The Arthur Morris School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128755 Unique Reference Number 03 March 2008 Inspection date Jeannette Waring 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her partner, in a three bedroom house which is located in a residential street in Brockley. Local shops, schools, pre-schools and parks are within easy walking distance. Children use the through lounge as their play space and meals are taken in the kitchen. There is also a ground floor toilet with hand-washing facilities for children's use. The childminder has four adult children who no longer live at home. There is a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1980 and may care for a maximum of three children under the age of eight at any one time. There are currently no minded children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. The childminder:

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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 * ensures that positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection, however, her first aid certificate has expired and she has not yet arranged to renew her training. Consequently, there are no appropriate measures in place to care for children when they are ill or in the event of an accident. (National Standard 7: Health)

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a sound understanding of suitable procedures to:

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Helping children to be healthy

* ensure that food and drink for children is adequate, properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements. (National Standard 8: Food and drink).

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. * The childminder is aware of their responsibility to protect the welfare of the child, however, she does not have a sound knowledge of child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board so children's safety from harm or neglect cannot be assured. (National Standard 13: Child protection)

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

* The premises are safe, secure and include the necessary facilities for children. The childminder demonstrates an awareness of how to ensure the environment is made welcoming to children. (National Standard 4: Physical environment)

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

* The furniture, equipment and toys are safe and appropriate for the needs of children. (National Standard 5: Equipment)

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

* The childminder understands how to promote children’s safety and take precautions to prevent accidents. (National Standard 6: Safety)

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. * The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of how individual children develop and learn. (National Standard 3: Care, learning and play)

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. The childminder:

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Helping children make a positive contribution

* spends time talking to parents about their children's day with her. However, because she does not ensure that careful records such as contracts, consent forms and registers are maintained, the arrangements for promoting and maintaining partnerships with parents are not sufficiently effective to ensure good continuity of care for children. (National Standard 12: Working in partnership with parents and carers)

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Helping children make a positive contribution

* has an appropriate knowledge and awareness of the importance of treating each child with equal respect and concern (National Standard 9: Equal opportunities)

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Helping children make a positive contribution

* is aware that some children may have learning difficulties or disabilities, and understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and with other professionals to promote the welfare and development of the child (National Standard 10: Special needs)

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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 * shows a willingness and commitment to working with parents to manage children’s behaviour in a consistent way which promotes the child’s welfare and development (National Standard 11: Behaviour)

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder:

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Organisation

* does not have a sound awareness of the records to be kept and the importance of these. (National Standard 14: Documentation)

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Organisation

* is aware of the duty to ensure that other people living or working on the premises are suitable to be in contact with children (National Standard 1: Suitable person)

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Organisation

* understands the importance of working within the constraints of the condition of registration relating to number of children; and of organising space and resources to best meet the needs of the children (National Standard 2: Organisation)

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved safety by making sure that all adults in the household are suitably vetted. However, although a recommendation was set to provide a broad range of activities and play materials, and to increase the provision which reflects the wider community, there has been no increase in the play provision since the last inspection.

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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 have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that an approved first aid course, including first aid for babies and children, is completed and that the qualification is routinely up-dated as required

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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 that there are appropriate arrangements in place to secure effective partnerships with parents, for example, ensure that contracts, child record forms and relevant consent forms are in place for all children • improve knowledge and understanding of current good practice in relation to child protection issues and ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and make sure that all required records relating to childminding activities are in place, readily accessible and available for inspection at all times These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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