Belper School and Sixth Form Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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112989 Unique Reference Number 08 February 2008 Inspection date Mandy Gannon 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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and three children, in a modern semi-detached house in Blackwater. The whole of the house is registered. The children play mainly downstairs using the lounge, play room, dining room and kitchen. There is a toilet on the ground floor that the children use. Sleeping facilities are available on the first floor. The children have access to an enclosed garden. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight and currently has one child on roll on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children's health and well being is compromised and they are at risk as the childminder does not have sufficient knowledge and ability to perform first aid. Her previous first aid certificate expired some years previously whilst on maternity leave, she currently has no first aid certificate and at present is not booked onto a course.

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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 benefit as the childminder has necessary documentation in place to promote their health and well being; including written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, medication records and accident records. The childminder has an up to date first aid kit which is easily accessible.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop an understanding of healthy eating as they choose what fruit they would like for snack. Children benefit from a well balanced nutritious diet which is prepared by the childminder and includes a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder meets children's dietary needs as she discusses with parents the individual needs of each child. Children access their own cups and drinks independently and the childminder reminds them of the need to drink frequently contributing to their understanding of a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from access to fresh air daily as they walk to and from school, visit the local parks, feed the ducks, and take walks and picnics in the nearby woodland. They have access to a large enclosed garden where they freely access a wide range of activities and toys. All of these contribute to developing children's understanding of physical exercise contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children's safety is compromised as the childminder has no contact details of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board and is unclear who she would contact in the event of a child protection concern. She is developing her understanding of child protection through a four module child protection course via the internet which she has completed through the National Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Children and is waiting for the results. She has detailed policies in place that are shared with parents and is aware to maintain documents to record concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe and secure in the home as the childminder ensures that they have sufficient space and has identified and minimised any potential hazards. For example, stair gates are in place to prevent children's access to the kitchen and utility area, gates and doors are secured, stair gates and socket covers are in place. The childminder has considered an evacuation procedure, has a fire blanket and extinguisher available in the kitchen and utility area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is well organised and has some detailed policies and procedures in place promoting children's safety and well being. For example, she gains permission from parents for outings, transporting children, seeking emergency medical treatment or advice and accessing resources such as swimming or using the trampoline.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled, happy and at ease in the setting. They benefit from a range of activities both inside and outside of the home as they play with play dough, visit toddler groups and independently select from a variety of toys in the play room. The childminder is aware of individual needs and supports a child who does not like particular toys and suggests alternative activities when a child is becoming unsettled. Children benefit from the support and encouragement from a childminder who is involved in their play. For example, children are

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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 completing an alphabet puzzle and the childminder supports their learning by using phonic sounds and asking the child to find the 'o' for owl.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their self-esteem and confidence through the childminder who offers appropriate praise and encouragement. Children are developing their understanding of right from wrong and the childminder has realistic expectations supporting them according to their individual age and stage of development. For example, she is aware that two year olds often find it difficult to share; she offers appropriate support and is aware that some children find this more difficult than others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit as the childminder ensures she meets their individual needs through discussion with their parents. Children are developing their understanding of being kind and considerate to one another and resolving their differences through support from the childminder. Children make choices as they select toys from low level shelves and choose what fruit they would like for snack.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop their understanding of the community and the wider world as they visit toddler groups, visit local places of interest and are able to access toys and resources that reflect culture, gender, disability and ethnicity. The childminder extends their understanding as they discuss activities their siblings are involved in at school, for example Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a positive partnership with parents and carers. Clear policies and procedures are in place that are shared with parents including a written complaints procedure which includes the address and telephone number of the regulator. The childminder ensures that necessary written permissions from parents are obtained.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children's health and well being is compromised and they are at risk as the childminder does not have sufficient knowledge and ability to perform first aid. Her previous first aid certificate expired some years previously whilst on maternity leave, she currently has no first aid certificate and at present is not booked onto a course. Children's safety is compromised as the childminder has not obtained contact details of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board and is unclear who she should contact in the event of a child protection concern.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a well organised environment which meets their needs and promotes their developing independence. Children are able to freely access toys and resources suitable for their individual needs. The childminder meets the required ratios and ensures children receive sufficient support.

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Organisation

The childminder has in place detailed policies and procedures that she shares with parents and has updated her policies after having a break from childminding. She is aware of forthcoming changes and has accessed some training via the internet and requested publications.

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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 recommended to ensure that permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice was in place. This is now in place and parental signatures are obtained.

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) 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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