Childminder in Cornwall

Inspection report for early years provision

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201107 Unique Reference Number 02 March 2007 Inspection date Diane Ashplant 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 1993. She lives with her husband, one adult and one teenage daughter on the outskirts of Nuneaton town, close to local schools and pre-schools. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis, two of which are under five and two are school-aged. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and nursery.

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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 have regular opportunities to walk to and from school and around the local area which promotes their health and develops physical skills. There is also a secure garden for children to play in. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment and their health is promoted through the carrying out of regular hygiene routines such as hand washing before snacks. There is an easily accessible toilet to encourage children in independent self-care. There are sound procedures in place for the care of pets to ensure appropriate infection control. The childminder has a suitable sick children's policy to guard against infection. However, she does not hold a current first aid certificate which means she does not have up-to-date knowledge about how to care for children in the event of an accident or illness. Therefore children's health is compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the importance of a healthy balanced diet in promoting children's health and although most food is provided by parents she does give children a range of snacks such as toast and fruit. All children's individual dietary needs are discussed and recorded at registration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have use of all downstairs areas of the house where they can move safely around as the childminder is generally aware of any potential hazards and has taken action to safeguard them in most areas. She has also started to carry out a daily risk assessment to further enhance her awareness, however, the use and position of the portable radiator which is occasionally quite hot does not fully ensure children's safety. Children have access to a safe and securely enclosed garden which is well maintained and contains a separate area for the family's two dogs. There is a range of appropriate toys and equipment which are selected with regard to safety and suitability and these are set out in the play room so that children can access them easily. Children are learning about their own safety as they respond to the childminder's guidelines, for example as they walk to school in an orderly manner and discuss the danger of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

traffic. All policies and procedures are in place to protect children and a regular fire evacuation drill is carried out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder is aware of her role and responsibilities as regards child protection and knows how to pass on serious concerns appropriately. This is shared effectively with parents who sign the policy statement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and engaged in this house as they make good relationships with the childminder who understands how to encourage young children to learn through play. She provides children with a variety of different play and learning opportunities and offers a balanced

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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 daily programme of free and more structured activities. This means children feel able to relax and make choices about how they spend their time. The childminder has a natural and caring manner with the children and spontaneously engages with them. Consequently a game of peepo provides lots of laughter and fun and provides opportunities for good eye contact and communication. Children are learning to self-select their own play and are able to concentrate for some time as they draw pictures, recognising the different colours. Children have some opportunities to engage in more structured activities with the childminder so, for example, they learn about different shapes and textures as they make a red collage from a range of interesting materials. The childminder uses everyday routines as opportunities to develop

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's learning naturally so they look at different birds out of the window or talk about what they see on the way to school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle happily into the warm and friendly atmosphere of the childminder's home where all information is carefully shared before they start so that children are well known as individuals. Children are learning to play well and respect others as they respond to the open and positive manner of the childminder who welcomes all children as part of the family. Children are beginning to learn about the local community as they take trips to such places as Adventure Kingdom. They are developing an understanding of the wider world as they join in informal discussion about family events, choose from a range of resources including those reflecting diversity, and enjoy some culturally-based creative sessions. Children are encouraged to make choices about what they want to play with as they make a selection from those toys set out by the childminder or select their own from the toy cupboard. Children's behaviour is good as they are able to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relax and feel at home and relate well to the childminder. Their sense of self-esteem is effectively developed through the positive attention and encouragement they regularly receive from the childminder and they enjoy identifying their own and other children's work which is displayed. Although the childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities she demonstrates through discussion a very positive attitude to working closely with parents so she can fully support and include all.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is open and friendly and the childminder provides a flexible service which seeks to support parents' individual life styles. All required information is shared with parents at the registration visit and they receive a copy of all her polices and procedures to read so they are fully informed of the childminding business. The childminder has daily discussions with parents to ensure any important information is shared effectively. She has recently started seeking parental comments about her service through the use of questionnaires.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are welcomed and settle easily into the childminder's home where the day is organised around their individual routines and needs. The childminder provides children with a relaxed and caring environment where they receive lots of affection and attention and are therefore very content. The daily programme includes walks around the local community and a balance

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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 of child-led and more structured play opportunities. The childminder is aware of the need to ensure all those who come into contact with children are suitable to do so. However, she does not hold a current first aid certificate which is a breach of regulations. All the required documents for the safe and efficient management of the childminding business are in place and are regularly updated, although not all records fully respect confidentiality. However, the registration certificate is not displayed and this means any visitors to the house are not aware of how many children can be cared for. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were three recommendations set relating to motor documentation, the procedures for the administration of medication and the range of resources and activities promoting equal opportunities. The childminder now takes written consent from the parent before she administers any medication. Children can choose from resources including those reflecting diversity and engage in some activities to develop their understanding of the wider world. All motor documentation such as parental consents and MOT certificates are in place. The insurance document for one of the vehicles clearly identifies that it includes business cover, although the other does not. The childminder stated she has told them on many occasions and if the renewed certificate does not clearly state this she will contact the company.

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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 the 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: • maintain a current first aid certificate. 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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