Blagdon Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147286 Inspection date 28 February 2006 Inspector Deborah Wilkinson

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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 - enforcement action. 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 who has been registered for many years lives with her husband in a residential area of NW2 in the London Borough of Barnet. The childminder works with an assistant and together they may care for a maximum of 6 children aged between 1 and 5 years at any one time. Currently there are eight children on roll who attend various sessions. Children do not go into the house at all, but play and are cared for in purpose built self contained premises at the end of the childminder's garden. Children also play in

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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 the fully enclosed garden. The group is conducted in Hebrew which is the first language of the children attending, the childminder and her assistant.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are healthy and well looked after. They are cared for in a clean, well organised environment with good measures in place to prevent the spread of infection. Their welfare is safeguarded by the recording of information about their medical needs. However, written consent from parents to obtain help in the case of a medical emergency is not available. Children are active and their physical skills are developing well. They enjoy walks to a local park, have opportunities to use large play equipment in the garden and participate in a music and dance session each week. Children have breakfast and lunch at the childminders. Meals are freshly prepared and the childminder keeps records of dietary requirements to ensure the children are given food they like. Children have access to drinks throughout the day. The children sit together to eat their meals, quiet music plays and the adults give children gentle

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Helping children to be healthy

encouragement. Parents are informed of what their child has eaten when they talk to the childminder at the end of each day, and there is a sample menu to inform them of the type of meals provided.

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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 self contained building which provides room for them to play, rest and eat. The room is bright and welcoming with displays of children's work, and the children are at ease and comfortable in their surroundings. The children use the space with confidence because the childminder has identified and minimised the risks in the room and the garden. Sleeping facilities are available with either mattresses or the sofa being used and after lunch all the children settle down to rest. Children have access to a suitable selection of resources which are well maintained, appropriate and suitable for their ages. Much of the equipment is stored on low shelves or in containers enabling the children to reach it easily. Children are kept safe when out as the childminder has appropriate procedures in place which include holding hands when they are out and talking to the children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

about road safety. There is a first aid box which is easily accessible. However, the childminder does not have a current first aid certificate which impacts on the children's healthcare. A fire evacuation procedure is in place which the children practice regularly.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder understands her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is aware of possible signs of abuse and knows the procedures to follow if she has any concerns. Children's safety is compromised as unvetted persons work with the childminder and have access to the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and comfortable in the playroom which is organised to provide them with space to play and move around freely. They return from a walk to the park and settle themselves on chairs or cushions to watch a short music video. The adults sit with them and everyone joins in the songs and rhymes talking about what they see and hear. The children are familiar with the daily routine and when the video is finished come to the table for lunch. Children are building their confidence and self-esteem, as they are frequently praised by the childminder and her assistant who sit with them at the table. They eat well and some have second helpings. After lunch the children settle down to rest, the adults talk to them quietly, they listen to gentle music and all fall asleep.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During the sessions children are involved in a variety of activities; they wash the dolls, model with clay and dance to music. Some sessions are linked to the Jewish calendar and festivals and parents may come and work with the children and help them to make Purim masks or Hanukkah candlesticks. .

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content because the childminder provides effective care helped by her sound knowledge of their individual needs and the written records kept for each of them. They benefit from the information shared between their parents and the childminder and observe positive relationships when the childminder gives parents daily feedback about the routine. The childminder does not obtain written permission from parents for taking children out or for obtaining medical treatment in the case of an emergency. The children who attend are Jewish and the philosophy of the group is to help them learn about Judaism through activities linked to the festivals. The children learn about the wider community and other cultures when the childminder shows them books and pictures. All children have equal access to the resources. Children are developing their independence when they choose their own equipment

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which is accessible in low storage boxes or displayed on shelves. The childminder

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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 supports them in their activities by giving practical help and making suggestions. The childminder has a positive attitude to caring for children with special needs although she has had no previous experience in this area. The children are learning to share and consider the others. They are helped by the childminder who uses positive language and gives them praise and encouragement. They have positive role models in the childminder and her assistant who speak to them politely, listen to their comments and praise them for their efforts.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has failed to ensure that all persons in contact with the children are suitably vetted. This is a breach of regulations which was raised as an action at the previous inspection and has not yet been addressed. The childminder has not ensured that she has a current first aid certificate to enable her to deal effectively with the health needs of children. While some of the required records are kept, there are omissions. Information with regard to children's and staff attendance lacks some of the required detail, and parents have not given their written consent for the childminder to obtain medical treatment in the case of an emergency or for their children to be taken out. These are weaknesses in the documentation that supports the care of children. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The organisation of the premises provides the children with adequate space to move

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Organisation

and play comfortably and the way in which the childminder plans her daily sessions ensures the children enjoy a variety of activities.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection in 2003 recommendations and actions were made to help the childminder develop her practice. These were in relation to ensuring the suitability of staff; improving the record keeping; having systems in place to deal with an accident or medical emergency; notifying Ofsted of significant changes; developing written information for parents; completing a first aid course and obtaining and familiarising herself with information about the signs and symptoms of child abuse. The childminder has made some progress. However, the systems to keep children safe are not sufficient She has made arrangements to call Hatzola, a Jewish response organisation, in the case of a medical emergency, but does not have a current first aid certificate or signed consent from parents for obtaining emergency medical treatment. The required information about the current assistants is recorded, but Ofsted has not been notified that they have started to work with the childminder

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Improvements since the last inspection

and no checks as to their suitability have been completed. There is a daily record of children's attendance. However, this does not include 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 times they are present or which adults have cared for them. Parents are given some written information about the activities children do and provide details of children's individual needs. However, they do not give written consent for their children to be taken out. The childminder has obtained written information about child protection and understands her responsibilities in this area.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted. 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 - enforcement action. 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

Ofsted is taking enforcement action to safeguard the welfare of children.

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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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