Childminder in PeterboroughOfsted inspection, 5 May 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312787 Inspection date 05 May 2006 Inspector Clare Elizabeth Pook

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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 2005. She lives with husband and 4 children. Two children aged 10 years, a 9 year old and a 3 year old on the outskirts of Peterborough. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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 childminder has a 2 cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy environment where they are beginning to learn the importance of following good hygiene routines. For example, children know to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. The childminder is aware of the importance of recording all accidents and keeping accurate records of any medications administered, but has not yet had to do this. The childminder has previous knowledge and experience of first aid training, however she has not completed a first aid course since becoming registered. Written parental permission has not been obtained for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. As a result, there could be a delay in children receiving appropriate care in the event of an emergency. Children's health is promoted through the childminder providing regular drinks and snacks that are balanced and nutritious for the children such as fresh fruit and

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Helping children to be healthy

biscuits. Children's dietary needs are recorded on their information sheets. Some information sheets are missing, however the childminder has asked the parents whether any children have food allergies or special dietary needs to ensure their health needs are catered for appropriately. Children take part in a suitable range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development. Each day the childminder walks children home from school and where possible the she arranges time to play football or other games on the nearby field or in the garden. This ensures they get plenty of exercise and fresh air.

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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 welcoming, secure and generally safe indoor and outdoor environment. They have access to a suitable range of toys and equipment that meets safety standards and is appropriate for the ages and stages of development. The childminder is aware of most hazards and reduces some risks to children. For example, she has a fire blanket in the kitchen and she ensures that the front and back doors are kept secure. However, the banisters to the stairs are climbable and hazardous substances are accessible to the children, these compromise children's safety. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has effective procedures in place. For example, she talks to children about road safety and helps them to learn safe practices such as holding hands and watching for traffic when crossing roads.

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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 are appropriately protected because the childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and understands the procedures she must follow if she was concerned about the welfare of a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and settled in the childminder’s care. They enjoy a satisfactory range of activities and experiences They enjoy playing football and hide and seek. The childminder supports the children whilst they are doing their homework. Opportunities to relax watching television or look at books are provided as well as being able to play with a range of suitable toys and equipment. Resources are mainly stored upstairs which the children can access themselves or ask for, which encourages children to be independent in making their own decisions about how they spend their time. Children’s self-esteem is developed through the support they receive during their play from the childminder. Children have developed warm relationships with her because she shows a genuine interest in the children, talking to them about what they are doing, their day at school and joining in with their play. The children play well together

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

arranging football teams and ensuring younger children are involved in their games. Children enjoy sitting quietly on the grass making daisy chains or looking for each other whilst playing hide and seek. Children are encouraged to be independent in getting themselves drinks when they are thirsty and putting on their own shoes. The childminder supports children where necessary, but stands back to allow them to learn for themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. Children enjoy and benefit from warm relationships with the childminder. Children behave well are polite and well-mannered. The childminder’s good use of praise and encouragement promotes children’s confidence and self-esteem. Children are developing an understanding of the needs of others because the childminder encourages them to share and take turns with the football and play together. Children's own cultural backgrounds are respected and shared with the other children, so that they begin to learn about our multi-cultural society. The childminder has good relationships with parents. Parents are fully informed of the childminder’s practice, however, she does not have all of the required written consent in place and she does not have written agreements with all parents. Not all personal details required by the National Standards on the children are recorded. Daily conversations ensure that parents are kept well informed about their child’s day.

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Organisation

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 organisation is inadequate. The childminder has completed her introduction to childminding practice course, but has not yet attended a first aid course as required by the National Standards. Her organisation of paperwork is poor. Her register is in place but has not been completed for all children. Some written consents required from parents as well as written agreements are missing and some of the children's details have not been recorded. This has a detrimental effect on the children's health and well-being. However, children are happy and relaxed in the childminder’s care. The childminder organises her time with the children appropriately to provide children with opportunities to relax, do their homework or play. This enables them to make suitable progress in their development.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of the children are not being met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 - 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: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • assess the risks to children in relation to the stairs and hazardous substances and take action to minimise these

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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 • ensure all necessary contact details required by the National Standards are recorded for each child, that written agreements with parents are in place for all children and that appropriate signed consent forms are in place • keep and maintain a daily record of the names of children being looked after and their hours of attendance. 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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