Childminder in Knowsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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960287 Unique Reference Number 13 March 2008 Inspection date Wendy Brooks 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 2001. She lives with her husband, three of her grown up children, and her granddaughter in Knowsley Village. She lives within walking distance of shops, parks and local schools. The living room, dining room and kitchen are used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently four children under eight years on roll. The childminder also provides care for older children after school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. The childminder follows basic hygiene routines, for example, during nappy changing, and children use equipment which is clean and appropriately maintained. Children begin to learn

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Helping children to be healthy

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 personal hygiene as they are reminded to wash their hands after petting the dog and rabbit, although children do not always wash their hands before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses children's medical needs with parents although there are no written records of children's medical history or details of the procedure to follow should a child be ill. Written parental consent for emergency medical treatment or advice is in place. Accident records are not signed by parents to acknowledge they have been informed of what has happened and the childminder does not hold a current certificate in first aid. This is a breach of regulations and compromises children's health and safety.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to learn about healthy eating through discussions with the childminder who encourages them to make healthy choices. For example, children choose which cereal they want for breakfast and the childminder provides snacks and meals, such as yoghurt, toast, fruit, pasta and spaghetti bolognaise. Children's individual dietary needs are discussed with parents. Drinks are offered to children at regular intervals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in an environment where most risks are identified and minimised allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder uses equipment, such as socket covers and safety film over low level glass to help to keep children safe from harm while in the house. A fire guard is in place although this is not securely attached to the wall. The garden of the childminder's home is not safe for children to use. A variety of wooden panels, metal pipes and old paving flags are stored within the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a selection of resources which are stored in low level boxes which means they are able to access them independently and make some choices in their play. The childminder encourages children to think about their own safety when walking within the local environment by helping them to learn about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has talked to older children about how to leave the house quickly should there be a fire. However, this is not practised with the children which limits their understanding of keeping themselves safe and means that younger children have no understanding of what to do in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is not fully promoted because the childminder does not have appropriate guidance and contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The childminder has limited knowledge of the correct procedures to follow should any concerns of a child protection nature arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's home. They are provided with a selection of resources to choose from and develop their independence as they make choices about what to play with. After completing wooden jigsaw puzzles, children choose to draw a picture with coloured pencils. The childminder encourages children to say the colours of each one as they draw which helps to develop children's confidence and self esteem as they are praised for getting the colours correct.

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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 The childminder is aware of the preferences and interests of the children she cares for and helps children to feel at home. For example, children enjoy watching the children's channel on the television so it is left on in the background as children take part in other activities. Older children may like to watch a video when they arrive home after school because they are tired, which the childminder encourages them to do. Additional activities are planned at different times when children attend, such as painting, baking and modelling with play dough.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy walks within the local area and weekly visits to a toddler group. Some resources are available for children to develop their imaginative skills as they select from cars, dolls and a play house and become involved in independent small world play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children are supervised appropriately, which contributes to their safety, while allowing them the freedom to develop independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder praises children for their efforts and achievements which encourages them to behave appropriately. Children are reminded to share and take turns when using equipment which helps them learn to play together harmoniously and treat each other with respect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is developed through a variety of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, children learn about different cultures and religious festivals, such as Chinese New Year and St. Patrick's Day, by tasting specific foods and sharing books. Children also learn about their local community by visiting shops, local parks and playgroups on routine visits.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Daily verbal exchanges keep parents informed of their child's day. Children take paintings home to show parents and make cards for special occasions, such as Mother's Day and Easter.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has not kept Ofsted informed of significant changes and events. This is a mandatory requirement in regulations.

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Organisation

Children are provided with a selection of activities which meet their individual needs and interests. They make themselves at home during their time with the childminder and are familiar with members of the childminder's family.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures that she always cares for the appropriate numbers of children and only uses specified areas within the home for childminding. Suitable resources and equipment are in place and space is satisfactorily organised to allow children freedom of movement.

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Organisation

The childminder has some documentation in place, although this is minimal. Details of the children cared for are not well organised and some information, such as children's birthdates, is incomplete. Children's hours of attendance are not accurately recorded and there is no complaints record available. This is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, a number of recommendations were raised in order for the childminder to improve the care provided. The childminder was asked to ensure that the records which relate to activities as a childminder are available for inspection by the early years childcare inspector, and to improve the organisation of resources to ensure they are easily accessible to children and to assist the childminder when planning activities. These areas have been improved.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Two recommendations to keep Ofsted informed of relevant changes and to keep a daily record of children's attendance up to date ensuring the times of children's arrival and departure are recorded, have not been met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was recommended to ensure the car insurance includes relevant business use. The childminder is not using a car for childminding purposes at present.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A recommendation to practise the emergency escape plan with the children was raised. The childminder has taken steps to meet this, by discussing the evacuation procedure with older children, although children's understanding of keeping themselves safe is not fully promoted.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made to make sure that the garden is secure and that children are unable to leave it unsupervised. The childminder has ensured that the gate is securely locked at all times during the hours of childminding.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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 a current certificate in paediatric first aid is in place • ensure that the outdoor area is safe and secure and obtain up to date contact numbers and guidance for the Local Safeguarding Children Board • ensure that attendance registers reflect children's hours of attendance, that accident records are signed by parents and that a complaints record is in place to be shared with parents on request

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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 • ensure that Ofsted are informed of any significant changes or events. 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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