-being of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a happy and child friendly environment they receive good support which enables them to have opportunities to play, eat and rest in comfort. The childminder provides a freely accessible indoor and outdoor environment where children can engage in a variety of activities to promote their all-round development. Children play contentedly in their small designated playroom, where they access a broad range of age-appropriate resources.

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Organisation

Children's personal safety is maintained, as the childminder has a good understanding of appropriate vetting procedures and the requirement to safeguard children from all adults that have not been through stringent security checks. The childminder has adequate policies and procedures in place to promote children's general well-being. However, there are some aspects of documentation including the daily attendance register that are not maintained to a satisfactory standard this may potentially harm children's welfare.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course that included training in first aid for infants and young children. This was addressed shortly after her inspection thus ensuring that children's safety is maintained. She was also requested to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has gained relevant child protection literature to support and guide her should she have any concerns. This has had a positive impact on her ability to safeguard children.

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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 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 both medication and accident records are completed in full with the timings of when accidents occurred and when medication is given • ensure that parents give written permission for their child to be transported in a vehicle and when taken out on trips • ensure that attendance records clearly state the hours of attendance on a daily basis.

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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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