Langdon Park Community School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 100966 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Jennifer Read

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1990 and may provide care for a maximum of 6 children under 8 years. She currently cares for 2 children between 4 and 9 years before-and-after school, and 5 children between 5 and 11 years on a part-time basis before-and-after school during school terms. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder lives with her husband and adult daughter in the Churchdown area, on the outskirts of Gloucester. The main care takes place in the living room, dining room, hallway and upstairs bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden with patio

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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 surfaces for outdoor play. The family has two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a nutritious snack agreed in conjunction with parents and benefit from healthy options daily. As a result, they eat their chosen food enthusiastically and access their drink independently during play to ensure no-one remains thirsty. Children take advantage of daily fresh air, which, helps contribute to healthy living through walks to and from school and exploring the adventure playground. Children climb, slither, jump, balance and improve muscle control as they play. They also run, kick and throw balls in the play park. This helps increase children's self-confidence in their physical skills. Discussion and explanations about regular exercise and nutritious foods do not take place. Subsequently, children do not learn about the affect exercise and healthy food has on their body to promote healthy living. Children play in a very clean, well-maintained home. They understand

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Helping children to be healthy

well-implemented routines and show good awareness of when and why they need to wash their hands to prevent the spread of infection. For example, a child asks 'Shall I go straight up and wash my hands'. The cat’s food bowls are removed and cleaned daily and clear guidance about the exclusion of children who are ill is in place to prevent cross infection. Children's health is at risk because written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is not easily accessible or currently available. This will delay medical treatment for children in an emergency. Children are happy, confident and frequently laugh together because the childminder is perceptive and provides warmth, closeness and reassurance to help children feel secure and a strong sense of belonging. The younger children develop a healthy independence as they learn to do some things for themselves, with the knowledge that an adult is ready to support and help if needed. However, children do not learn to

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Helping children to be healthy

pour their own drinks to help improve their co-ordination, independence and to promote their self-worth.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe, secure environment. They make purposeful use of available space and move confidently between the living room, hall and kitchen during play and daily routines. Occasional use of the dining room or conservatory for quiet activities including homework provides children with additional space and helps meet their needs effectively. Children access a good selection of well-maintained toys and play materials safely. Boxes and containers on the floor under the stairs enable children to see what is available and to choose items with minimal support. Children are generally well protected because the childminder has sufficient knowledge of abuse and neglect. She demonstrates suitable awareness of the signs and indicators

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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 and acceptable understanding of appropriate action to take with a concern. Risk of accidental injury is minimised because effective safety and security measures are in place to safeguard and promote children's welfare. For example, the entrance is secure and monitored appropriately, stair gates are in place to reduce risks for children and the fireguard is secure. Children have a general understanding of everyday safety because discussion and consistent explanation helps children learn to keep themselves safe. An example being when the childminder says 'Please can you put your bottle in your bag because I don't want you to fall over and bang you teeth'. Children stay safe because they adhere to the childminder's instructions when walking and crossing the road. Nonetheless, questions and discussion to confirm and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

enhance children's knowledge of road safety does not take place. Therefore, understanding of appropriate action is not secure. Discussion and practise of the emergency escape plan does not take place. As a result, children do not know safe appropriate action to take in an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children play happily with a broad selection of suitable toys, games, puzzles and drawing. Children enjoy many opportunities to be imaginative in their play and express their creativity through free play with toys and activities of their choice. This helps children express their feelings and ideas in a variety of ways and makes play real and meaningful. Play is child-led and based solely around their interests to help meet their individual needs. They enjoy making choices, for example, 'Can we play with dressing-up? I love dressing-up', 'can we play Frustration?' Children laugh and excitedly recall their previous dressing-up experience as they sort through the clothes, hide underneath them and eagerly try on different items. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the children and provides consistent routines. She shows interest in what children do and say, readily joins in with their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play on request and offers suggestions to help extend and challenge their play further. Children are assertive in their relationship with each other and the childminder and interact confidently. The older and younger children explore and share ideas enthusiastically together and initiate their play independently. They discuss rules of their games animatedly and laugh and have fun during sleeping lions, guess the number game and their fashion show. For example, 'You judge the competition then we will come out one by one'. Children concentrate well at draughts and are keen to learn new skills to promote their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are well met because the childminder provides appropriate support and liaises purposefully with parents. Subsequently, children have a strong bond with the childminder. The childminder has no experience but an adequate awareness of the issues surrounding the care of special needs. She is

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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 clear to seek relevant information from parents to provide suitable care. Children develop a positive attitude to others and build sufficient awareness of our multi-cultural society through general discussion. They have access to a small selection of resources that reflect positive images of diversity. Children behave well and benefit from the childminder's calm, positive and friendly approach. They are happy, laugh a lot and respond positively to frequent praise, encouragement and the relaxed and welcoming environment. This helps promote children's self-esteem. Children show a good awareness of the boundaries and acceptable behaviour, which, enables them to begin to learn right and wrong. They know to take off their shoes on entry to the house, to tidy away toys before getting

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Helping children make a positive contribution

another one out and to share and take turns co-operatively. Children benefit from a friendly and flexible partnership with parents and the childminder. Informal daily discussion, written agreements and an initial meeting to discuss care arrangements and individual settling-in arrangements helps meet children's and parents' needs and keep them adequately informed. A useful system is in place to exchange school to home information with parents to promote consistency in children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is keen and enjoys her work with the children. Children are cheerful and settled because the childminder is sensitive and knows the children well to provide appropriate care. She up-dates required training to ensure she has adequate knowledge of appropriate good practice. Children take advantage of the well-organised space and resources to support their care and individual needs. Suitable arrangements are in place to protect children from persons not checked and regular visitors to the setting complete an appropriate Police check. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder has sufficient knowledge of the regulatory requirements but not all records are in place or maintained appropriately to protect children's health, safety and welfare. For instance, a complaints log is not in place and the certificate of

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Organisation

registration is not displayed. Children's and parents information, written permissions and accident and medication records are stored on the computer which is currently being repaired and not available. Consequently, children's safety is at risk because persons not vetted have access to sensitive and confidential information. Children's health is at risk because written parental permissions, accident and medication records are not signed by parents or readily available in an emergency or for inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended the childminder attended an up-to-date first aid course and her daughters' bedrooms are made safe.

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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 The childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course for infants and young children to ensure children receive appropriate treatment for minor injuries. A locking system is in place to secure the bedrooms, restrict children's access and reduce the risk of accidental injury.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have be no complaints made 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 concern 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets 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 further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop children's awareness of the importance of healthy, nutritious foods and regular exercise to promote a healthy lifestyle. • promote children's knowledge of safe, appropriate action to take in an emergency. • ensure all regulatory records including: children's and parents details; written parental permissions; accident and medical records, and the complaints log is accessible to parents, available for inspection and remains confidential at all times.

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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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