Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY243732 Unique Reference Number 07 September 2006 Inspection date Julie Whitelaw 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her son, aged eleven years, in a three bedroomed terraced house in Bushey. Her home is situated close to schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is easy access to a secure garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part-time basis. She supports children with learning difficulties and or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities that contribute to their good health. They regularly visit the park, play outside on the patio and so enjoy the benefits of fresh air. They

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 develop control of their bodies as they kick footballs and ride bikes. Their physical development is promoted as they walk and run on the playing fields and enjoy the challenge of an assault course at the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a clean home that is maintained to a satisfactory standard. Their health is promoted through the childminder's cleaning routine, storage and preparation of food. Appropriate procedures are followed when nappy changing that ensure children stay healthy. Children's understanding of good hygiene and independence in their personal care is developed as they are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. Their health is promoted as the childminder follows the policy and procedure that is in place to exclude sick children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered nutritious snacks such as fruit. Occasionally they are encouraged to be involved in the preparation of meals and through discussion learn about healthy eating. Drinks such as water and juice are always available, which ensures children stay hydrated. Information regarding dietary requirements is recorded on the contracts. This ensures children's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment. This is because the childminder has identified and minimised risks within her home. Children are able to move freely indoors because it has been made safe as cleaning products and knives have been moved out of children's reach. The childminder places high importance on security of the environment. The front door has been fitted with a security chain and outside, the back gate has been fitted with a bolt. This allows children to play independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can freely access a range of resources which are stored under the stairs and in the living room. These are regularly checked to ensure they are clean, safe and appropriate for the children who attend. Children are kept safe because the childminder has a sound understanding of the importance of supervision and ensures that they are never out of her sight. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they talk about stranger danger and road safety when walking to the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of the procedure she would follow if she suspected a child was being abused. However, children's safety is compromised as she has not completed a first aid course since becoming registered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle quickly and choose what they want to play with from a range of resources that are easily accessible. Their creative skills are developed as they draw pictures with white chalk on black paper. Children confidently explain what they are drawing, naming creatures from under the sea. The childminder asks open ended questions that encourage them to think and develop their ideas. Children say they enjoy playing with action men and recall how they visited

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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 different parks during the school holidays. They acquire new skills as they develop independence in their personal care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children are encouraged to make progress as they learn to count and say the letters from the alphabet. They have opportunities to develop their imagination as they play with small worlds toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play happily together and are beginning to understand there are rules for acceptable behaviour, such as sharing toys and taking turns. Children's self-esteem is developed as they are praised for their efforts. They feel valued as they see displays of their art work on the wall.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and treated as individuals. Effective settling in procedures ensure children feel secure and quickly feel part of the family. Children benefit from the attention the childminder gives them. For example, she supports children to complete their homework. Their understanding of the wider world is develop through discussion during the daily routine. However, resources that develop children's understanding of differences in society are limited. Children with special needs are supported because the childminder has a clear understanding of how to meet their individual needs. She appreciates that some children may require additional support or resources to enable them to reach their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the trusting partnership that has developed between the childminder and parents, where information is exchanged daily. A daily diary would be used to keep parents informed of the routine and progress of younger children. Children are developing self-control and manners through the clear consistent boundaries the childminder sets. Their self-esteem is promoted through the use of positive methods such as praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has not completed a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children since becoming registered in 2003. Therefore, if a child were to have an accident in her care, they may potentially be at risk. The childminder provides a welcoming home where children feel secure. She ensures children can access resources and provides activities that are suitable for the children who attend, they enjoy the time they are with her.

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Organisation

Children are protected because the childminder ensures that persons living at the address or visiting the premises are suitable to do so and that ratios are always maintained. The required documentation is in place and organised to an adequate standard. Up to date policies and procedures are used to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was given an action to complete the local authority approved childminder pre-registration course. This was completed in September 2005 and has improved her child care practice. An action was also given to complete training in first aid for infants and young children. The childminder has not attended training in first aid since she became registered in September 2003. Due to the childminder's lack of training and knowledge children may be at risk if they were to have an accident.

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Improvements since the last inspection

It was also recommended that she kept an accurate record of attendance, ensured that hazards in the home were minimised and that the fire blanket was easily accessible. The childminder now accurately records the time children arrive and leave her home. Potential hazards have been addressed and the fire blanket is easily accessible. This has improved the safety and care of the children she minds.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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 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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