Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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302914 Unique Reference Number 08 January 2007 Inspection date Lynn Masterman 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged 12 and 18 years old. The family live in a village near Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The children have access to a secure outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

currently minding five children under the age of eight and one child over eight who attend on a full and part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. She takes children on outings and visits local play areas and amenities within the area.

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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 cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. They are beginning to learn about the importance of following good hygiene practice; for example, children recognise when they need to blow their nose and are encouraged to dispose of their own tissues. They are familiar with the daily routine of washing their hands after visiting the toilet and before lunch. This contributes to there personal care and comfort. Children are well supervised, which ensures accidents are minimal, however, the childminder does not have an up to date first aid certificate in place. This results in children's health and safety being compromised. Suitable procedures ensure sick children are comforted and the risk of infection to other children is minimal. Signs and symptoms are promptly recognised and parents are informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a suitable range of healthy snacks, such as fruit and raw vegetables. The childminder has a sound approach to healthy eating and offers low sugar food and drinks. She is aware of the importance of regular fluid intake and children are offered drinks throughout the day. There is a flexible arrangement regarding meals and parents supply children's food. The childminder has sound knowledge of the children's individual dietary requirements and works in partnership with parents. For example, she knows children's likes and dislikes, and specific dietary problems. This contributes to children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to regular physical exercise to develop their physical skills and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Appropriate use is made of the outdoor play area and children are encouraged to enjoy the benefits of being out in the fresh air. For example, a suitable range of outdoor play resources helps to promote physical activities. Younger children are provided with play resources, which develop their physical stages. For example, the development of hand-eye coordination, crawling and participating in simple games and action songs. Rest routines are incorporated into the daily routine and children's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure environment where most risks are identified and appropriate steps are taken to minimise potential hazards. The childminder has appropriate fire evacuation procedures and most fire safety equipment is in place. However, a fire blanket is not available and fire evacuation procedures are not routinely practised with the children. This compromises children's safety. Children are beginning to be aware of their own safety. They are encouraged to tidy toys away and are given simple explanations from the childminder regarding the consequences of their actions. For example, 'Shall we tidy the toys away together and then you will not fall and hurt yourself'. Children are well supervised on outings and crossing roads to school. They know to stop at the kerb, and to look and listen before crossing. This helps children to take responsibility for their own safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of play resources and equipment, which are easily accessible, well maintained and meet the required safety standards. For example, resources are

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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 checked on a regular basis to ensure play resources are safe and do not pose a risk to children. Resources are stored at child height, which promotes their independence, confidence and the opportunity to make informed choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an acceptable understanding of child protection issues. She is able to recognise potential indicators of abuse and knows to monitor and record concerns. She is clear of the procedures to be followed should she need to report a concern. This ensures children are adequately safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled within a home from home environment. Time is given to ensure routines accommodate children's individual needs, such as care, play and exercise. Children relate well to the childminder. They share a warm caring relationship with each other and have formed good friendships. They respond with lots of smiles and affectionate facial expressions. This results in children learning appropriate social skills, enjoy being with each other and developing purposeful friendships.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a suitable range of age appropriate activities, which are child-led. They are given opportunities to develop their independence and make informed choices. Resources are rotated on a regular basis, which ensures children remain interested and stimulated; for example, children playing with a jigsaw with matching number and shape. The childminder used the opportunity to count the numbers and match shapes, such as circle, triangle and diamond. The children responded with glee to the praise they received for their achievements. This helps to promote children's self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met appropriately. This is due to the childminder taking time to get to know the children and working with parents to ensure their daily routines are followed successfully. They are responded to with warmth, affection and understanding, which develops their sense of self-worth and confidence. For example, the childminder respects that some children who have taken a nap need to rejoin the group at their own pace. This helps children to feel safe and secure. Children show a strong sense of belonging and have developed a warm and caring relationship with the childminder and each other. They are encouraged to share, take turns and be kind towards each other. They affectionately hug each other during play. This helps children to develop meaningful relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a consistent approach to management of children's behaviour. There are simple 'house rules' which encourage acceptable levels of behaviour in the house and towards each other. Children are well behaved and receive lots praise and encouragement for their achievements, such as 'well done' and 'you can do it'. This results in children learning right from wrong in a caring and sensitive environment.

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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 Children have access to an acceptable range of play resources, which promotes their awareness of equality of opportunity. However, resources to promote children's awareness of the wider world through play are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's close and successful working relationship with parents. The childminder regularly exchanges information about the child's day and their achievements. She offers a flexible and supportive service, which effectively meets the needs of children and parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are comfortable and settled within the childminder's home, which means they move around with confidence and are able to explore the environment safely. The home provides a secure base for children, which enables them to make informed choices about their play and express their individual needs. Child ratios are maintained to ensure children receive appropriate levels of care and attention.

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Organisation

Statutory documentation meets the requirements of the National Standards and is stored securely to maintain confidentiality. However, the childminder has not complied with the requirement to maintain an up to date first aid certificate. There is a suitable range of policies and produces, which are verbally agreed with parents. These contribute to the organisation of the setting. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to request written permission from parents to transport children in a vehicle and to seek emergency treatment or advice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The contracts given to parents at the initial visit include; permission to transport children in a vehicle and to seek emergency treatment or advice. This ensures children's health and safety is appropriately protected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

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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 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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