Bailey Kay

Inspection report for early years provision

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207317 Unique Reference Number 15 November 2006 Inspection date Jane Lindsay Durand 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 1993. She lives with her husband and three children aged 17 years and twins aged 15 years in a detached property in the Midway area of Swadlincote in Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor and a first floor bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for five children on a part-time basis. She attends toddler groups with her minded children and is able to take and collect children from local schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is able to support children with special educational needs.

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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 learn the importance of personal hygiene through planned routines. The children know they need to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet because the childminder gives clear explanations. Positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection, for example, cleaning of toys and equipment. Written documents are in place to maintain the children's welfare, for example medication consent forms. However accident records are not sufficiently detailed to give an accurate account of the circumstances which have occurred, compromising children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children and babies benefit from a varied and healthy diet. They learn about healthy eating through discussions with the childminder on foods which are good for you and foods which are bad and that fruit and vegetables help you grow big and strong.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of energetic activities that contributes to a healthy lifestyle. They use a variety of outdoor equipment as well as regular visits to local parks and outdoor play spaces.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children play in a warm and welcoming environment. Whilst most hazards are restricted with safety locks fitted to low level cupboards, a range of alcoholic drinks are easily accessible to the children in the playroom. This poses a risk to children. However, the childminder helps children to learn how to keep themselves safe by discussing road safety and stranger danger with the childminder as well as practising the fire evacuation procedure. External exits are kept locked to prevent access by unauthorised persons. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor and an upstairs room for sleep, although they mainly use the play room, kitchen and garden for their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sufficient and suitable toys and play materials to enable the children to develop their emotional, intellectual, social, creative and physical skills. Toys are easily accessible to the children, encouraging independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sufficient knowledge of the signs of abuse and neglect and is able to demonstrate the action which would be taken if she suspected abuse was taking place. The childminder is aware of the document 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' although a copy has not been obtained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well in the childminder's home. They experience a positive, warm relationship with the childminder, which increases their sense of trust and well-being. The children gain positive levels of self-esteem and confidence through meaningful praise and encouragement

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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 from the childminder. They listen well, enter into discussion and have the confidence to ask questions about things that interests them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a range of activities both inside and outside the home. Equipment and resources are stimulating and fun to maintain their interest. For example, young children explore toys made from a variety of natural and sensory materials. Children are able to develop their imagination and independence through selecting their own activities and initiating their own play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children relate well to each other and learn to play co-operatively. They behave well, respond to challenges and are praised appropriately, for example with claps and smiles. Younger children attend toddler groups to enable them to interact with their peers as well as joining older children to visit parks and libraries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about differences and diversity from the range of resources and activities provided. They play with resources reflecting people from different backgrounds. They are encouraged to accept other's differences through general conversation and learn to respect each other because the childminder promotes positive attitudes. Children are valued. Their work is proudly acknowledge and discussed with parents. The childminder is happy to care for children of all abilities and will work with parents and other agencies to support their learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to managing children's behaviour to promote their welfare and development. Children's behaviour is good. Children are made aware of the boundaries and are given explanations of when they can access a particular activity if not immediately available. The childminder is aware of age and stage appropriate strategies to use when managing unacceptable behaviour. For example, older children learn about the consequences of their actions on other and have time to reflect on what they have done. This promotes their understanding of acceptable behaviour. Younger children are distracted from what they are doing. Children enjoy praise and encouragement which promotes positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good information is gained from parents in order for appropriate care to be given. Children's daily routines and activities are discussed to ensure parents are aware of what their child has been doing whilst in the childminder's home.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children feel at home and at ease in the child friendly environment. They are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Information is shared with parents to keep them informed about their child's activities, ensuring continuity of their children's care. The registration certificate is fully displayed.

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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 childminder employs one full-time assistant. She supervises the work of the assistant, however no records are kept of the assistants details which includes information about recruitment, training and suitability. Whilst the childminder has undertaken relevant vetting checks for her assistant she has failed to ensure any person over the age of 16 living in the household in which the childminding is carried out have not been convicted of an offence or been the subject of an order which disqualifies them from registration. Although the childminder is aware of how to prevent accidents within the home and can demonstrate what procedure would be taken when a child is ill or has an injury, she has failed to maintain a current first aid certificate. This means children are at risk and not fully protected.

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Organisation

Overall the provision does not meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder received one action and one recommendation. Ofsted required the childminder to obtain first aid training and certificate, and recommended that the childminder ensured that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A first aid course was completed in April 2003 which lasted for 3 years. The certificate has since lapsed. Whilst the childminder has, on several occasions, tried to attend a suitable first aid course to enable her to maintain her first aid certificate, she has been unable to do so. Therefore an action was agreed at this inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has obtained a variety of additional resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. For example, story books with children from around the world has been obtained as well as jigsaws and posters which reflect positive images. The childminder ensures that all children have equal access to the resources and gives explanations to children to increase their understanding.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action to meet the National Standards.

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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

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 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 • obtain satisfactory CRB checks on all persons over the age of 16 years living in the household in which childminding is carried out • assess the risks to children in relation to access to alcoholic drinks and take action to minimise these 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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