Childminder in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY291797 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Sara Bailey

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her two children aged eight and five years in Ilminster, Somerset. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder has two guinea pigs. There are currently three children on roll.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy as they are cared for in a clean, homely environment. Older children learn about personal hygiene and the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet due to the childminder regularly reminding them. However, babies are given their lunch, which comprises of finger foods without first having their hands washed after playing on the floor. Children benefit from regular drinks and fruit snacks provided by the childminder but parents provide all other food which ensures individual dietary requirements are met in accordance with parents wishes. Children enjoy playing in the garden or at the local park, which contributes to their physical development. Children's health is compromised as there is no written parental consent for seeking emergency medical treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children can access a range of toys and equipment with ease from low shelves and an under-stairs cupboard which the childminder has removed the door of, to improve the safety and accessibility. Children are generally safe within the home as the childminder addresses hazards throughout the inspection as they are identified and has others in hand. For example, visitors to the home have locked themselves in the bathroom so the door is being replaced. Low kitchen cupboards with ineffective safety catches are fixed immediately. However, the front door security and the garden gate are a potential risk for children being able to leave the premises unsupervised. The highchair does not have reins so the baby is not safe to be left unsupervised when the childminder leaves the room. Children are safe in the sun as the childminder applies sunscreen at regular intervals and does not allow children to play outside during the mid-day sun.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is not safeguarded as the childminder's knowledge of child protection issues and procedures are insufficient.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settle well at the childminder's. Young children are reluctant to engage in play, preferring to wander and older children do not participate in planned craft activities prepared by the childminder. This means they are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 experiencing a narrow range of play opportunities and therefore children's play and learning is compromised. Children have painted pictures and their work is displayed on the walls, which contributes to their self-esteem. Children have access to a selection of toys and creative opportunities but they are not well used. Older children are often tired after a day at school and want to rest rather than play, which the childminder sometimes overlooks as the reason for not co-operating with craft. Younger children feel secure in the presence of the childminder and follow her around. They lack supported play to engage them with appropriate toys and sometimes their individual needs are not met effectively. Children respond to interaction by the childminder with smiles and have positive relationships with her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well behaved and know the boundaries within the home as their behaviour is managed appropriately to the age and stage of development. Children are beginning to be aware of the wider world through toys which reflect positive images of different cultures. Children's individual needs are understood through daily, informal discussions with parents and contracts are regularly reviewed to ensure continuity of care between home and the childminders but not all records are shared and signed by parents which compromises the partnership. Children feel a sense of belonging, they settle well on arriving and separate from parents with ease. They develop self-esteem through their art work being displayed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The needs of the range of children attending are met. The childminder organises her space appropriately to provide a warm, welcoming environment for children. For example a stair gate prevents children accessing the first floor which is not used for childminding and children's art work promotes a child friendly feel to the home. Children are at ease within the homely environment. The childminder has most documentation in place and it is easily accessible. However, records are not routinely countersigned by parents which fails to keep parents fully informed; and there is no written consent for seeking emergency medical treatment which compromises children's health.

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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

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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): • obtain written parental consent for seeking emergency medical treatment • improve security of the home and garden with particular attention to the front door and garden gate • develop knowledge and understanding of the area child protection committee procedures (ACPC) • ensure activities are appropriate to individual needs and adequately supported, with particular reference to children's routines, age and stage of development

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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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