Mickleton Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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115533 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 Inspection date Janette Mary White 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband, father and mother in law, daughter and her partner in Barnehurst, Bexleyheath, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five. 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 beginning to understand why they must wash their hands before eating. Towels are available for children’s individual use. However, children’s nappies are sometimes changed on the floor and gloves are not always used. This practice does not promote positive hygiene practices for the younger children. Children are provided with some experiences to help promote their knowledge and understanding of being healthy, such as using wipes to clean their hands before snacks and drinks are offered. There is a system to maintain records on accidents,

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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 medication and existing injuries. Children have access to readily available drinks at all times and their individual dietary needs are discussed with parents. They are provided with healthy options and supported to make healthy choices from what is on offer. This is because the childminder ensures healthy options are available before less healthy snacks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The childminder has some procedures in place. However, she has no understanding of child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board and her lack of knowledge regarding the relevant agencies means children’s welfare is not promoted. This is a breach of regulation. The emergency evacuation procedure has not been recently practised with the children. Therefore, this does not promote their awareness of what to do in an emergency. Children are settled in the childminder's home, they play independently. They are able to make choices and play freely with the available resources. The childminder monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate. There are some safety procedures in place and the first aid box is now readily available. Children do not use the garden for outdoor play. They are provided with fresh air and physical exercise when

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder does not use the Birth to three matters framework to adapt activities in order to promote younger children’s development and learning. Resources include books, games and some interactive toys to help young children listen and respond. However, storage containers do not always aid the children’s independent choice. For example, they are not labelled with pictures and words. Children make themselves at home and are developing self esteem. They enjoy choosing from the available activities and experiences offered by the childminder. This is because she spends time talking, playing and praising children for their achievements. For example, as they sing familiar nursery rhymes. They benefit from close contact with the childminder and socialise with other children through attendance at local toddler groups. Children have opportunities to be creative by dancing and singing. They pretend to act out

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

familiar scenarios as they role play with the dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. The childminder has some understanding of the need to develop a partnership with parents. However, she lacks the knowledge and understanding of the current complaints process and the requirements relating to informing parents. Therefore, children are at risk through a lack of consideration of complaints history and the lack of information available to parents. This is a breach in regulations. Children are only released into the care of authorised adults. The childminder has an appropriate knowledge and awareness of the importance of treating each child with equal respect and concern. However, not all the information to enable appropriate care is discussed with parents, such as religion and language spoken. The childminder does not have written permission to seek emergency treatment and advice. Therefore, prompt action on the child's behalf may be delayed. Children are acknowledged and affirmed by the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder. They demonstrate a sense of belonging and are beginning to offer their own ideas. They have some opportunities to play with toys and resources promoting positive images of

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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 equality. Children are developing an understanding of acceptable behaviour through the childminder’s clear explanations of the house rules. They respond well to frequent praise and encouragement as they play. The childminder has a general awareness of children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has not notified Ofsted about significant changes to new members of the household. In addition, she has not obtained the relevant checks for persons over the age of 16 years. Children are at risk as a result of Ofsted’s inability to make the appropriate checks of suitability. Records are not accessible and are not readily available for the inspection and the childminder is unaware of how long some of these records must be retained. Children are at risk as a result of Ofsted’s inability to check that records which are necessary are in place. These are breaches in regulations. The registration certificate is now displayed during the hours of operation. There is some information relating to policies and procedures shared with parents and this generally supports and develops continuity of the children’s care. The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate. Children receive appropriate first aid treatment. They are at

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Organisation

home and at ease with the childminder and their surroundings. This is beginning to develop their confidence in extending their own play. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection highlighted four actions; to obtain written parental consent for taking children out in the car, submit an action plan to show how numbers of children will be reduced to comply with the condition of registration, maintain a record of children's hours of attendance including time of arrival and departure, and make the bolt on the bathroom door inaccessible to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection also highlighted three recommendations to; update her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. In addition, ensure child record forms are completed for all children and are available for inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has not updated her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and the required children’s documentation is not readily accessible for inspection. These issues have now been raised as actions. In addition, the childminder has not obtained written permission to seek emergency treatment and advice. She has obtained permission from parents to transport children in the car, reduced the numbers of children to ensure it meets the conditions of registration, maintains an attendance register and supervises children when they use the bathroom. In addition, children’s relevant details are recorded.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children are at risk through the childminder failing to identify possible abuse or neglect and by not developing her understanding of the agencies involved in child protection. They are at risk as the childminder cannot act in the child’s best interest should an emergency arise and as a result of Ofsted’s inability to check the required records are in place. Children are transported with parents' written permission and cared for in an environment where child space ratios meet the conditions of registration. In the event of an emergency children’s attendance records and their relevant details provides the required information. They are now unable to lock themselves in the bathroom.

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Improvements 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

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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 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: • ensure Ofsted are notified about any significant changes, and obtain relevant checks for persons over the age of 16. • improve knowledge and understanding of the current complaints process and the requirements relating to informing parents. • increase knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. • ensure all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible 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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