Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY307061 Unique Reference Number 04 January 2007 Inspection date Denise May Smith 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 2005. However, she only recently began childminding. She lives with her husband and child aged five in Peterborough. The whole of the childminder’s house 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 care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children and attends the local toddler group. The family has a cat and an African land snail.

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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. The childminder does not hold an up to date first aid qualification which compromises children's welfare if an emergency situation arose. Children are physically well cared for if they become sick or unwell. However, the childminder does not have a sick children’s policy which means that parents are not well informed about the care given to their children. The childminder has all of the relevant documentation required to support the care of children, such as a book to record any medication given to children. However, these are not completed by parents so they do not under-pin the care offered or support the care of the children. The first aid box contains items which are not in line with current guidelines, which again, compromises the care offered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and are developing an awareness of healthy eating because they are offered varied, nutritional snacks and meals. These include fresh, organic fruit and vegetables. The childminder helps the children to recognise different fruits using a picture chart. This helps to develop their understanding. Children have independent access to drinks as they become thirsty which helps to ensure they remain well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about simple good health and hygiene practices, such as hand washing and taking their shoes off indoors as part of their daily routine. Toys and equipment are kept clean to prevent the spread of infection. Children’s physical development is promoted. They have access to a range of outside play equipment in the garden, where they play in the fresh air. On wet days the childminder promotes activities such as dancing and moving to action songs indoors. They also enjoy regular walks to local parks and toddler groups where they can practise their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a house where many risks to children have not been minimised. For example, detergents and dangerous substances are accessible to the children, sharp knives are stored in a child height drawer which children can open, low level glass and electrical sockets are not protected. This means that children are exposed to unnecessary risks. The childminder has a fire evacuation plan and smoke alarms on each floor. A fire blanket is available. However, this is not fixed in a suitable place making it difficult to use if an emergency arose.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure environment both indoors and when outside. They play with an appropriate range of suitable toys, which the childminder checks regularly to ensure that they are safe and in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings, the childminder ensures that she always takes emergency contact numbers with her. She explains to children how they can keep themselves safe by teaching them road safety. Children’s general welfare is promoted because she has an appropriate understanding of her role in child protection issues.

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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

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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. She makes it welcoming for them by providing a range of developmentally appropriate activities and resources. The childminder ensures she provides a balanced day taking into account the needs of the children. Children have opportunities to play indoors and outside and take part in regular trips into the local community.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have appropriate relationships with the childminder, they are warm and affectionate together and enjoy each other's company. Children's language and thinking is developed as the childminder spends much time talking to the children and extending their play. Children count and learn basic number skills as they sing songs and learn nursery rhymes. The childminder supports their imaginations as she plays pirates with them, providing extra props to extend their play such as card to make eye-patches.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Meaningful praise and encouragement helps children to develop their levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. The childminder does not have any knowledge of the procedures to follow if she were to receive a complaint about the care she is offering. This regulation is not being met and parents are not well informed as to how to make a complaint if necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares most of the necessary records and information with parents. Contracts are in place for all children but she has not recorded information about children’s likes and dislikes or any allergies or special care that they may have or require. The childminder verbally obtains this information from parents to assist her in providing appropriate care for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder knows the children well. They gain a basic awareness of diversity through some of the activities that are provided and they are beginning to develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings around the local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They begin to learn right from wrong, about sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment. This ensures they play harmoniously together and learn to be kind to each other. They receive regular praise and positive reinforcement from the childminder, who acts as a good role model, as she says ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to them.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder does not have a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and associated regulations. She has failed to undertake the mandatory first aid training and generally, many aspects of the record keeping do not meet the required standards, this compromises the care offered to the children. The register of attendance does not reflect an accurate record of children’s attendance. The childminder does not have any written policies

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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 to share with parents. However, she verbally gathers and shares information with them so they are aware of the care offered.

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Organisation

Consideration is given to confidentiality and any documentation which is in place is stored appropriately. Space and equipment are well prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently. This enables them to make choices about their play. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to.

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Organisation

Overall the range of children’s needs are not met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • develop a knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for childminding • ensure the register of attendance reflects the actual times children are being cared for and that it is completed as children arrive and depart • minimise risks to children by ensuring any sharp knives, detergents and any low level glass does not pose a danger. Ensure that electrical sockets are protected and that the fire blanket is fitted in an accessible, suitable place • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children. Keep a written record of medicines given to children and devise and implement a policy

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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 about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious and make sure parents are made aware of it • make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. Keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken. 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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