Inkersall Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

128620 Unique Reference Number 11 July 2007 Inspection date Christine Jacqueline Davies 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1998. He lives with his wife and three children aged seven, 13 and 14 years, in the London Borough of Lewisham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder regularly works with another childminder. He is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time is currently minding one child under five years and one child over five years before and after school.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent/toddler groups. The family have no pets.

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 satisfactory. Satisfactory procedures are in place to ensure that children are protected from cross infection and that their health is maintained. For example, a sickness policy is in place and children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and snacks and after playing outdoors. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of first aid procedures. Furthermore, he has ensured that appropriate records regarding accidents and medication are in place, helping to promote children's health and well being. Children are well nourished and have good opportunities to learn about healthy eating. The childminder provides a varied, healthy diet, which complies with their dietary needs and individual preferences. Children use the garden on a regular basis and enjoy a range of physical activities such as the trampoline and a selection of wheeled toys, helping children to remain fit and healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe environment and benefit from safety precautions such as a fitted fire blanket in the kitchen, locks on lower kitchen cupboards and secure premises. However, children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded, as the lower glass panels in the playroom are not made of toughened safety glass and the window in the kitchen/diner is cracked. Plastic bags sited in the playroom and paving slabs stored in the garden are easily accessible to children. This compromises children's safety and well-being. An attendance register is in place to record the arrival and departure times of children, however, the childminder has not ensured that this is accurately maintained, which is a breach in regulations. Furthermore, children may not be accounted for quickly in the event of an emergency. Children use a suitable range of toys and equipment which are easily accessible and meet safety standards. However, one of the toy

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

storage boxes is damaged and has sharp edges in places, which is a potential hazard to children. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and has up to date child protection guidance in line with local safeguarding procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and relate well to the childminder. Resources are low level and organised so that children can see what is available to them and is easily accessible. This helps to promote children's confidence and sense of curiosity. Children enjoy a varied range of activities which are age and developmentally appropriate. For example, they are able to access a range of books, puzzles, constructional activities, cars, a train set and a selection of sorting toys. They socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups, and enjoy visits to the park, developing their confidence and social skills. Children benefit from individual attention from the childminder, as he sits with them and supervises their play. So as a result, developing their sense of belonging and security. The childminder knows the children well and uses this knowledge to develop close and caring relationships with all the children.

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and their care needs are met, because the childminder is attentive and caring. Daily communication with parents ensures that children follow their normal daily routine, enabling continuity of care. Furthermore, the childminder talks to parents regularly about children's general care and progress, such as what children have eaten, and what they have played with. Children have developed a trusting relationship with the childminder and show a sense of belonging as they snuggle in for cuddles. They respond well to the childminder and are able to express their needs confidently. The childminder has a sensitive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities and works in partnership with parents to meet children's individual needs. The childminder has a satisfactory approach to managing children's behaviour. Clear boundaries are in place and children are praised regularly, helping

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

them to feel secure. Although resources that promote a positive view of the world are limited, the childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive environment.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a flexible routine for children in his care. Children benefit from the childminder's child centred approach to the organisation of the day, allowing children's individual needs to be met. The premises are generally safe and have been organised so that children can participate in a selection of lively and quieter activities. However, steps have not been taken to minimise hazards in the playroom and kitchen/diner, compromising children's safety. Children are able to reach toys and resources easily as they are organised and stored in low level containers. However, not all designated storage for toys is adequately maintained. All required documentation is in place, however, the attendance register has not been accurately maintained. Recent training includes first aid and food hygiene, contributing to his professional development. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom he provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection required that the childminder develop his knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and make the water feature in the garden safe or inaccessible to children. Since the last inspection, the childminder has made significant improvements. He has obtained up to date local safeguarding procedures and was able to demonstrate via discussion, a sound knowledge of child protection issues. The water feature has been removed from the garden, minimising the risk to children.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.4

Complaints 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

p.4

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets 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 further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that glass in the playroom and kitchen/diner is made safe and that plastic bags are made inaccessible to children • ensure that the concrete slabs stored in the garden are inaccessible to children and that the damaged toy storage box is placed out of reach • develop resources promoting diversity • ensure that the hours of children's attendance are recorded at all times

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.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

p.5