The Magna Carta School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137116 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2007 Inspection date Joanne Wade Barnett 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 1998. She lives with her husband and three school age children and one older child in Petts Wood, Kent. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding along with the first floor bathroom and bedroom for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children who all attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler groups and takes children to the local parks.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder follows satisfactory hygiene practice whereby daily routines and explanations help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and before meals reduces the risk of passing on germs. However, ineffective hand washing and drying methods, for example, sharing a hand towel to dry their hands and changing toddlers nappies directly on the floor, are aspects that do not promote strict hygiene procedures with children to minimise the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their own drinking cups which are available at all times, helping children to keep their bodies hydrated. Children's dietary needs and preferences are catered for, because the childminder maintains details of dietary requirements and preferences. All meals are provided by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder organises outings to the park and in the local community, where there is large play equipment, which gives children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills and contribute to their health and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are generally safe and secure. As a result, children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Toys are in satisfactory condition because the childminder checks them regularly. Toys and resources are stored in large plastic storage units in the conservatory, which are generally organised and easy for younger children to reach safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are effective procedures for the safe arrival and collection of children contributing to their safety. Smoke alarms are in place and the fire blanket in the kitchen ensures the childminder is alerted promptly in the event of a fire. Although some aspects to ensure safety in the garden must be addressed, for example the low rotary clothes line is a potential hazard to children. In addition, all effort to ensure safety equipment in the house is in place prior to children arriving contributes to children’s safety, although the stair gate was not securely fixed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted appropriately because the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate, there is an easily accessible first aid kit and she has a basic understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection. Although, further training would improve the childminder's knowledge of safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is attentive and caring in her approach and the children are content and generally settled in her care. The children clearly enjoy exploring the range of coloured plastic toys that the childminder provides. Together they explore plastic figures and pushing toy cars around. Regular visits out into the community help children learn about the environment, for example, trips to the shops and park.

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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 Children respond positively to the childminder because she is kind and caring in her interactions. They are familiar with their surroundings and independently make choices about the activities they become involved in. The childminder encourages children to do things for themselves and gives support when children are learning new skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally settled and enjoy a consistent routine that affords them opportunities to be active and relaxed. Clear boundaries, realistic expectations and a consistent approach by the childminder helps the children to learn about right and wrong. As a result, children’s behaviour is generally satisfactory.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder endeavours to implement individual routines. A child record form details children's dietary requirements and medical needs all of which help the childminder provide the appropriate care. There is a limited range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of society; consequently, children do not receive opportunities to develop their awareness of different lifestyles, beliefs and traditions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A commitment to work in partnership with parents underpins positive relationships. Effective communication contributes to meeting the individual needs of all children and formal contracts detail business arrangements to ensure the care required is provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation of the setting is evolving and starting to contribute to positive outcomes for children. The childminder’s flexible approach enables her to provide a service tailored to the different work patterns and needs of families within the community.

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Organisation

The certificate of registration is displayed and the attendance register confirms that the childminder complies with the conditions of her registration, although some areas lack detail. The routine is organised to include quiet times, active times and meal times. As a result, children are secure in the childminder’s care. Most of the required documentation for the safe and efficient management of the setting and for the welfare and care of children is maintained correctly.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection four recommendations were made. These were to ensure the fire blanket was wall mounted, the daily attendance register shows the children's times of arrival and departure and further improve knowledge and understanding on child protection issues. The childminder has successfully completed these recommendations. The fourth recommendation relates to the childminder ensuring that there is an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. However this is not fully completed and a recommendation made in this report.

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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 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 appropriate hygiene procedures are in place when changing nappies • improve hand washing and drying facilities for the minded children • provide a written risk assessment outlining potential hazards within the house and in the garden • continue to provide a range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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