Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 139621 Inspection date 08/10/2009 Inspector Sandra Patricia Jeffrey

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 1993. She lives with her two daughters aged 17 and 21 years, in Wallington, Surrey. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding purposes and there is also a secure garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. Four children in the early years age range and one child aged nine were on roll at the time of the inspection. The childminder has an NVQ level 3 in child care. The family have a pet cat.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming environment for the children in her care and has established close working relationships with the parents. However, her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is weak and she is therefore unable to effectively support the welfare, learning and development of children in the early years age group. The childminder's insecure understanding of regulatory matters such as, welfare, safeguarding and documentation, means that children's safety and wellbeing are compromised. In addition, a lack of regular self- evaluation by the childminder, and inability to keep up to date with changes in the early years profession, means that key areas for development to maintain the quality of the provision are not identified. There are, however, a suitable range of toys and resources in the setting and space is utilised well to provide different types of learning and play opportunities for the children.

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The 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?

 ensure adults looking after children (even for short periods of time) are suitable to do so and that Ofsted has been informed of any such arrangements, prior to them taking place, to enable the necessary procedures to be followed (Suitability of adults) also applies to the compulsory part of the Childcare register 23/10/2009

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further?

 complete an appropriate paediatric first aid course and ensure there is at least one person who has a paediatric first aid certificate on the premises at all times when children are present (Promoting good health) also applies to the compulsory part of the 23/10/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Childcare register  obtain written parental permission, at the time of the children’s admission to the provision, to the seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare) 23/10/2009

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further?

 implement an effective safeguarding children policy and procedure which complies with the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) (Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare) - also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register 23/10/2009

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further?

 devise and implement a system to carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing. This assessment must take account of the nature of the outing and be reviewed before embarking on each specific outing (Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare) 23/10/2009

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further?

 conduct regular risk assessments and review these - at least once a year or more frequently where the need arises (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) - also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register 23/10/2009

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further?

 gain knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements, so that children are provided with an educational programme that will enable them to make progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. (Early learning goals) 23/10/2009

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve measures to prevent infection in relation to children's hand washing procedures.

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the early years provision

The service the childminder offers is not sufficiently well organised and planned to ensure that children's needs are fully met and that children are fully safeguarded. For example, on the day of the inspection, the childminder temporarily left the children in the care of an adult who had not been subjected to the required procedures. Ofsted has not been informed that this adult is to be used as an assistant and therefore has not had the opportunity to carry out the range of required checks, before a condition permitting such an arrangement is agreed. This is therefore a breach of the conditions of the childminder's registration. In addition, the childminder has not requested the parents written permission to allow for this event and the adult in question does not hold a paediatric first aid certificate.

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the early years provision

The childminder's own paediatric first aid certificate has expired. Whilst the childminder is now in the process of attempting to rectify this breach of regulation, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 it is not in a timely manner. This places children at risk in the event of an accident or serious illness. This issue was also highlighted during the previous inspection, when a valid paediatric first aid certificate was also not in place. Parents have also not been asked to provide written permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment if required. This does not foster the children's wellbeing, or ensure that parents' wishes will be adhered to in the event of an emergency.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an insecure knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of a Safeguarding concern. Whilst a detailed policy is in place setting out the correct procedures to follow, this was not written by the childminder, who demonstrated a weak understanding of her role and responsibilities. She was unable to identify whom concerns should be reported to and was initially unable to locate the local Safeguarding procedures which should be readily at hand in case of any concern. This places children at significant risk.

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the early years provision

In addition, the childminder has not given sufficient thought to safeguarding children when out in the local community and has not carried out sufficient risk assessments to protect the children in full. Children wear tabards over their clothes with their names embroidered on. The childminder advised that this was for her to easily locate and identify them, but had not given thought to other unknown adults also being able to identify the children as their names are clearly displayed. Nevertheless, this inadvertently places children at risk.

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the early years provision

The childminder does not record and review any risk assessments for each specific outings as is required and is therefore unable to ensure all potential risks are identified and acted upon. Risk assessments in the home are also not sufficiently rigorous. Low level electrical sockets in both the play room and the lounge were observed to be exposed on the day of the inspection. A knife in the kitchen had not been made fully inaccessible to the children and cleaning materials in the toilet the children use were also easily accessible.

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the early years provision

The childminder has also failed to ensure that the relevant insurance is in place, in respect of public liability in the event of an accident, injury or damage of any kind. This is another example of the childminder's current lack of ability to effectively organise the service she is providing.

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the early years provision

Most of the issues highlighted during the previous inspection have been appropriately addressed and as such have resulted in some improvements. However, the childminder demonstrated a lack of ambition and drive for the continuous improvement of the service she provides, in relation to meeting the EYFS requirements and does not have effective self-evaluation systems in place to monitor and evaluate her provision. As a result, the childminder is unable to identify her strengths and weaknesses or target areas for improvement effectively. Moreover, the childminder displayed a lack of motivation in embracing recent changes in relation to the EYFS, which in addition to her lack of knowledge of the EYFS results in a poor capacity to improve. Consequently, children's welfare, learning and development are compromised.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises her home and the toys and resources within it to create This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 an enabling environment for children to play and learn within. Resources are clean, very well maintained and age and stage appropriate. The childminder knows the children well and is dedicated to helping them enjoy their time with her.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a service that is inclusive for all children and their families. She works closely with parents and carers involved in the care and development of these children and has established close links with the local pre- school setting the children attend.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's lack of knowledge of the EYFS means that there are not suitable systems in place to ensure children are being offered suitable experiences to ensure they are making appropriate progress towards the early learning goals. Whilst children clearly enjoy their time in the setting and are kept occupied during the day, the lack of clear planning, observation and assessment does not ensure that children are offered a balanced curriculum that reflects all of the six areas of learning. The children are happy and appear to be making generally steady progress towards the early learning goals, but without clear systems in place to monitor their development, it is not possible to determine if this progress is consistent or if next steps are achieved. This does not therefore support the children's learning and development fully. The childminder clearly cares about the children and provides them with a varied range of well maintained toys and

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and outcomes for children

activities that they can easily access and enjoy.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder offers the children support and guidance whilst playing with the toys, such as when they are creating 3D models from recycled cardboard boxes and containers. She encourages them to tidy up prior to getting out more toys, giving clear explanations about safety and their risk of tripping over the toys on the floor.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a poor understanding of the importance of reducing the risk of infection. Ineffective procedures in relation to hand washing are in place, as children do not wash their hands before eating their snacks. The childminder advised that she does not have the time to keep washing their hands and that they are only washed before lunch and after using the toilet or messy activities. This does not promote the children's well-being when they eat their hand held snacks.

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and outcomes for children

The children enjoy a varied balance of indoor and outdoor activities. The childminder is aware of the benefits of having daily opportunities for fresh air and to develop physical skills such as climbing, running and catching as they visit the park and toddler groups daily and play in the well equipped garden when the weather is fine. Parents supply the children's food, which the childminder stores and prepares appropriately.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing skills such as sharing and taking turns and consequently begin to learn how their behaviour affects others. They are encouraged to make a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 positive contribution in the setting by showing consideration to others and by being kind and patient with each other, for example, when sharing a favourite ride on toy.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to develop skills for the future and are making satisfactory progress in communicating, literacy and numeracy skills. They are beginning to develop an understanding of the society in which they live and the wider world. This understanding is supported with a selection of books and play resources that depict people from a variety of different backgrounds. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 4 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 4

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 4 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 4 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

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

 Childminders must have effective systems to ensure that any person caring for children is suitable to work with children etc….. (Suitability of persons to care for, or be in regular contact with children) 23/10/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 Childminders must ensure they have an appropriate first aid qualification (Welfare of children being cared for) 23/10/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 Childminders must keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse and neglect (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 23/10/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 Childminders must undertake a risk assessment of premises and equipment and must ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 23/10/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 Childminders must be covered by their own insurance in respect of liability which may be incurred for death, injury, public liability, damage or other loss (insurance) 23/10/2009

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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 compulsory part of the Childcare register (Arrangements for Safeguarding children) 23/10/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare register. (Suitability of premises and equipment) 23/10/2009

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