Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY240972 Unique Reference Number 23 August 2006 Inspection date Esther Gray Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2002. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 11, 9 and 7 years in a house in the Shirley area of Solihull. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used during the day for childminding and areas of the first floor are accessed for toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children who attend on a part-time basis. She walks to local schools, nursery and other local activities to take and collect children. The family have dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is able to support children with disabilities or difficulties and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 inadequate. The children’s health is not adequately promoted. The childminder does take positive steps to promote the children’s good health, and encourage them to begin to take responsibility of meeting their own health needs. She also gathers medical information and details of any allergies from their parents at registration. However, there are no consents obtained from parents for emergency treatment. As a result, children's health and safety are not fully safe-guarded. Positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures taken when children are ill to meet their needs. For example, sick children are excluded from the setting and the childminder keeps a fully stocked first aid box readily available, sharing a record of any accidents with parents. However she has allowed her first aid qualification to lapse. As a result, the children’s well-being is not fully protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy opportunities to experience physical activity and develop their skills. They access a range of activities including walking to and from school. The children use a range of equipment in the garden which enable the children to develop their confidence. The children also have opportunities to develop hand control using pencils and crayons and during a variety of craft activities. Younger children are developing their independence physically and emotionally. They are active and are becoming increasingly independent, acquiring new physical skills and control over their bodies. They are learning to express their needs and are beginning to meet those needs independently. For example, the children are learning to feed themselves and become more independent in dressing and undressing themselves. Regular opportunities are provided for all children to have physical play inside and in the fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are learning about the need for a healthy diet as a result of the childminder providing nutritious snacks. They are also encouraged to help with preparation of snack such as cutting up fruit as well as tasting new types of fruit at snack time. However there are no planned activities to promote the children's appreciation of healthy food options or teach them how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are safe and are well cared for in premises that are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. This is because the childminder ensures that the environment gives children adequate access to a satisfactory range of facilities that mostly promote children’s development. The premises are clean, well lit, adequately heated and ventilated, well maintained and there is easy access to a telephone. The children have space to play freely, to be active, quiet, rest and sleep. For example, they have settees in the sitting room and cots available for babies to rest on. The children use an adequate range of equipment that is suitable and safe. This is because the childminder provides furniture, equipment and toys which are appropriate for their purpose. They are of suitable design and condition and are well maintained. There is a varied collection of resources to ensure all age groups have something to choose from. For example,

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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 boxes of puzzles and games for older children when attending before and after school, with access to video and television and boxes of toys for younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children’s safety is suitably promoted because the childminder takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings. The provider ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents and minimise identified risks to children. The children are learning to keep themselves safe. They begin to understand about safety issues both within the setting and outside. They learn about fire safety; they know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency and the provider regularly practises this with the older children. However, the fire blanket is stored in a low level cupboard and would not be easily accessible for use in case of a fire in the kitchen. There are no written procedures for outings. The children are kept safe because visual risk assessments are carried out; contact details and first aid resources are taken; and parents are made aware of the outings. However, no written permission is obtained for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

short journeys to and from school on foot. The childminder may use public transport because she is a non-driver, and no written permission has been obtained from parents to use any form of transport when out and about.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Younger children are able to investigate and explore their surroundings safely. They begin to understand there are rules and boundaries that keep them safe. They develop an increasing understanding of how to keep themselves safe and are developing self control in order that they do not hurt others. The children use appropriate and safe equipment and they are encouraged to become aware of their own safety and that of others. The children learn to adhere to rules and boundaries, they seek help and are learning to say no and accept when others say ‘No’.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are adequately protected from harm because the childminder has an adequate understanding of her role in child protection. The childminder is aware of the correct procedure to follow to seek advice and make a referral. However, clear procedures for action if there is any suspicion of abuse, or if an allegation is made against any member of the household is not shared with parents. The document ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’ is not readily accessible and she has no details readily available to allow her to make contact with local authorities or other child protection agencies. The childminder is also not aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and her role and responsibilities within the process. Professional confidentiality and the need to inform Ofsted is understood.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are confident, independent and are developing their self-esteem. All children have their individual needs met and are developing a satisfactory range of knowledge and skills. This is because activities and play opportunities are provided that help children achieve. The children begin to distinguish right from wrong and form positive relationships. There are consistent boundaries and appropriate adult support which helps the children to develop their social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have a suitable balance of activities and resources available to them and most activities are child-led. The routines are well thought through and revolve around the child’s individual needs and the need to collect some children from school. However, there are no

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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 plans to ensure children experience a wide balance of activities or to cover a broad range of interests or topics. The children are not provided with a range of planned activities and experiences appropriate for their stages of development, based on their individual needs. As a result, opportunities are missed to develop the children's understanding of the wider community, of how to lead a healthy lifestyle or further develop their understanding of how to keep themselves safe. The children develop at their own pace and are encouraged to develop good communication skills. However, they do not benefit from a planned range of activities promoting their overall appreciation of the world around them and how they fit into the community.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children are satisfactorily encouraged to develop their communication through language and gestures. Imitation is also used to communicate their needs. Older children are beginning to use language appropriately to communicate their thoughts, ideas and experiences. They use their growing language skills to socialise, become part of the group and begin to negotiate with others as a member of that group. All children enjoy and share stories. The routines allow time for children to be a member of a social group, to be involved with the older children for part of the day and to encourage conversation. The childminder talks to the children and listens to their responses. As a result they are happy and settled, they are familiar with the childminder and she has built a good rapport with the children she is caring for. They are quick to lift their arms and enjoy a cuddle.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Suitable arrangements are made to ensure all children are included. There are adequate resources and activities to help children learn about a diverse society through their play. This means children begin to develop a balanced view about the wider world. There are limited opportunities to introduce children to the wider community and develop the children's appreciation of the diverse society in which they live. There are no planned themes or topics organised which might be used as a vehicle to promote children’s understanding of equality of opportunity. However, all children are valued as individuals which actively promotes inclusion. The childminder is aware of her obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act and would make reasonable adjustments to ensure that appropriate action can be taken to support children with identified needs. Reasonable access is made for all children who can access resources independently from

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Helping children make a positive contribution

shelves in the sitting room. The children are able to feel a good sense of belonging, work harmoniously with others and make choices and decisions about which resources to choose from. The children are developing self-esteem and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are welcomed and are given sufficient time to settle into the setting so they feel a sense of belonging. They benefit from a calm and supportive approach and learn right from wrong through careful explanation and consistency. There is no written behaviour policy to share with parents. However, the childminder discusses the strategies she may use with parents and they are suitable and consistent to promote children’s behaviour appropriately. For example, the childminder provides explanations and described the use of 'time out' where children sit out for awhile to think about what they are doing and the impact on other children and adults around them. The children are developing sound relationships with adults and other children

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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 in a setting where the childminder works closely with parents and carers to meet individual children’s needs and ensure they are fully included in the life of the setting. As a result, children feel comfortable and settled because they see parents and childminder acting together and giving consistent messages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good verbal information is shared with parents when children first start and this dialogue continues thereafter. However, there is a limited amount of written information shared with parents. The basic contract and child records are kept and some information is clearly displayed in the children’s sitting room for parents to see such as, the public liability insurance, the certificate of registration and details of the routines of the children’s day. However, there are no details of thought out behaviour management strategies or details of what happens when children are sick or injured. The parents are also not asked to provide permissions for children to be taken for emergency medical treatment or for outings. Although the childminder is a non-driver the parents have not provided permission to go on outings to collect children from or take children to school, or for the use of public transport.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder is clear about her role in protecting children from unvetted visitors and her sole responsibility of the children in her care. However the children do not benefit from a satisfactory organisation of the setting because she has not continued to update her skills and knowledge by attending training. She has allowed her first aid qualification to lapse. Although the childminder has booked herself onto the next available course in paediatric first aid she has no permission from parents to obtain emergency medical treatment. As a result, children's health and well-being are not protected.

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Organisation

There are very few policies and procedures to share with parents to protect children. For example, no information is shared in writing about the admissions procedure with regard to sick or injured children, all communication is conducted verbally. The childminder demonstrated through discussion how she would protect children from the spread of infection by excluding children who have communicable diseases, she would insist that parents do not bring their children to the setting if they are unwell. There is no behaviour management policy to share with parents. The childminder described appropriate strategies for correcting unacceptable behaviour which she shares with parents verbally. In the children's sitting room is a display of some good information to parents about emergency evacuation procedures, qualifications and details of the certificate of registration and a list of the routines children will experience. This

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Organisation

provides an effective communication system to parents for the limited items of information displayed. The display of information describes how children will be taken to and from school, however no permission from parents is obtained for children to be taken on any routine outings outside the home.

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Organisation

The childminder is actively engaged with the children and ensures all ancillary tasks are organised outside of the time when children are cared for. For example, washing ironing and cleaning are all carried out when children are not present. The childminder makes best use of the time, space and resources, to ensure children have an enjoyable day and they are well cared for. She has not undertaken any additional training to keep her up-to-date with current best practice in

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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 childcare. However, the childminder has obtained the details of the framework 'Birth to three matters'. This framework underpins the care of younger children to ensure they develop to their full potential. Overall children’s needs are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the attendance register records actual times children arrive and depart and to extend the resources which reflect positive images of gender, race and disability.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made changes to the way she records children's daily hours of attendance. She has a record of the daily hours of children's attendance which meet the regulatory requirements and therefore children's well-being is fully safeguarded. The childminder has increased the resources to support the promotion of diversity and has a variety of multicultural pictures on display. She uses these resources to support her in talking more to the children about diversity in the community. However, there are no planned themes or topics organised to allow her to use these as a vehicle to promote children’s understanding of equality of opportunity.

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Complaints 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 contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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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 a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children; providing Ofsted with confirmation of the course to be attended and when the course has been completed • ensure emergency evacuation procedures and all required fire safety precautions are in place, including fire blanket and smoke detectors • keep a record of complaints relating to the national standards and any action taken

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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 that there are clear procedures for action if you suspect abuse, or if an allegation is made against you or a member of the household. 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

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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