Sir John Leman High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137055 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2007 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her three children aged 21, 20 and 17 years. They live in a house which is situated in a residential road close to local schools, parks and transport. Downstairs rooms including toilet facilities are used for minding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. Currently there are eight children on roll aged from one year to eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have four cats, tortoises, a canary and a cockatiel aviary.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands when appropriate, however, they use the same towel to dry their hands which poses a risk of cross contamination. The childminder

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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 is first aid trained which means accidents are dealt with appropriately. However, she does not hold parent's permission to seek medical treatment and advice, resulting in a delay in an emergency. Children are offered a healthy and nutritious menu, for example, home cooked food and fruit snacks. Drinks are regularly offered. This helps them to learn about healthy living.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a child orientated, welcoming environment, where children's work and photographs are displayed. The children have access to a variety of age appropriate play resources that the childminder ensures are safe. There is sufficient equipment available to meet the physical needs of the children attending. For example, two high chairs and child safety seats for the car. The childminder has taken reasonable steps to ensure hazards to children are minimised, such as ensuring all electrical sockets are covered, stair gates are in place, safety film has been applied on internal glass and the drawers have child locks fitted. Although the childminder does not have up-to-date information regarding safeguarding children, she has a satisfactory understanding of her responsibility to the children in her care and the procedures to follow if she were concerned about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a consistent but flexible routine to ensure she meets the children's physical needs. For example, she plans outings around children's rest needs to ensure they are not too tired to enjoy the experience. Children experience a wide range of activities both inside and outside of the home that promote their all round development. Such as using their imagination during role play, manipulating play dough, listening to stories, baking and participating in art and craft activities. The childminder encourages the children to make their own choices about their play and the children play confidently together. The childminder's warm and supportive interaction ensures the children are well settled. The children benefit from regular outings and attend groups to meet up with other children; this enables them to make friends and play with different children on a regular basis, building their confidence and social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats children as individuals and takes sufficient information about them to ensure appropriate care is given. Although the childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities she has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. The childminder's understanding of child development ensures her methods of behaviour management are appropriate to the age and understanding of the children. This means the children play well together with her gentle guidance. The childminder discusses with the parents their children's needs on a daily basis. She sometimes uses photographs to show parents what activities their children have been involved in. Although the childminder has verbal consents, they are not all in writing which means they are open to misinterpretation.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a comfortable environment where space and resources are organised to promote children's confidence and independence. This ensures the children feel at home and at ease. Children are offered play opportunities, indoors and out, to promote their all round development. All the required records are maintained, although some lack detail. The childminder has not obtained the written permission, from parents, to seek treatment or advice for their child in the event of an emergency or to enable the childminder to transport the children in her car. Nevertheless, most policies and procedures work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Parents are informed about their child's day and the care provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has added positive imagery to her play resources to help the children value differences. She has included business cover on her car insurance and has improved her registration records. The childminder has not yet obtained written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and this will be a recommendation in this report. Although she has become familiar with child protection procedures they have not been updated and will be a recommendation in this report. The childminder has ensured that all members of her household aged 16 or over are subject to the appropriate checks, safeguarding children.

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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): • improve the detail in the accident records. • ensure all parental consents are in writing. • improve the hand drying system to prevent the risk of cross contamination.

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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 • ensure awareness of the Government booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - summary'.

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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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