Ravenscliffe First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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107216 Unique Reference Number 28 February 2008 Inspection date Debra Davey 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 1996. She lives with her three children aged twelve, eight and five years in Peckham, South London. The whole lower ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day. The childminder attends the local one o'clock club and toddler group. The family do not have pets.

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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 satisfactory. Children are helped to understand that washing their hands before handling food and when using the bathroom helps to keep them healthy because the childminder reminds them to do so at appropriate times. They learn to use the liquid soap and individual towels to help prevent

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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 germs. Arrangements for nappy changing also helps to prevent cross infection because there is suitable equipment, such as a changing mat, gloves and anti-bacterial spray available for the childminder to use when she changes babies nappies. The childminder has not maintained a current first aid certificate. This means that she is unable to administer first aid to children in the event of an emergency. However, the childminder has a confirmed date to attend training which means that she will have the opportunity to update her skills in the very near future.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of each child’s individual dietary needs and ensure that these are met, for example, when caring for a child who is not able to eat dairy foods due to a skin condition. Arrangements for meals are agreed with parents which means that children's nutritional needs are met. In addition, positive steps are taken to encourage healthy eating and prevent obesity, for example, giving a child corn on the cob as a treat, rather than sweets. Records are kept of babies food intakes and discussed with parents at the end of the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are helped to develop confidence to enjoy moving with control, using their bodies in various ways, for example dancing to music indoors or getting around in the baby walker. Regular outings to local parks and one o'clock clubs provide further opportunities for fresh air and exercise. However, children are not protected in the event of an emergency because the childminder does not request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure and parents are welcome because the childminders home is safe and suitable with adequate space and a range of toys and facilities to promote development. Indoor space is organised effectively creating a child-friendly environment which enables children to explore and self select their toys. The range of child sized furniture, home corner and art area resources are well presented and appealing to children. In addition children use an extensive range of toys, books and equipment that are of good quality and safe. These support enjoyable activities that stimulate and challenge the range of children attending. The outdoor area, the rear garden, is not currently used by minded children due to some resurfacing work; the childminder has conducted a risk assessment which will be reviewed when the work is completed. This ensures that children are kept safe and hazards are minimised. Appropriate safety equipment is used

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

according to the age and needs of the children attending, including socket covers and safety gates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are generally well protected from harm or abuse because the childminder has understanding of recognising abuse and reporting procedures. However, she has not updated her knowledge and skills around safeguarding children and therefore, information is not shared with parents through relevant documentation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children respond well to the warm and caring approach of the childminder. Younger children especially enjoy cosy times sitting on the childminders lap whilst she reads to them and they act out some of the actions to the story. Even young babies listen well and learn new words by pointing to their shoes or their hair. As a result, they respond well as she talks to them constantly, fostering their confidence and helping to develop language skills. There is a clear settling in process to help children settle easily and the daily routine to help them feel secure.

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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 this way, the childminder is able to get to know new children well and help young babies settle.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a good balance of home based activities, such as story telling, singing and painting, as well as outings to toddler groups and once o clock clubs. In this way children have fun and develop their social skills. Links with the child's home are strengthened through discussions with parents about their child's progress and achievements. The childminder uses a range of equipment and play materials to ensure that children are purposefully occupied but limited use is made of natural materials to foster the natural curiosity of babies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from regular outings to their local community, such as to the market to buy fruits, visits to the local library and soft play room. They enjoy trips local events such as the under fives carnival. This helps them to experience the value of their own and other cultures through social play and activity. The childminder has a good range of books and puzzles to positively reflect areas of culture and gender which helps to strengthen children's awareness of the wider world. There are currently too few resources which positively reflect area of disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved in the childminder's home. They are given lots of praise and clear explanations of house rules which helps them to feel secure as they know what is expected of them. Children with additional needs are not currently cared for in the setting although the childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is satisfactory. Children benefit from a two way sharing of information to meet their needs through daily discussions although little use is made of policies or child progress records to provide information for parents and ensure that they are well informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children show a sense of belonging in the childminder's home due to the child friendly organisation of space and resources. For example, the range of activities and experiences available to children are flexible and provides children with variety and choice. They are able to self select from the boxes of toys available most of which are stored at their level to make toys accessible. Children are comfortable as they enjoy the activities because they have child sized tables and chairs as well as a sofa. As a result children's confidence and self esteem is promoted.

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Organisation

Appropriate records are kept relating to childminding activities which enables children's needs to be met because detailed and useful information is sought from parents about the child's requirements, records of attendance, accidents and medications are recorded. This ensures that the childminder holds relevant details to support the care of children. However, there is limited use of written policies and procedures to keep parents informed and the lost/ uncollected child policy lacks the necessary details. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

Satisfactory improvements have been made since the last inspection. The childminder was asked to attend a first aid training course and this has been arranged. She was asked to maintain an attendance register and to keep Ofsted informed of changes, which she has done. She was asked to ensure that adults living in the household undergo checks including CRB checks; at the moment there are no other adults living in the household. The childminder was also asked to make the outside area safe; currently work is being completed in the garden (new decking) and she has conducted a risk assessment to identify and prevent risks to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • obtain permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. • make sure that training in first aid is updated to enable first aid to be administered to children in the event of an emergency. • update training for safeguarding children board guidelines. • provide a range of natural materials for babies to explore • provide a range of materials that positively reflect disability • update lost child policy to make it clear to parents. • continue to develop a range of policies and procedures to support the smooth running of the childminding business and provide useful information for parents.

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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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