Amherst Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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134188 Unique Reference Number 07 January 2008 Inspection date Ruth Tharme 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 April 1997. She lives with her one grown-up daughter in a four-bedroom, semi-detached house. The downstairs rooms are used for minding and upstairs for sleeping and using the bathroom. There is also a fully enclosed garden. The home is situated close to local amenities, schools and parks. The childminder is registered to care for six children. She is currently caring for two children under five years. The family have a pet cat and a goldfish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder helps to run a carer-and-toddler group once a week which minded children attend regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. There are some basic arrangements in place that promote children's health and fitness. Children make use of the garden and take regular walks, ensuring they generally receive sufficient fresh air and exercise. Pets are dealt with appropriately so they do not pose a risk to children's health.

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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 The childminder's home is neat and clean but children use the same towel as household members to dry their hands which means there is some risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a suitably equipped first aid box readily available so she is able to treat minor injuries to children promptly. When children fall ill they are cared for appropriately as the childminder makes contact with parents as soon as possible and minimises the spread of infection by excluding those with infectious diseases until they are better.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a generally sound understanding of the documentation required which means that she is able to ensure that all accidents involving children are accurately recorded. But, some records show that she does not seek written consent from parents before administering a new course of medication so it is not clear that children are always treated in accordance with their parent's wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parent's provide all meals and snacks for their children but the childminder ensures that drinking bottles are replenished regularly so children have access to drinks throughout the day. She works with parents to ensure that the packed lunches provided promote a healthy and balanced diet for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The childminder's home is well maintained and comfortable, providing children with a clean and welcoming environment. Space is organised appropriately to give children room for free movement and well-spread activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and resources are clean and in good condition so children can use them safely. They are generally presented at low level, on shelves or in shallow storage so children can access them for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of potential hazards and has taken some appropriate steps to promote children's safety. Within her home there are cupboard locks and socket covers in use and a stair gate is fitted. The garden is fully enclosed and children are supervised closely whilst outside. On outings the correct car seats are used but insurance for the vehicle does not include relevant business use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a fire blanket on the kitchen wall and there are smoke alarms in place on each floor of the house. But, the alarms are not tested regularly enough to ensure that they are in working order at all times. Evacuation procedures have not been practised so children are not sufficiently aware of what to do to keep themselves safe in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are suitably secure which means that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised and unauthorised visitors cannot gain access to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is not clear about the action to take in order to ensure that children at risk are promptly identified and protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a sound range of activities within the childminder's home. She ensures that children are provided with opportunities for imaginary play, craft activities and reading books. Children benefit from frequent attendance at local childminding, play and toddler groups where they take part in a variety of activities, both in and out-of-doors. Children develop their social skills and a knowledge and understanding of the wider community.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children happily make suggestions for activities and experiences as the childminder encourages them to make decisions for themselves. They are able to build on their interests as the childminder is aware of the activities children particularly enjoy and provides appropriate resources to support their play. Young babies enjoy exploring, examining toys from treasure baskets placed around them on the floor. The modest range of resources are stimulating and fun so children are generally provided with sufficient challenge and enjoyment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a warm relationship with the childminder. She listens carefully to them, valuing their ideas and opinions, and shows them affection and care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are taken into account as the childminder takes time to request written information and discuss specific arrangements with parents before care commences. Children make choices about their toys and activities for themselves, which means that boys and girls have equal access to resources and play experiences. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are suitably supported as the childminder works with parents and health professionals to provide appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. Praise and encouragement are used to promote the continuation of good behaviour, and discussion with parents about the methods used ensures that children benefit from a consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is generally sound. Care is generally in accordance with parent's wishes. Their consent is requested before children are taken on outings or have their photographs taken. Written contracts are provided and parents are encouraged to visit the childminder's home before care commences which means that they are suitably informed about the setting their children attend. A poster is clearly displayed giving parents information on how to contact the regulator should they have a concern about the provision. But, the childminder's knowledge of procedures for recording and sharing information about complaints is limited so parents do not have access to relevant information if a concern is raised.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are cared for by a suitably qualified person. The childminder has completed mandatory training and has taken steps to improve her knowledge and skills base by attending additional courses. Checks have not been completed for all household members which means that adults who have not been cleared as suitable have access to children.

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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 Children receive good levels of adult support as low ratios are maintained at all times. The daily register provides an accurate record of children's attendance, showing the times of arrival and departure for all. The certificate is clearly displayed so parents have access to relevant information about the conditions of registration. Documentation is routinely countersigned by parents which shows that relevant information has been shared, but records do not consistently include necessary parental consent. Policies and procedures generally promote children's wellbeing but some arrangements are not clear or well established enough to ensure children's safety at all times.

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Organisation

The setting does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were two recommendations made. The provider was asked to ensure that all persons in the household aged 16 years or over have been vetted. Insufficient progress has been made in this area, as not all household members have had appropriate suitability checks completed to ensure children's safety.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Secondly, the provider was asked to ensure that confidentiality is maintained when medication records are shared with parents. A suitable system is now in use. Each child's records are documented on a separate page which means that parents only see the record relating to their own child.

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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: • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children • ensure that all household members aged 16 years and over have had appropriate suitability checks completed • take positive steps to promote children's safety, with particular regard to fire and child protection arrangements

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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 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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