Mickleton Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

115533 Unique Reference Number 03 June 2008 Inspection date Sarer Marcia Tarling Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband, father and mother-in-law, in a four bedroom extended house in Barnehurst, Bexleyheath, Kent. Minded children spend the majority of their time playing on the ground floor. The family bathroom is situated on the first floor. There is a secure garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time. There are currently three children on roll under the age of eight. The childminder also provides care for children over the age of eight and currently has three children on roll.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children are offered a satisfactory range of meals and snacks. For example, they enjoy cereals, toast or croissants for breakfast. Throughout the day children are offered fresh fruit, such as strawberries or apples, as a snack along with plenty of water or juice which helps keep them hydrated. At lunch time children choose which filling they would like in their sandwich and

p.2

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 afterwards tuck into crisps and yoghurt. For dinner children have a variety of home cooked dishes including tuna pasta, pizza, spaghetti bolognaise and fish or chicken served with a selection of vegetables. The childminder asks parents and records details of each child's individual dietary requirements.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a satisfactory range of physical activities which contribute to their general good health, growth and development. They benefit from walking in the fresh air every day on the school run. During school holidays the childminder takes children to Danson park where they climb and develop their skills on the playground equipment and to Hall Place where they explore the gardens. After school children can rest and relax on the settee whilst they watch television and young children can sleep on fresh linen in the travel cot.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from cross infection as the childminder excludes children who are unwell or infectious. Parents are asked to write a letter giving her prior permission to administer medication and the childminder is aware she must record details of any medication she administers. If a child becomes unwell whilst in her care the childminder contacts parents and, if serious, asks them to collect their child. Parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment is in place and a book is available to record accidents, although there are no entries. A first aid kit is accessible in the home and a portable one taken on outings. However, the childminder is unclear as to whether the contents of the first aid kits comply with guidance issued on training. The childminder's first aid certificate has recently expired and as a result children are not fully protected in the event of an accident or emergency.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from being cared for in a clean and welcoming home. Children's health is protected as the childminder has daily cleaning routines in place and she is careful to ensure that food preparation areas and the bathroom are kept scrupulously clean. The childminder ensures she washes her own hands regularly and helps the children to wash their hands before they eat and after using the toilet. Children are sensitively supported with their toilet training and their independence is growing as they can easily reach the toilet and sink as a step stool is provided. Spare clothes are available in case a child accidentally wets themselves. Tissues and wet wipes are close to hand and children are learning to blow their own noses and wipe their sticky fingers. As a result of these measures children's health is promoted and they are learning the importance of good hygiene.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children spend the majority of their time playing in the comfortable through living/dining room where they can move around safely as the childminder has taken steps to minimise hazards. For example, there are no trailing wires and electrical sockets are protected. However, children are not fully protected as potentially hazardous items in the kitchen cupboards and drawers are easily accessible.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are clean and in a good condition and are suitable for the age and stage of development of the children attending. A selection is set out each day and from these children are encouraged to independently select what they wish to play with.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Smoke detectors are located on both floors of the home and the childminder has discussed her emergency evacuation procedure with the older children. However, children are not fully protected in the event of a fire as the fire blanket is not mounted in the kitchen and children do not have opportunities to practise the evacuation procedure.

p.3

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 Permission is sought from parents to take children on outings and to transport them in a vehicle. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe whilst out and about. For example, young children are safely strapped in the buggy or hold the childminder's hands and she ensures older children walk on the side of the pavement away from the kerb. Children are taught how to use the zebra crossing safely on the way to school.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are not suitably protected or safeguarded as the childminder does not demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect. She does not have a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures she is required to follow should she have a concern about a child.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of how individual children develop and learn. She is attentive to the children's needs and spends time talking to and playing with them. She happily participates in their games. For example, using the binoculars and magnifying glass, from the Dora Explorer back pack, to search and examine objects from around the room. Younger children have fun playing with the 'Iggle Piggle' interactive toy and making music at the activity table.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use small figures and play imaginatively with the pirate ship and castle. They play on the floor with trains, cars and trucks. During role play children like to dress and undress the dolls and put them to bed. Children chatter as they pretend to talk to someone on the childminder's old mobile phone.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children visit the mobile book library and time is spent looking at books and reading stories such as, 'Time for bed, Bear' with the childminder. School age children are encouraged to read their school books and are able to complete any homework they might have. The older children enjoy dancing to music and putting on 'High School Musical' shows for the childminder. Time on the computer is monitored and the childminder ensures all games are suitable.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in a variety of activities both inside and out of the home, such as drawing and trips to local swing and splash parks.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. Children are provided with continuity of care because the childminder generally works in partnership with parents. Written contacts are discussed and drawn up and these help clarify the minding arrangements. The childminder ensures she has regular discussions with parents about their child's daily routine, the care they receive and the general progress they have made. Parents who provided references comment that the childminder is reliable and has a kind and warm nature. They comment that their children are extremely happy and have formed good friendships with other minded children. However, the childminder does not have a secure knowledge of the procedure she is required to follow in relation to investigating complaints or maintaining a complaints log. As a result parents are not provided with details of the procedure to follow should they have a concern.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are welcome and close relationships have been formed with the childminder. Children are heard to say 'I love you' to the childminder and she cheerfully responds with an 'I love you

p.4

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 too'. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents prior to them starting and information is recorded on a separate child record form. This enables appropriate care to be given. The childminder has encouraged a minded child to teach her, and the other minded children, some words in Nigerian. However, there are limited activities and resources which help show children positive images from a variety of cultural backgrounds and which help children learn about diversity and to respect others in the community.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a positive approach to minding a child with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and with other professionals to promote the child's welfare and development. She would assess the level of care and support required and consider her other minding commitments prior to agreeing to care for a child. However, she has limited resources to help promote positive images of disability.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of behaviour management. Children's self esteem is boosted by the support and regular praise they receive. The childminder skilfully intervenes and is able to re-direct or distract young children to avoid unwanted behaviour. Older children are learning to share and play co-operatively together during games such as 'What's the time Mr Wolf?'. If an altercation does occur the children are encouraged to sit and calm down and the childminder talks through the incident to help children understand why the behaviour is not acceptable. The childminder is aware she must record all significant incidents.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Public liability insurance is in place and the childminder is aware of her conditions of registration in relation to the numbers of children she may care for. The childminder has a generally satisfactory understanding of the requirements with regard to maintaining regulatory documentation. Children's individual records are carefully and confidentially stored in a file and the certificate of registration is displayed. The remaining documentation is not so well organised and is a mixture of notebooks and old forms issued from the local authority. The childminder is in the process of updating and changing over to one system. The childminder does not maintain a complaint log or currently share any written information about her routines, childcare practices or policies and procedures with parents and recognises that as a result they may not be fully informed of all areas of her service.

p.5

Organisation

Children are happy and settled because the childminder has routines in place which are built around the needs of the children in her care. Although the living/dining room is organised so children can play safely and independently select their toys, not all hazards have been removed or minimised in the kitchen area. The childminder does not hold an up-to-date first aid certificate which means that children are at risk in the event of accidents occurring. She has not improved her knowledge of child protection in order to fully safeguard and protect children. As a result, the childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the previous inspection the childminder was set four actions.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

In relation to National Standard 1 the childminder was asked to ensure all household members over the age of 16 are suitably vetted. The childminder did not initiate suitability checks on all household members, however, the adults no longer live in the household. The childminder is

p.5

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 aware of the duty to ensure that other people living or working on the premises are suitable to be in contact with children.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

In relation to National Standard 12 the childminder was asked to improve knowledge and understanding of the current complaints process and the requirements relating to informing parents. The childminder has taken no action and as a result a further action has been set.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

In relation to National Standard 13 the childminder was asked to increase knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The childminder has taken no action and as a result a further action has been set.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

In relation to National Standard 14 the childminder was asked to ensure all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible for inspection at all times. As a result all records are now accessible and ready for inspection.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that hazardous items in the kitchen are made inaccessible to minded children. Ensure the fire blanket is secured in the kitchen • ensure a current first aid certificate is maintained and that the contents of first aid kits comply with information given on the first aid training course • improve knowledge and understanding of the procedure to follow in relation to complaints and maintaining a complaints log • increase knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.7