Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY275629 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2006 Inspection date Christine Eglinton 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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged three, six, and 11 years. The family live in a house in Romford which is close to all local amenities. The childminder prefers to use the ground floor of the house for childminding although all areas are registered for use. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently minding one child under five full time. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder 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. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet which helps them learn appropriate hygiene practices however, older children are not encouraged to develop good self-care skills, such as washing their own faces. This does not help them to become independent, and help ease the transition between home and school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Although the main indoor play area where the children play is kept suitably clean, this does not apply to other areas of the premises used by the children. The poor standard of hygiene in the outdoor play area, and poor cleanliness of outdoor play resources, impacts on the standard of care provided. Therefore, this poses a risk to children’s health. The childminder has not completed an appropriate first aid training course, and does not have access to a safe, and suitably stocked first aid box. Consequently, this puts children’s health at risk in the event of an accident and does not ensure that the welfare of children is fully safeguarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents give prior consent for the childminder to administer medication, which ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. However, the childminder does not have written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment. This presents a risk of children not receiving swift and necessary medical support. Children who have an infectious illness do not attend, thus preventing the spread of infectious ailments.

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Helping children to be healthy

Large play equipment in the garden and at the local park, give children the opportunity to practise and develop their physical skills. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history to ensure children’s dietary and medical needs are met. Although the childminder attempts to provide a balanced range of meals for the children, she does not consistently encourage children to learn about foods that are good or them. For example, by using different activities. Older children are not able to confidently help themselves to fresh drinking water, which does not encourage them to think about their personal needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Space within the childminder’s home is suitably organised, and enables children to play freely with their toys. Children have ample room to play, a quiet place to rest and a suitable place to enjoy their meals. The childminder uses displays of children’s creative work, and bright appropriate posters in the conservatory, to help her make her home child friendly and welcoming. Children have access to a suitable range of toys and play equipment, that are appropriate for their age and stage of development, which are easily accessible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder uses play opportunities to help increase children's awareness of safety. For example, she talks to children about the dangers of the toy kettle and cooker being hot during role play activities. However, the childminder is not vigilant in her own safety practices. She does not use effective safety measures within her home to help reduce the risk of potential hazards. Children cannot play safely and freely in the garden because of the dangers from

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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 damaged fencing and garden tools, and there are hazards in the bathroom due to unfinished refurbishments leaving pipework exposed. This increases the risk of injury to children, and prevents them from playing and exploring safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sound knowledge of child protection issues. She knows what action she needs to take if she has any concerns about a child in her care, however, she does not have access to appropriate national guidance on child protection. This does not ensure that she is kept aware of current procedures to safeguard children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has created a homely environment for children, which helps them feel at home and at ease. Children are comfortable in their environment and confidently make decisions in their play. Children are given sufficient opportunities to explore natural materials. For example, they enjoy playing with flour and water, and have great fun pretending to make cakes and casseroles out of dough.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts frequently with children during their play, and takes an active part in their role play. For instance, she pretends to be baby and suggests they feed her and pat her back which causes lots of laughter. This encourages children to extend their play and enjoyment. Children enjoy listening to stories which help them develop a healthy interest in books and stories. The childminder encourages children to talk about their home life and things that are important to them to help them develop a sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from attending a range of outside visits which include the local drop in group, trips to the park, library, swimming, and theatre trips during the holiday periods. This enables children to socialise with other children and adults, and help children to become aware of the local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. The childminder helps children settle by asking parents for appropriate information concerning their child’s routine, and individual needs. Children are able to mix with people from the community whilst attending groups with the childminder. However, they are not encouraged to learn about equality through their play, and other appropriate activities. Consequently, children are not helped to appreciate and value each other’s similarities and differences, and are not helped to value diversity through using a range of appropriate play resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses appropriate strategies according to the age and stage of development, to help children understand right from wrong. Children are helped to learn about social rules, by the childminder encouraging them to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder gives parents a daily care sheet covering care routines, and daily feedback which helps her to promote continuity of care. However, she does not retain a copy of the care sheet to enable her to keep a log of relevant information to support children's well-being. The

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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 childminder has not shared relevant information with parents about previous concerns that have been raised, with Ofsted, about her childcare service. This does not encourage good working relationships with parents, and does not enable them to make an informed choice.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder plans her day appropriately which allows children time for quiet and active play. However, the childminder’s organisation of her childminding service is inadequate, and therefore the childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder has not attended appropriate childcare introduction training to ensure she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. She has not used appropriate safety equipment within her home to enable children to play safely and freely.

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Organisation

Information kept about the children is relevant, and mandatory records are in place, however some records lack appropriate information. This potentially compromises children’s welfare. Documentation is not easily accessible, and is not being well maintained. The childminder does not have access to the appropriate National Standards and current guidance, which contributes towards her not being able to support children's welfare, care and safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004, Ofsted received two complaints

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Complaints since the last inspection

In July 2005 concerns were raised that the childminder was caring for more children than registered for, undertaking other business arrangements whilst providing care to minded children, poor hygiene of the premises and not informing parents that a child was unwell. These relate to National Standards 2: Organisation, 3: Care, 7: Hygiene and 12: Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers. Ofsted carried out an investigation. Evidence was found that the childminder had not supervised minded children appropriately, that risk assessments of the premises were not undertaken to ensure health and safety was maintained and the procedure to be followed if a child was sick had not been complied with. The provider agreed to actions made during this visit to ensure compliance with the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

During January 2006 concerns were raised about children’s toileting arrangements, safety and supervision of children inside the home and in the garden, children not being treated equally and poor partnership with parents. These concerns relate to National Standards 1:Suitable Person, 3:Care, 6:Safety, 7:Health, 9: Equal Opportunities and 12:Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers. Ofsted carried out an investigation and found evidence that the childminder was not meeting National Standards: 6, 7, and 12. Actions were agreed with the childminder to improve the supervision of children and the recording of accidents, and to ensure there are appropriate systems in place to work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of children.

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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 Ofsted was satisfied, in both cases, that by taking these steps the childminder met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration at the time the investigations were closed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the parents, which they must see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted. The provider has not recorded all complaints made to Ofsted by parents.

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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: • improve cleanliness in all areas of the outdoor play areas including outdoor play resources • make sure that hazards to children are minimised and proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents within the home and outdoor play area • ensure that all children have access to an appropriate range of activities and resources which promote equality of opportunity and ant-discriminatory practice • complete a Local Authority approved childminder’s pre-registration course, and complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • obtain a copy of the National Standards for Childminding and appropriate revisions to guidance to the National Standards, and the current Government booklet on child protection. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date

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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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