Clegg, Kim Barbara

Inspection report for early years provision

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306059 Unique Reference Number 05 October 2006 Inspection date Christine Stewart 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 1997 and lives with her family in Bebington on the Wirral peninsular. The family have three cats, a dog and a fish. The whole of ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years. There are currently nine children on roll, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children are developing satisfactory eating habits; they have access to drinks throughout the day and are provided with balanced nutritious snacks and meals, including fruit. Children benefit

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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 from access to fresh air and exercise daily as they walk to deliver and collect children from school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Accident and medication records are maintained, however, the childminder has not maintained her first aid certificate, this expired in May 2006 which places the children at some risk and is a breach of regulations.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a sick child policy which is shared with parents, this reduces the risk of children being exposed to infection. However, the standards of cleanliness of some areas of the house, garden and some resources compromise children's well being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children can access the whole of the ground floor and there is ample space for children to play in comfort. The space enables children to play together with a shared activity or for them to pursue an interest of their own. The childminder has taken some measures to safeguard children's well being by minimising some hazards in the house and the garden, however, cleaning products stored in low level cupboards in the kitchen, plastic bin bags stacked in the garden and glass in the vestibule door compromise children's safety, this means that the requirements for National Standard 6 have not been met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A range of toys is available that promotes children's ages and stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about road safety procedures when they go for frequent walks in the local community and the childminder discusses with them how to cross the roads in a safe manner.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has awareness of what might cause her to be concerned for a child's well-being, however, the children's welfare is compromised as the childminder has limited knowledge of the child protection procedures to follow should she need to make a referral. This is a breach of regulations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They have access to a satisfactory range of activities, which supports their development. The childminder informally plans for activities to include individual children's likes and dislikes, such as the 'Harry Potter' playing cards one child particularly enjoys. Resources are stored so that children can reach their toys easily and make choices about their play and learning. Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise, and they learn about their wider community through visits to the local shops and the Urban Farm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder pays attention to the children, as she spends time playing, listening and talking to them, helping them to learn and developing their self-esteem. Children receive lots of hugs and playful interactions were observed as childminder and children played together. Children are developing their social skills as they learn to share, take turns and use good manners.

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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 Children are learning to become independent, as they help tidy toys away and prepare for an outing by putting on their outdoor clothes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children behave well and the childminder is consistent in her approach to managing children's behaviour. Children are aware of the house rules, such as removing their shoes when they arrive and sitting at the table for all meals and snacks. These familiar routines and known expectations help children feel secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children pursue activities of their choice developing their skills in decision making and their self-confidence. The children can access all resources with no gender bias, as a result children enjoy a range of activities and play opportunities. The childminder does promote children's understanding of diversity as the children learn about some traditions of other countries, for example, at Christmas the children filled a slipper with chocolates and displayed this on the window ledge which is a Norwegian tradition.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships are established with parents who are kept informed daily of their children's care arrangements. Information about the children is obtained prior to the minding arrangement starting, this informs the childminder of children's individual needs and contributes to the children being well settled and confident. The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet children's individual needs. However, she does not have a system in place for recording complaints, this means that the welfare of children is not always ensured and is a breach of regulations

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are able to play and feel confident in the childminder's home where they have sufficient room to move around and play. The childminder organises space and resources to meet the needs of the children. Some systems are in place to keep them safe with supervision at all times. Flexible routines offer children a balance of active times and quiet times so they benefit from a variety of activities. Children benefit from daily fresh air and regular exercise as they walk to school or visit the local shops.

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Organisation

Most documentation is maintained, however, there is no complaints log and the attendance register is not recorded daily, this is a breach of the regulations. Documentation is stored appropriately ensuring confidentiality and is shared with parents to promote the well being of children.

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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 seven recommendations were made. The childminder had to ensure all recording systems observe confidentiality, this is now being met. Parents now sign to

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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 acknowledge times that any medication has been administered ensuring children are not put at risk of over dose. The childminder has now developed resources to provide children with a satisfactory range of play experiences to support their learning. The childminder now notifies Ofsted of any significant changes. The childminder had to gain further knowledge of child protection procedures, this knowledge has not been acquired so children's safety is compromised. The childminder was to maintain an accurate record of children's attendance, however, she is still failing to record the hours children attend the provision, only completing the register at the end of each week.

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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 in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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 • assess the risks to children in relation to the storage of hazardous cleaning products, glass panels in door and plastic bin bags and take action to minimise these • ensure that the premises indoors and outdoors and all equipment are clean • ensure that child protection procedures comply with that of Local Safeguarding Children board (L.S.C.B.) and obtain relevant numbers of L.S.C.B. or police if concerned about a child • ensure that all records required for the safe management of the provision are in place and accurate, including a complaint log and register. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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