King's Cliffe Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 129697 Inspection date 17 February 2006 Inspector Kim Wailling

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 1999. She co-minds with her mother, who is a registered childminder, at her mother's address in Northchurch, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Household members include the childminder's partner and her brother. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five on a full and part time basis and

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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 two children over five before and after school and during the school holidays. The childminder walks to take and collect children to local schools. She takes children to the local library and the local park. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health within the setting is supported appropriately in most areas through basic hygiene routines. For example, the childminder immediately disposes of soiled nappies, reducing the likelihood of cross infection. Children are helped to understand the importance of personal care, The childminder provides soap and towels in both downstairs and upstairs bathrooms that the children can easily reach after using the toilet for example.. There are also gentle reminders to check that hands have been washed thoroughly. the childminder does not have a first aid qualification which compromises her ability to meet the children's health needs. Children are adequately nourished as they are offered meals and snacks which contain fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as drinks throughout the day. Health and dietary needs are met. The childminder asks parents about children's individual

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Helping children to be healthy

needs, which are recorded. Children eat meals such as lunch together and are offered a selection of food, such as ham, cheese, cucumber and tomatoes which they are encouraged to taste. Children have an opportunity to learn about healthy living because the childminder talks to them about foods, such as fruit and salad that they should try to eat everyday, and others that they should eat only occasionally, such as sweets and chocolate. Children have opportunities to take part in physical exercise, as the childminder walks the children to and from school every day. The setting also has an enclosed rear garden which contains play equipment but its use is restricted in the winter months. Children's rest and sleep patterns are taken into consideration within the daily routine. Younger children are offered a quiet room for undisturbed sleep while older children are encouraged to relax after lunch either watching a video or resting

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a clean home where they have space to play, rest and relax. Some potential hazards to children, such as younger children's access to the stairs are managed well but the on/off switch of the gas fire can be reached by older children. Children have access to the rear garden which is maintained to ensure that it is safe and secure for all ages of children who use it. Children are carefully supervised when on outings. Younger children are safely strapped into buggies and older children are encouraged to hold hands when being taken and collected from school. They are helped to learn the basics of road safety

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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 such as waiting until the road is clear before crossing. Children's welfare is not fully protected. There is an absence of appropriate monitoring and reporting procedures for the childminder and the co-minder to follow if they have any concerns about a child in their care. Although the childminders have details of an advanced child protection course a place has not been reserved. This means that the childminders do not have sufficient knowledge of child protections issues which compromises children's safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. At the time of the inspection visit all children were settled and busy. They enjoy playing together and create elaborate imaginative games. The childminder sits with the children when they are playing games with rules, such as 'pairs' to ensure that all children are included. She knows the children well and is knowledgeable about their favourite games and interests and is able to extend their learning in a positive way, Older children are offered a choice of activities when collected from school. These include a quiet environment if they wish to complete homework, watch television or play in the garden. Younger children have access to toys, such as building bricks and dressing-up clothes, but there are limited opportunities for them to explore a wide range of resources,. The childminder does not use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help her to extend the activities for the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel comfortable in the setting, many having been cared for by the childminders since babyhood. They benefit from the attentiveness of the childminder and her co-minder who make themselves available to talk, listen and, with younger children, provide a lap for cuddles. Features, such as individual beakers and, for younger children, the availability of their personal comforters to use when they are tired, help foster a sense of belonging and familiarity. Older children responsibly organise games in which younger children are included. All children are friendly with each other and enjoy each others' company. There are opportunities for children to make choices and take decisions. Children are confident and are able to negotiate with the childminder, for example as what video to watch after lunch. Their understanding of the wider community is mainly fostered through watching appropriate videos and television programmes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and respond to requests for good behaviour. Simple house rules such as removing outdoor shoes are followed. Children are encouraged to learn important social skills such as sharing. Older children show kindness and consideration towards younger children. Children and their parents are invited to visit the setting before childminding

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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 commences to meet both the childminder and her co-minder. Settling-in procedures are always discussed. Time is made to talk to children's parents at the end of the day to share news and verbally resolve any problems that have arisen. Currently, there is no procedure recording complaints made by parents however, the childminder is aware of this requirement.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are cared for by a childminder in a friendly home environment. With her co-minder she offers a well structured routine which takes into account the school run and children's sleep routines. Records that promote children's care are kept. However, the childminder has insufficient knowledge of National Standards and the need for adults looking after children to attend relevant training. The childminder lacks relevant first aid training, which has a negative impact on children's health, safety and well-being. This means that overall, the childminder does not meet the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection the following actions were set: to ensure that household members over sixteen years of age submit to appropriate vetting procedure, including a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check and that a first aid course be completed In addition, this the following action and recommendations were set: to put procedures in place to check that parents sign the medication record book following administration of medicines, to review how children's attendance was recorded, to develop resources that promote children's awareness of the wider society and their place in it, to ensure that potential hazards to children are minimised and for the childminder to develop her knowledge of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. At the time of the inspection visit appropriate vetting procedures, including a CRB check, for household members had been carried out. However, relevant training in

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Improvements since the last inspection

first aid had not been undertaken by the childminder or her co-minder, which means that children's health and safety is compromised. Parents sign the medication record. Children's attendance is recorded accurately, which promotes the care of children. However, the childminder and her co-minder do not comply with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee. This means that children's welfare is compromised. Children's learning is promoted as the setting has increased the range of resources, such as dressing up clothes, to increase their awareness of the world and their place in it. Although some positive steps are taken to promote safety in the setting in areas that the children play in, older children can reach the switch on the gas fire in the

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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 lounge easily.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to Ofsted 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 • ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC). 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

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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