Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY254261 Unique Reference Number 14 May 2007 Inspection date Gail Groves 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged six, eight and 11 years old in Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder’s house except for the main bedroom 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park. The family has two pet rabbits pet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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's health is compromised in the event that they become ill and require to be given medication. The childminder does not ask parents for their written consent before administering particular medication to children and does not keep a written record of any medicines she does give. This is a breach of regulations. Although she discusses medication details with parents, verbal information on its own is open to confusion and potentially leads to incorrect treatment being given. In addition, parents are not asked for permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This also compromises children's health should they become ill or are injured. However, children are appropriately protected from infection because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. For example, she excludes children with infectious illnesses for appropriate periods of time and

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Helping children to be healthy

her nappy changing routine protects children from the risk of cross infection. Also, children learn to understand simple, good health and hygiene practices such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They are therefore beginning to learn good hygiene routines for later life.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are appropriately nourished and their health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works well with parents. Children's allergies and needs are discussed with parents before they start to attend and any particular dietary requirements and parental wishes are carefully met. The childminder offers healthy snacks and sometimes discusses with children why it is important that they should eat fruit and vegetables rather than biscuits. Children are therefore beginning to learn about healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical activity both indoors and outdoors. They use a large trampoline, a slide and a swing in the garden and visit the park to run energetically, play ball games and use large scale equipment such as the climbing frame. Inside, they enjoy music and movement sessions and visit soft play areas. As a result, they are developing coordination and learning to enjoy exercise. Active play is balanced by quieter play and children are encouraged to rest and sleep according to their needs so that they do not become overtired and fractious. For example, young children's sleep routines are discussed with parents and the childminder follows these carefully so that children have continuity and become settled and content.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment in which the risks to their safety are minimised so that they can move around freely and safely. In addition, they use good quality, suitable and safe equipment which is well maintained and meets their differing needs. Consequently, they are able to play and take part in activities safely and appropriately. For example, young children who are learning to use the toilet have access to an appropriate toilet seat and a step so that they can safely learn to be independent.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe through discussions with the childminder about practical situations as they arise within their environment. For example, they learn not to run in the house and when they out walking with the childminder she discusses road safety rules and they learn that they must stop, look and listen before crossing the road. Appropriate procedures help to keep children safe on outings. Young children are strapped into the buggy and older

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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 children learn that they must hold onto it and walk on the side of the childminder which is furthest from the road. Also, the childminder always takes a first aid kit and her mobile telephone with the children's contact details programmed into it so that she can contact their parents if there is an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are also safeguarded because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put some appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. For example, she is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and understands the need to keep records of any concerns she may have. However, because she does not have the local authority's most recent child protection procedures and contact details, children's welfare is potentially not fully protected should she need to seek advice or report her concerns to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a range of planned activities and spontaneous events which support their development and learning. For example, they regularly visit local parent and toddler groups, attend music groups and go on trips to the local farm to mix with other children and develop social skills. They play with home corner toys, dolls and cars to extend their imagination and to practise and develop their understanding of what they see happening in the world around them. They look at books, listen to stories and interact with the childminder to develop language and communication skills and enjoy painting, modelling and gluing to extend their creative skills. In addition, they cut with scissors, draw with crayons and complete peg puzzles to develop increasing control of their small muscles and improve their hand and eye coordination. Playing with the garden toys and taking part in obstacle courses develops their large muscle

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children settle and are happy in the setting. As a result, they confidently take part in all of the play opportunities available to them and readily make decisions, explore and investigate their environment. They are able to choose activities and access toys independently and can therefore extend their understanding and learning as they pursue their own particular play interests. For example, by exploring what happens when they press the button on an interactive toy or by observing how the toy pop up toaster works. Children's individual needs are met. The childminder has cared for most of them since they were babies, knows and understands them well and is therefore able to provide them with appropriate support to encourage their progression towards the next stage in their development. For example, she provides young children who are learning to talk with a clear model of speech to copy and encourages their communication and social

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills by ensuring that she responds to all their attempts at communication, regardless of whether these are through gestures or spoken words. As a result, they learn to relate to others and develop appropriate social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's emotional development is well supported because they are valued and included and feel a sense of belonging. The childminder treats them as part of her family and has an affectionate relationship with them. As a result, they are content and happy in her care. Children have their individual needs met because the childminder works in close partnership with parents and carers. She shares information about their children with them on a daily basis and is flexible in meeting their care needs. For example, she is prepared to travel greater distances to take

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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 and collect a child who will be attending a new school in another area in order to maintain stability and continuity of care for that child. Currently, however, she does not have a system to record and share appropriate information about complaints should she receive any. As a result, parents cannot be fully informed of factors that potentially impact on their children's well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to understand responsible behaviour because the childminder is clear and consistent in her approach. She praises and values their efforts and achievements and uses age-appropriate methods to deal with any unwanted behaviour. With her support, children are learning to work harmoniously with others and are therefore beginning to develop positive relationships. Children make choices and take decisions throughout their daily routine so that they develop independence and self-esteem. They are encouraged to share and take turns and to help to tidy away toys when they have finished playing with them. As a result, they are learning to be aware of their own needs and to respect the needs of others. In addition, they benefit from some activities and resources which help them to value diversity and to develop a positive awareness of the differences and similarities between people. Children with learning

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Helping children make a positive contribution

difficulties and/or disabilities are offered appropriate help to extend and support their development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and a regard for the well being of all children. Most of her policies and procedures work in practice to promote positive outcomes for children. In addition, because she limits the number of children in her care at any one time, she is able to give them a lot of individual support and attention in order to help them develop new skills and understanding. The childminder organises her time and the available space appropriately. For example, she plans art and craft activities in advance so that she is able to ensure that she has the necessary resources prepared and ready and children are not kept waiting. Her play room is well laid out to maximise the useable space and create safe storage areas. Children are therefore able to independently choose and select their own activities and resources because these are stored accessibly in boxes and on low level shelving.

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Organisation

Record keeping systems are generally used effectively, although some of the regulatory documentation which protects children's health and ensures the safe and efficient management of the provision is not in place. Overall, children's needs are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that her toys and resources promote equality of opportunity. She has now acquired some books, small play figures and a doll which reflect different cultures and races. She also has a range of resources such as paint brushes, crayons and pencils, which enable children of different ages and abilities to have an equal opportunity to take part in creative activities together. She has acquired a multi-cultural cookbook and a multi-cultural art activities book. As a result, children have more opportunities to develop an understanding about the differences between people.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 • keep a written record, signed by parents, of all medicines given to 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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