Castledon School

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 115461 Inspection date 24/11/2008 Inspector Linda Margaret Nicholls

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1992. Registration is for six children under eight years; of these not more than three may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than one may be under one year. Registration does not include overnight care. (Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register) There are currently seven children under 11 years on roll, three of whom attend full time. The childminder lives with her family in Sidcup, Kent. Minded children have use of the ground floor and garden. The household includes a cat.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder gives caring support to meet the needs of individual children but does not promote all aspects of their welfare and learning effectively. There are incomplete processes to ensure a rapid response to emergencies and safeguarding the welfare of children. Children attend community events and are provided with a range of activities which promote inclusion well. Lack of planning hampers children's individual learning development within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the early years provision requires significant improvement. The registered person is given a Notice to Improve that sets out actions to be carried out.

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further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

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further?

 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment (also applies to the compulsory part of the Childcare Register - Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 09/12/2008 To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 identify starting points with parents' cooperation so that planning of learning priorities provides a relevant and motivating learning experience for each child  ensure safeguarding procedures include the process to be followed should an allegation be made of serious harm to, or abuse of, a child committed by any person at the premises or occuring on the premises.

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provision

The childminder has not been systematic in the application of required processes and procedures. Formal self evaluation is not yet recorded so that several weaknesses are not addressed. An observation record has been implemented but This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 recorded statements are brief and not routinely effective. Past recommendations have been met and resources have been developed. The childminder has not yet put in place all statutory welfare and learning and development requirements although training for the EYFS has been attended.

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provision

Children's health is at risk as there may be administrative delay because parents have not provided written permission to seek emergency advice or treatment. Paediatric first aid training is current and medicine administration records are maintained.

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provision

Liaison with other professionals involved with children in the later years age group is limited and the partnership with parents is uneven. The childminder ensures children's personal details are held securely. Information about children's daily experiences are discussed and shared with parents when children are collected.

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provision

The childminder ensures she gives direct supervision of children at all times. General safety levels within the home are good. A visual daily check of the premises and written risk assessments for outings ensure children are safe in her care both inside and outside the home. Most written policies and procedures help promote children's wellbeing.

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provision

Safeguarding procedures are incomplete. They do not identify the process to be followed should accusations of abuse or neglect be made against persons who work or live on the premises.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy the challenges the childminder provides to enable them to make progress in their learning and development. They handle mark-making equipment well whether they are colouring on paper or using the magnetic drawing pad resource. Children respond well to the childminder's support and close interaction. They sit cosily together as the childminder introduces sounds and first words, concentrating as they turn the pages of a board book or focus on the illustrations. Boys and girls are given time and space to complete homework and explore creative activities such as cooking or making bird houses.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A blend of adult-led and child-chosen activities are described in general planning. Each child's learning needs are not fully met as individual planning arising from specific observations is not yet in place. The childminder has an initial knowledge of the purpose of the requirements to monitor and assess children's progress but these are not yet implemented for all children in the early years age group. Other professionals and most parents do not as yet contribute to their child's learning records.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Resources and premises are well organised so that the youngest child can access toys and make their own choices. These include good quality objects that support diversity and all areas of learning. Children select books from the book box, spin the wheels of small world vehicles and throw a soft ball. Play space is uncluttered so that children can extend their activities freely. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder describes her methods for achieving wanted behaviour from children. She is alert to her importance as a good role model. Children are encouraged and praised when they share resources or show they care and respect others. Attendance of social events, clubs and community events allow children to interact and develop social skills that will support their future wellbeing.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are creatively guided to healthy lifestyles. They enjoy plenty of outside activities, in local parks, the garden and during specific outings to community events such as Lark in the Park. Freshly cooked meals are provided for children. They learn social skills as they sit together to eat and are rewarded for their contribution to the smooth running of meal times. The provider follows well balanced recipes to ensure children eat a range of vegetables and fruits. She ensures she holds information about any allergies. Social or cultural preferences are recorded so that individual needs are met. Fresh drinking water is available at all times. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 3 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 4 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 09/12/2008

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 09/12/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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