Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342134 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2007 Inspection date Lynn Rodgers 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and five years in a semi-detached house in Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, plus the first floor bathroom facilities and middle bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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 one children under five years all day, on a part time basis, and one child over five years after school and some school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder has a written statement regarding caring for sick children and discusses potential risks to children's health with parents as issues arise. She has obtained parental permission for administering medication and dealing with emergency first aid treatment and holds a valid first aid certificate. Children are developing satisfactory eating habits through the provision of a healthy and nutritious diet. The childminder follows parents' wishes and adheres to children's individual dietary needs. Parents provide snack foods and the childminder provides a light lunch for children who attend all day. The children have regular access to a variety of drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to satisfactory outdoor facilities. For example, they enjoy visits to the local park and places of interest where they can develop gross motor skills. The rear garden is available for children to use as a play area. The 'Birth to three matters' framework is included in the provision and the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of this guidance. The childminder gives appropriate consideration to health and hygiene within the home to promote children's well-being and prevent cross infection. Baby changing facilities are appropriate and there are suitable arrangements for the safe disposal of nappies. Children are encouraged to practice personal hygiene skills by washing their hands after toileting and before and after handling food. The childminder ensures toys are washed regularly and provides children with individual wipes and clean towels to dry their hands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The children's understanding of fire safety in the home is unacceptable because the childminder is not developing their knowledge of fire evacuation procedures. This means children's safety is compromised as they are unfamiliar with emergency fire drills and where to assemble outside. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues and has information regarding the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She knows who to contact should she have any concerns about a child in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are confident in the well maintained environment where generally, most safety issues are addressed. This means the childminder generally takes appropriate steps to keep children safe and secure. Most safety requirements have been met, for example, the use of socket covers and fire fighting equipment. Furniture, equipment and toys provided are appropriate for their use and are in good condition.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder informally plans activities for the children she is childminding. This means she gives careful consideration to the individual needs of the children and ensures these are met appropriately. There is a good selection of toys and resources to suit all ages of children to allow for stimulation and variety. These are used well to enhance children's progression and

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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 development. Physical play is developed through the use of suitable outdoor play equipment and the children go for walks to access fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a varied routine for children, which takes into consideration times for snacks, meals, rests and activities, promoting their well-being. The childminder ensures that children enjoy outings and takes them to various places of interest, such as parks, playgrounds and farms. Parents' wishes are fully considered regarding children's outings and their permission is obtained beforehand.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. The childminder informs parents both verbally and in writing about what their child does during their time spent with her. She shares all relevant information and ensures she gives parents time to discuss their child's well-being. However, parents have not been informed of the procedure to follow should they wish to complain. The childminder has no appropriate method in place for keeping a record of complaints made by parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of equality of opportunity and provides children with a variety of resources that positively reflect diversity. This means she is positively developing children's ability to understand the wider world and people's differences and similarities. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of behaviour management techniques to reinforce positive behaviour. Children are respected as individuals and methods such as distraction, explanations, time out and praise and encouragement are used. This helps children understand their boundaries and the impact of their behaviour on others.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has most written documentation in place and available for inspection. All information is shared both in writing and verbally with parents. They have not been informed of the procedure to follow if they wish to make a complaint or received details of the regulators name, address and telephone number.

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Organisation

The childminder verbally demonstrated a satisfactory understanding of the vetting procedures for adults coming into contact with the children and ensures children are fully supervised. Children's safety and well-being is generally addressed and all relevant safety requirements are in place. She has a valid first aid certificate. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of safeguarding children issues and the means to keep a record of any incidents or concerns. 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

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 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 any 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: • ensure parents are given relevant information regarding the procedure for making a complaint and implement a method to record any complaints • assess the risks to children in relation to fire drills not being regularly practised and take appropriate action to minimise these risks accordingly. 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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