Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY252984 Unique Reference Number 28 March 2007 Inspection date Elaine Murray 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 10 in Bebington, Wirral. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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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 currently minding five children, most of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. On several occasions the childminder has not obtained written permission from parents before administering medication to children. This is a breach of regulations and means that there is a risk to children's health. However, the childminder’s clear sickness policy is shared with parents and helps to protect children from the spread of infection. Children are developing an awareness

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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 of simple hygiene procedures, such as hand washing at appropriate times. The childminder follows hygienic procedures for nappy changing, helping to protect children from the spread of germs. The childminder protects children from the risk of cross contamination by providing individual towels for hand drying and by regularly washing toys and equipment. Children learn to enjoy physical exercise as they make use of equipment in the garden for outdoor play and have regular visits to the local park. Younger children benefit from visits to facilities providing indoor physical play equipment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides nutritious snacks and lunches which encourages their healthy development. Children are offered regular drinks, including water, further promoting their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an appropriately welcoming environment. Some toys are accessible to children in tubs and children are happy to select resources for themselves, helping to develop their independence. The childminder organises the main room appropriately to allow a quiet area for sleep and rest and areas for play. Children are able to access a satisfactory range of toys which are appropriate to their stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken measures to minimise risks and hazards within and outside the home. Fire safety equipment, such as smoke alarms are regularly checked, and hazardous substances are kept out of children's reach. The childminder has a written fire evacuation procedure which is practised with the children, developing their knowledge of how to protect themselves from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has an appropriate knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. She has produced a written policy which is shared with parents and has undertaken training in this area. The childminder is familiar with the procedures to follow if concerns are raised and has the relevant contact numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder fosters relaxed and warm relationships with the children. Children's contributions are acknowledged and valued. The childminder shares jokes and games with the children. This positive interaction helps to promote children's self-esteem and create an atmosphere in which learning can be developed well. Children are happy and settled. The childminder makes good use of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to develop young children’s learning. Children enjoy a range of sensory experiences, such as exploring paint, dough and materials with different textures. The childminder follows children's interests, encouraging them to make choices in their learning. Children are affirmed and valued as the childminder helps them to make use of family photographs they have brought from home as part of a craft activity. She has a good understanding of child development which is reflected in the broad range of activities provided

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

which are appropriate to the children's ages and stages of development. Older children are involved in activities which promote counting, number and letter recognition. They also enjoy baking and craft activities. All children benefit from regular outings in the locality to broaden their experiences. They have outings to the local library and park. As part of a recent focus on Chinese New Year, children were taken to Liverpool to look a the Chinese Arch. These experiences further promote children's enjoyment and learning.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and included due to the childminder's positive approach. The childminder provides resources which promote a positive view of the wider community and diversity and so help to develop children's awareness and understanding. Older children's understanding of different cultures is developed through activities relating to festivals, such as Jewish New Year and Diwali.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well as the childminder gives them plenty of praise and support for their efforts and achievements. The childminder uses strategies relevant to the child's stage of development when managing children's behaviour. For example, very young children are appropriately distracted from exploring items which are not suitable to be used as toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has established with parents. Parents receive helpful information about the service as they are given a copy of the childminder's policies and procedures. Details about children's individual needs are requested before the placement begins, helping the childminder to meet children's requirements. However, the childminder does not have a record of all parents' wishes in the event of their child requiring emergency medical treatment. Parents are well informed about their children's activities and learning. Parents receive a daily diary informing them of their children's activities and share information through informal talks. This helps to ensure that children's needs are met appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder does not ensure that the adult to child ratios are met at all times. At times she cares for more than three children aged under five years, which is a breach of conditions of registration, and compromises children's welfare and safety. However, the childminder holds a childcare qualification and has attended recent courses to further her knowledge and understanding. For example, she has recently attended training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework, and courses relating to creative play and babies' language development. This has a positive effect on the quality of care offered. The childminder organises the day appropriately to meet children's needs. The childminder has some clear written policies which are shared with parents and used appropriately to promote children's welfare, care and learning. Most records are in place, with the exception of a complaint record.

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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 previous inspection the childminder was required to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice and to further develop policies and procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Both of these recommendations have been met, with positive effect on children's welfare, safety and learning.

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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

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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.

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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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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: • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children • ensure that the required adult:child ratios are met at all times. 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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