Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY282677 Unique Reference Number 13 August 2007 Inspection date Pauline Garfield Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband in Herringthorpe, Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

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 seven children under eight years on a full and part-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities, and children with English as a second language.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is effectively addressed by the childminder. She provides care to children from clean and hygienic premises, where the risk of infection is reduced. The childminder takes appropriate steps to ensure that toys and equipment are clean and appropriate for use. Children

p.2

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 are independent in their personal care and understand the need to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are successfully catered for. The childminder talks to parents at the beginning of a placement to ensure that she provides food and drinks which address any health needs or preferences; for example, allergies or cultural needs. Children are encouraged to eat healthily because the childminder provides home cooked meals. For example, the childminder prepares a hot meal each day including roast dinners and pasta. Children are provided with drinks throughout the day and have their own drinks containers that the childminder refills as necessary.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures children have opportunities to exercise and enjoy fresh air. For example, children enjoy expeditions to the local park, and around the local environment. They enjoy playing in the garden and make dens with blankets.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder organises her home to meet the individual play and developmental needs of children. Toys and resources are suitable to meet a wide variety of different ages and stages of development. For example, there is a good selection of games for older children. They are safe and children are able to make choices and decisions from an easily accessible collection. The children's play areas are secure and all identified risks are suitability addressed. For example, a fireguard is in place in the lounge. The childminder has attended a health and safety course which has raised her awareness of safety issues, particularly on outings. The childminder teaches children about road safety. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety and know what to do when crossing the road.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has attended a recent training course and knows the signs and symptoms of children at risk of abuse or neglect. This helps to safeguard children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house and are confident in their relationship with her. For example, children have fun playing a game of hide and seek with the childminder. Children play together happily using a range of resources which are age appropriate, such as dressing up clothes, books, play dough, crafts and outdoor equipment.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children spend their time purposefully. The childminder plans outings to feed the ducks and explore the environment. They talk together about the weather, cloud formations and nature. Children show a sense of pride as they explain how they took photographs of the local park and made drawings for a collage which was entered into an arts competition. The collage is now hanging in a museum in the local park.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their fine motor skills as they write and draw with a range of pencils. The childminder promotes children's language skills. She asks open ended questions encouraging children to use their imagination and ask questions. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and has appropriate documents in her portfolio to support her understanding.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their particular needs are well met as they follow their normal routines as discussed with their parents. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and how to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She has a very good understanding of how to support children with English as a second language, and how to seek advice and support from parents and other agencies.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the childminder's clear and consistent boundaries and their behaviour is good. Children are encouraged to be kind to one another and the childminder is a good role model promoting a bond of trust and respect between them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very good portfolio of policies and procedures which she shares with parents. Children benefit from effective information sharing with parents through daily conversations.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children feel at ease within the well-organised setting. The childminder has a sound knowledge of children's play and care needs. Children enjoy a range of activities and experiences organised and planned by the childminder which include a variety of outings. All required documentation which contributes to health and safety and wellbeing is in place and well maintained. Children's records are in place and attendance registers are up-to-date. However, the childminder has not maintained the adult-child ratios as stated on her conditions of registration and has been caring for four children under five. This is a breach of the conditions of registration. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Three recommendations were raised at the previous inspection relating to documentation and safety. All concerns raised have been fully addressed. Documentation is now in place for all areas including separate contracts for siblings. Safety issues have been addressed and the slide has been removed from the garden. All of these actions promote children's safety and welfare.

p.4

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.

p.4

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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure required adult-child ratios are maintained at all times. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5