Childminder in StaffordshireOfsted inspection, 7 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY283933 Inspection date 07 July 2005 Inspector Janice Rizvi

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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 2004. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five and three children over five for a variety of sessions before and after school and during the day. The childminder walks children to school and also attends the local playgroup. She uses her car to take children on outings to the local park.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through well planned daily routines. Younger children are supported to learn the skills of toileting and hand washing, independence is encouraged using appropriate resources such as a 'step up' to the wash hand basin. Children benefit from a healthy, clean environment. There are effective procedures in place to record and inform of individual children's physical needs for rest and play. These are incorporated into the routine which is clearly displayed for parents. Overall the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of medication and accident recording. Generally records are in place and well maintained. Procedures in case of illness and who to contact in case of emergencies are fully detailed. A written policy is produced to parents and discussed at the initial interview. This information helps to ensure appropriate action is taken to care for children who become ill or sustain

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Helping children to be healthy

injuries. Children enjoy well organised mealtimes with a choice of regular drinks and snacks. Food is stored; prepared and cooked safely. They enjoy varied, well presented nutritious meals. These are planned with children's dietary requirements and choices in mind with the menu displayed. The childminder has a flexible approach to mealtime routines, for example a younger child fell asleep prior to having dinner and was allowed to sleep uninterrupted on the settee. Because the childminder is able to prioritise the children's needs they are settled and secure Children make good use of the space within the house and freely move between the two rooms available. However they do not currently have access to the rear garden until it is refurbished. Opportunity for more vigorous outdoor play is arranged via outings to the local park and playgrounds, this improves children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and friendly environment. The space is used creatively to give children free access to a variety of play opportunities. The emergency escape plan is clearly documented and health and safety policies are available for each parent. Priority is given to the security of the premises and fire safety. The good condition and efficient use of safety equipment such as; the childminder ensuring the safety gate is in place when using the cooker, reduces potential hazards to children. Children use a sufficient range of safe good quality, developmentally appropriate resources. These are well organised in child-height furniture to encourage

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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 independent access. A risk assessment procedure is in place such as; use of the rear garden is currently restricted to children until it is made safe. Children are taken on outings to the local park by car. They are transported safely on outings with each child having their individual seat belt and appropriate car seats. All the necessary car documentation consents and insurance are in place. Children’s awareness of safety is promoted through their every day activities within the home and while on outings. Children are encouraged to tidy up their toys to prevent them falling and hurting themselves. This helps children to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. The children are well protected. Children’s records are maintained and parents are made aware of the childminder’s responsibility in regards to child protection within the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

written policy statement. Generally the childminder supervises the children well ensuring they are always within her sight and hearing indoors and on outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children between the ages of eighteen months and three years are confident in their relationships with the childminder. They play happily together enjoying a variety of activities such as painting, collage, inset puzzles, picture matching games and domestic play. Toys and equipment are rotated from a store upstairs at each session; they are of good quality and suitable for their age and stage of development. Older children are well settled and confident to make choices in their play and activities. Further resources are available for school age children. They are consistently interested and engaged in both free-play and set activities exploring their environment and experimenting with paint, shapes and texture. Children are encouraged to achieve and develop their imaginative thinking and language skills by trying new activities in a supportive environment. Children have the opportunity to meet and socialize with other children at toddler

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

group. Good use is made of local facilities and parks to enable children to explore and enjoy physical play regularly. Children gain security through a well planned routine that takes into account all children's needs. Detailed information is recorded from parents and used to plan out the children's activities. Which are clearly displayed for parents. The childminder is flexible in her approach, taking into account children's choices and differing age ranges which stimulates children's initative and enthusiasm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children's individual needs are taken into account and all children are treated with equal concern. The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues;

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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 children have equal access to toys and equipment with a range of resources to reflect diversity, culture and disability. This facilitates children's ability to develop their awareness and value differences. Children behave well and benefit from clear boundaries and expectations set by the childminder. They learn to play and work with others, share popular equipment and take turn in games. Children's self esteem is developed by praise, simple rewards with encouragement from the childminder for their achievements and increasing responsibility. Partnership with parents is well fostered and children's records are detailed which enables the childminder to provide appropriate care and support to meet the children's physical needs. The childminder recognises the need to work in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

partnership with parents. She keeps the parents well informed about their child's care and development through regular verbal feedback and daily discussions to ensure the children's well being.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. As a result of the childminder's insecure knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and regulations, in failing to meet the required adult: child ratios'. She also failed to notify the regulator of her intentions to exceed her registered numbers and seek approval for specific children over a period of time. This compromises children’s safety. However children feel at home and are settled and at ease in an organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare care and learning of children. Information is shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This benefits the children in the continuity of their care. Although most documentation is in place and stored in a confidential manner, there is

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Organisation

no parental signed consent for emergency medical advice and treatment. The childminder has made arrangements to update her first aid training, but currently the first aid certificate is not valid. This lack of information puts children at risk during an emergency. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints 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 There are no complaints to report.

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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: • demonstrate how you will ensure that ratio's will be met at all times • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure the regulator (Ofsted) is informed of any changes to registration conditions /numbers and significant events. 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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