Fairfield High School for Girls

Inspection report for early years provision

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136593 Unique Reference Number 12 May 2008 Inspection date Elizabeth Ellen Mackey 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 1999. She lives with her son aged 10 years in a home situated in the London Borough of Bromley. All areas of the ground floor are available for childminding. There is a garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years old. She is currently caring for five children under eight, many attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for children over eight years on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a qualified primary school teacher. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder makes regular use of the local amenities including the parent and toddler groups, library and 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 inadequate. Children benefit from a routine that contributes to their good health. They enjoy opportunities to be outside in the fresh air, for example, when they walk to the park and play in the garden. They engage in a range of activities in the garden including playing on the slide, with the water tray and in the playhouse. Children share a close bond with the childminder who is affectionate and attentive to their needs. This contributes to their well-being and continuity of care. Children learn the importance of healthy eating because the food offered is nutritious and the menu is balanced. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs and respects them.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an agreement with parents about the procedure for when children are ill. It lacks essential requirements regarding the administration of medication. Medication is given to children based on verbal consent only. The childminder maintains a record of medicines given to children, however, it is not signed by parents. This means there is not a comprehensive medication record and the practice to administer medication does not fully protect children. The childminder is in breach of the regulations. The childminder has not sought permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment and the emergency arrangements have not been confirmed in writing with parents. This is recommended to ensure medical attention is sought without delay in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has not maintained a first aid certificate, which means her knowledge of first aid is not up to date. Two actions have been set, to ensure children's health needs are met and hazards minimised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where the childminder has taken appropriate action to minimise most risks. For example, cleaning materials and knives are stored out of reach. However, there are identified hazards in the garden; there is not a lock on the back gate, which although is difficult to open it is not totally secure to maximise children's safety. In addition there are exposed nails on the gate which pose a potential risk to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is comfortably furnished and equipped to ensure the individual needs of the children are met. Toys and resources are well maintained and accessible to children. Small items are kept away from babies. The home has been risk assessed by the childminder to ensure children can move around independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection matters and procedures and has up to date guidance. However, the child protection policy is not consistently adhered to, for example, the childminder has not recorded all accidents to children. The policy states all accidents will be recorded regardless of where they happened, in order to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children experience a warm, consistent standard of care from the childminder who has a sound awareness of their needs and development. Children are able to self select equipment from a

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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 wide range of resources. They enjoy exploring the garden and playing in the well resourced dedicated playroom.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's use of language is good and they are encouraged by the childminder to express themselves. They enjoy many opportunities to play imaginatively with the effective encouragement of the childminder, for example, using the outdoor home corner as an ice cream van. The childminder extends children's learning by encouraging their language and thinking, through asking questions about the activity they are doing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to be independent and choose from a wide range of activities which include water play, painting, role play, musical instruments and puzzles. Resources are changed regularly as required to meet children's individual developmental needs and interests. Young children's daily routines are taken into account to ensure that their individual needs and care are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a positive atmosphere where they see their own pictures displayed in the playroom. This helps them to gain a sense of belonging and boosts their self-esteem. There is a wide range of resources that reflect our diverse society. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children learn about the world around them and people who look different from themselves through a variety of activities and appropriate resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they are aware of the house rules in place. Behaviour management strategies are appropriate to the age of the children and positive reinforcement is used. Children have a good relationship with the childminder and they respond positively to her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept well informed about the childminding service and their children's day. The childminder completes a daily diary as well as giving verbal feedback to parents. The childminder seeks parents' wishes for the care of their children and ensures these are respected, providing consistency between childminding and home life. The childminder has a system for seeking parental consent to take children on outings, apply sun cream etc, however, this has not been put in place for the children currently attending. The childminder is flexible and willing to work in accordance with parental wishes, therefore children settle more easily. Parents have access to a good range of policies and procedures and are made aware of how to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children benefit from well organised play areas, allowing time for quiet and active play. They enjoy an environment where they receive appropriate adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder organises her daily routine around the children's needs. The day is well planned to accommodate journeys to and from school and to allow the children adequate time to rest, play and eat.

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Organisation

The childminder is a qualified primary school teacher. She is committed to ongoing training, for example she has attended training on the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also reflects on her own practice and identifies areas for improvement. The space is well organised to meet the children's needs.

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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 The outcomes for children are inadequate overall, the childminder is in breach of regulations, because she does not have written permission to administer medication and she has not maintained a satisfactory record of medication given to children. The childminder has not maintained a first aid certificate and has not obtained appropriate consents from parents regarding the care of their children. As a result two actions have been set. Overall the provision 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 the childminder agreed to obtain parental consent to take children in a vehicle and take them on outings. The childminder has a system to obtain this information but has not completed it for the children attending. This recommendation, therefore, has not been met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint that required the provider or Ofsted to take action in order to meet the National Standards. The complaint related to National Standard 1 – Suitable Person, National Standard 2 – Organisation and National Standard 6 – Safety. The complaint raised concerns regarding minded children being left unsupervised.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted carried out an unannounced visit and an action was raised in relation to ensuring children are appropriately supervised at all times. Ofsted was satisfied the National Standards were being met and the provider remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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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: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and ensure the record of all medicines given to children is signed by parents 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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