Dorothy Goodman School Hinckley

Inspection report for early years provision

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132154 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2007 Inspection date Ann Moss 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 five, 10 and 14 in Surbiton, Surrey. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding two children both of whom attend part-time. The childminder drive to local schools to take and collect children and take children to the local park. The family has one dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn to protect themselves from germs because the childminder talks to them about washing their hands after visiting the toilet. The childminder reduces the risk of cross infection by ensuring that children are provided with individual towels, bed linen and establishes acceptable routines for activities such as nappy changing. All required parental permissions are in place to support children's good health, however, the system for recording the administration

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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 of medicine does not maintain their privacy and although the childminder maintains a current certificate in first aid, she does not record minor injuries to children. This impacts on children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating because the childminder talks to them about the foods that are good for them and provides a balanced diet; food such as fresh fruit, vegetables and sweet biscuits. The childminder liaises closely with parents to ensure that children's dietary requirements and parents' wishes are met. Children have regular drinks in suitable containers. This ensures children remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy by being physically active indoors and outdoors. They have regular access to vigorous physical play because the childminder takes them to play in nearby toddler groups and to the park. This helps children to develop their skills of coordination, balance and awareness of space, as they run, climb, crawl and ride wheeled toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in an environment where sufficient steps have been taken to minimise potential risks. Fire fighting equipment meets with requirements. However, although the childminder has devised an emergency evacuation procedure she does not practise this with children. This impacts on children's safety and welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a dedicated play room were they have access to a wide range of suitable toys and play materials. These are well maintained, attractively set out and stored in low units so children can reach them easily, promoting safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder gives gentle reminders about how they should do so, such as not standing on a chair. She talks about safety on roads, and provides supervised experiences of crossing roads safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection and is able to recognise possible signs of abuse or neglect. She has procedures in place in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board requirements and knows whom to contact if concerned about a child. However, she does not share her role and responsibility to protect children with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and at ease in the childminder's home because she creates friendly relationships with them. They settle easily, access their own toys and play materials. The childminder responds positively to children, sharing games with them and helping them to learn new skills such as caring for others 'doll'. Children learn to be creative as they become engrossed in role-play and imaginative games. They learn about languages as the childminder talks and listens to them, extending their language for communication. The childminder takes pleasure in their achievements and praises their success, which helps to build their self-esteem. Children learn from first hand experiences as they visit toddler groups where they meet with their peers. This helps them to develop social skills and build new friendships. Children are well occupied and the childminder adapts the quiet and lively activities to take account of the children's

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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 does not use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to guide her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children behave well because they understand the expectations of the childminder and have access to well-organised, age appropriate play resources, which interest and absorb them. The childminder exchanges information with parents before children attend, in order to establish their individual needs. Children learn about their own and others' feelings, cultures and beliefs by talking about their home lives, experiences and seeing positive images of all members of society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder does not work directly with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities she has some previous experience of children with specific needs and understands how she might adapt the service she offers to meet children with identified needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship established between the childminder and parents. The childminder is observant of the children in her care and shares her observations with parents. This keeps parents informed about their children's development and enhances children's care. She makes time for daily conversation and shares the vast majority of her policies and procedures verbally with parents, however, she does not make the contact address and telephone number of Ofsted available to parents. This means parents do not know where to address their concerns, if needed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home because the childminder organises her home sufficiently to meet their individual needs around play, mealtimes and naps. Consistent routines and effective support ensures children feel a sense of belonging and part of the family. This means children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning.

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Organisation

Children are protected from unvetted persons because she supervises them carefully at all times. The childminder displays her certificate of registration and maintains all required documentation. She understands the need for confidentiality and stores the vast majority of children's personal details discreetly to protect their privacy. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to ensure she has a system to record any incident where physical intervention is required to prevent harm. An appropriate system is now in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She also agreed to improve fire safety precautions by maintaining the smoke alarm on the first floor in working order and by practising the evacuation plan. Smoke alarms are now maintained in full working order on every level of the house. However, the childminder did not practise the emergency fire evacuation procedures and a further recommendation has been made.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She also agreed to make sure she is aware of the new government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused'. The childminder has obtained the booklet, which is easily accessible for reference.

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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 She also agreed to make sure she is aware of which communicable diseases you would need to notify Ofsted about. A list of communicable diseases is now available.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She also agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. All parental permissions are now in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These changes to childminding practice help to ensure children's safety and welfare.

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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 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): • ensure confidentiality when recording administration of medicine • ensure minor accidents are recorded and share them with parents • ensure the emergency escape plan is carried out periodically • ensure parents are made aware of your role and responsibility regarding child protect • ensure parents have the contact address of telephone number of Ofsted.

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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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