Nexus Foundation Special School

Inspection report for early years provision

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119050 Unique Reference Number 13 November 2007 Inspection date Hazel Farrant 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 1993. She lives with husband and two children aged 18 and 15 years old in Bracknell, Berkshire. They live within walking distance of local schools, shops and amenities. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for three children aged under five years old.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder drives or walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group. She also takes children to parks and to the library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have one dog as a family pet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of Morton Michel.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children stay healthy because the childminder understands basic hygiene practices, which helps to limit the spread of infection. Cross contamination is reduced as the childminder ensures children learn about the importance of hand washing before meals and after using the bathroom. Most documentation required to protect children and keep them healthy is in place and appropriately maintained. However, the childminder’s first aid certificate ran out a long time ago. As a result children's medical needs are compromised and therefore National Standard 7 is not met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a balanced, healthy diet including homemade meals, fresh fruit and vegetables. Children are able to access drinks so that they do not become dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children have their needs met because the childminder follows their own routines from home, therefore the children are cared for in a consistent manner. Children develop their physical skills as they play in the secure garden and go on walks to local parks and other places of interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and learn in a home that is warm and welcoming where they choose toys and equipment from a good range of resources. The children make choices from a range of suitable and safe toys, including construction bricks, train set, dolls and art and craft materials. The children remain occupied and interested as the childminder provides a variation for children by rotating the toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept mostly safe because the childminder has the required safety features available, however, the fire blanket is not fitted in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions, therefore children's safety is compromised. She is aware of the age and stage of younger children's development, and the need for supervision to allow children to play and explore their environment in safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected as the childminder understands her role in child protection. She is fully aware of signs and symptoms of child abuse and is confident of the action to take should an issue arise. Although existing injuries are discussed with parents, they are not currently recorded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children engage in a good range of activities, which contribute to their development. They enjoy their time at the childminder's home and play happily both independently and alongside others. For example, they play with the train track with the childminder, role-play using dolls and accessories and draw around wooden puzzle pieces using them as templates ready to colour in. They receive very good support and encouragement from the childminder to develop their knowledge and skills.

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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 The childminder takes a constant interest in the children and skilfully uses questions and conversation to further develop their knowledge and to make them think. Children are able to develop in all skill areas whilst in the childminder's care. They notice shape and colour when completing puzzles and take part in various craft activities, such as painting and making masks. They have access to a range of books to develop their literacy skills. Children generally occupy themselves very well and relax within the home environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has an understanding about the needs of the children in her care. Time spent with the children encourages independence, confidence and making them feel secure within their environment. This creates a welcoming home from home environment where children feel a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is good because the childminder has a positive approach to behaviour management. She uses praise and encouragement, focusing on good behaviour. She uses re-direction of children's focus to calmly defuse situations or gathers the children to her and talks quietly to them to reassure and settle them. By using a consistent approach this ensures children have a clear understanding of the boundaries set. Children are gaining an understanding about being kind to one another, being polite and using good manners, which promotes their self-esteem. For example, at meal times children understand they should not talk with food in their mouths.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides some toys and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. Parents develop good open relationships with the childminder who encourages discussion on all aspects of their child’s care and progress on a regular basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children benefit from an environment which is organised to meet their needs. They play, learn and make choices as they access appropriate toys and equipment. The children enjoy a daily routine in which their social needs are fostered by visits to local parks and places of interest.

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Organisation

Most regulatory documentation is in place which is satisfactorily maintained. Children's individual details are recorded therefore ensuring parents can be contacted should an emergency occur. However, a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance is not currently in place. This is a breach in regulations. Overall, the setting does not meet the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder now ensures that all medication is documented and signed by parents. Parental consent is now in place for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • keep a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance. 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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