Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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205980 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Janice Rizvi 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 1985. She lives with her husband, and daughter aged 14 years, in Sinfin, Derbyshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. Local parks are used for fully supervised outside 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 one child under five during the day and one child over five before and after school. She also minds two children over eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog, four cats, and a large lizard.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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. Children enjoy a sufficient range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies. Regular outings to local parks and playgrounds are used to improve children’s physical skills and contribute to their learning of the natural world. Children benefit from a flexible routine that takes into account their needs for meals, rest and play. School age children are collected on foot from school, able to relax, enjoy their tea and given their choice of activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Sick children are cared for sensitively and arrangements to administer medication and record accidents meet with requirements. All emergency contact numbers are readily available. However, there is no written consent for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice and the first aid qualification has lapsed, as a result children's medical needs are compromised. Most documentation required to protect children and keep them healthy is in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. Children are regularly offered drinks and older children are confident to request drinks and snacks when needed. The childminder prepares home-cooked meals, with any allergies carefully noted. She is working towards making the meals healthier, with the provision of fresh vegetables and fresh fruit such as pineapple and raisins. However, they are not always nutritious and on occasions children are offered chocolate bars if they eat their dinner. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents to meet children's dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children's protection is not assured. The childminder does not hold procedures that fully comply with current National Standards and the safeguarding children procedural guidance. The childminders insufficient knowledge of child protection and relevant reporting procedures means children’s safety and well-being is at significant risk. However, she does have some awareness of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. All members of her household are vetted and children are not released to adults without the parents' consent which gives children some protection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and appropriate fire equipment, such as smoke detectors and fire blankets are in place. Children are settled in the childminder's care and they know which room they can find the toys for play, showing confidence and freely exploring their environment. Children are able to access a range of age-appropriate, safe indoor equipment. They enjoy exploring the range of toys and are keen to help themselves to items they wish to play with displaying their independence. The rear garden remains out of use and is currently undergoing refurbishment. The childminder ensures children do not have access to this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy coming to the childminder's house. They enter with confidence and independently select their choice of activities from a range of equipment. Favourite toys for young children are art and craft, making badges of monster faces and family birthday cards. They enjoy cooking

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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 activities and using their imagination with hand and sock puppets. They learn and talk about shapes as they make circles for faces and have a range of resources such as glue and pieces of foam for eyes and legs. Younger children are beginning to make marks to develop their early writing skills. Older children have use of educational games on the computer. There is an interesting balance of equipment, allowing for learning, active play and relaxation. School aged children attend for a short session before and after school, they have access to art and craft and other activities but often prefer to relax and watch television. Children are able to talk about their day, ask questions and receive caring support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's activities are usually child-led, with the opportunity to choose and explore freely. The childminder observes individual children's achievements and gives regular verbal feedback to parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure they follow their home routine. She continues to share important information about children's needs and interests. Children show an increasing sense of belonging as they freely access all the child care areas. All children are valued and respected and treated with equal concern. There is a range of equipment to promote diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to accept responsibility for their actions with adult support. Behaviour is satisfactory and children benefit from clear boundaries and expectations set by the childminder. Disputes over toys and equipment are settled by children being encouraged to listen and share and take turns. Children's self-esteem is developed by praise and simple rewards. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents in detail. Any special requirements or information are discussed and consistent communication and information exchange takes place. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are recognised and their needs met sensitively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. Children's records are sufficiently detailed which enables the childminder to provide appropriate care and support for the welfare of children. The childminder recognises the necessity to work in partnership with parents. This exchange of information benefits the care and welfare of children and reassures parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children's care is not adequately supported as the childminder does not securely demonstrate that she is aware of all her responsibilities under the National Standards. Her approach to health and safety matters in the home is not consistent to fully ensure children's safety. She was unaware that she is required to display her registration certificate, that her first aid certificate expired in 2005, or indeed that she is required to maintain this qualification. Children's attendance is currently recorded retrospectively and not on a daily basis as required. Her knowledge of current child protection matters, and her lack of information on the revisions to the National Standards do not demonstrate that the childminder has organised herself effectively in this area to ensure the safe management of the provision. As a result parents are not fully assured and children's welfare is not entirely protected. Overall the needs of the children are

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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 However, a risk assessment is undertaken and space is used effectively to give children as secure environment. Children use all the available space within the home with confidence. The adult to child ratio is maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: ensure that all child protection concerns are promptly reported to the appropriate agencies and ensure that play provision reflects the society we live in and develop knowledge of other cultures and festivals.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Further resources such as toys and books have been obtained to reflect diversity. The childminder has not made sufficient progress with regards to her knowledge of current child protection reporting, which has been addressed in the body of this report.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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: • ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) • develop and implement an action plan detailing how first aid training will be maintained • maintain an accurate daily record of children attending and their hours of attendance • comply with conditions of registration with regard to displaying the 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

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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