Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY291668 Unique Reference Number 23 July 2007 Inspection date Elaine Marie McDonnell 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 has been registered since August 2004. She lives with her partner and her two children, who are aged 19 and 12 years, in the Eston area of Middlesbrough. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes, plus the bathroom on the first floor. There is also an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently two minded children on roll aged two years and five years, both are cared for on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate hygiene procedures to ensure that the home and equipment are kept clean. Children understand the importance of simple, good hygiene practices, such as hand washing as this is promoted throughout the daily routine, for example, before eating and after visiting the bathroom. Appropriate verbal procedures are

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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 in place to protect children’s overall health, including exclusion periods for certain contagious illnesses. Good accident and medication records are available, are well completed and include parent's signatures. However, there is currently no consent available from parents for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. The childminder provides breakfast, regular snacks of fresh fruit, lunch and a cooked tea for minded children. She finds out about children's individual dietary requirements or family preferences from parents and these are recorded. Children learn about healthy living when discussing which foods are good for them to eat. They have regular opportunities to enjoy physical activity, such as when going for walks, visiting the park, playing in the garden and visiting social groups. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and individual routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Appropriate steps are taken to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. For example, the premises are kept secure, suitable first aid boxes, a fire blanket and smoke alarms are available. Socket covers are in place and cleaning fluids are stored out of children's reach. Appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that children are kept safe when playing outdoors and when on outings. For example, the rear garden is kept secure, appropriate car safety seats and vehicle insurance are available, however, evidence of a current MOT certificate is not available. Children learn to keep themselves safe when involved in regular fire drills, however, these are not currently recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is warm and welcoming for the children with a suitable range of toys readily available for them, including toys for outdoor play. Children have easy access to toys, equipment and furniture and the childminder ensures these remain suitable for use with regular checking routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are appropriately protected as the childminder understands her role in relation to child protection issues and is able to put local procedures into practice when necessary. She demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the different areas of abuse and of possible signs. A copy of the government information booklet is readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a suitable range of activities that cover most areas of development. For example, they are observed participating in physical play in the garden, they practice sorting shapes when doing jigsaw puzzles and enjoy role play activities with a range of small figures and vehicles. They also visit a playgroup two mornings a week and go for regular walks to feed animals in the local area. Children also practice recognising and writing their name and numbers up to 20. The childminder has not yet had access to training on the 'Birth to three matters' framework but intends to undertake this in the near future.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence and self esteem well when being praised and encouraged by the childminder for their efforts, for example, when naming colours correctly. Children show interest in what they do and enjoy the activities and resources available. They respond to challenge and concentrate well when enjoying filling a ball pool with one ball at a time. Children have good opportunities to be independent and use their initiative, for example, when deciding what

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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 to play with and getting toys out for themselves. For example, they are encouraged to open the zips on toy bags. Children are acquiring new skills and knowledge when learning different colours, recognising and attempting to write their name and different numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have limited opportunities to learn about wider society and begin to appreciate their own culture and the cultural traditions of others. There are few resources available which reflect diversity and children are not currently involved in any activities which promote their understanding of wider society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how to promote equality of opportunity and ensure that all children are included and involved. For example, she ensures that suitable activities for all children are readily available. Appropriate verbal procedures are in place for the identification and assessment of children with learning difficulties or disabilities. There are currently no children with any additional needs attending the setting, however, the childminder has a very positive attitude towards this and she has undertaken some sign language training since her last inspection.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy being with the childminder and enjoy the activities available, they are settled and happy and make positive relationships with adults. Children are well behaved and the childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how to manage behaviour appropriately and of how to promote a positive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works reasonably well in partnership with parents and carers. They are kept informed of their child’s development and progress through regular discussions. Appropriate contract agreements and some consent forms from parents are available.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder ensures that adults caring for children are suitable to do so, as all persons in the household have complied with appropriate vetting procedures. The childminder has undertaken additional training since the last inspection, for example, sign language. However, her first aid qualification has recently expired. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

Attendance records and observation indicate that adult to child ratios are effectively maintained. Children's attendance is recorded in a diary and is kept up to date. The childminder has appropriate regard for the well-being of all children and they receive good adult support and attention. Most documents and records required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are available, well kept and up to date.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children still have limited access to activities and resources which promote their understanding of wider society including the beliefs and lifestyles of people from other cultural backgrounds.

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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 The childminder was asked to ensure that all electric sockets are made inaccessible to children. Children's safety has been improved as this recommendation has been addressed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to ensure that the record of children's attendance is kept up to date and to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The organisation of the provision has improved slightly as the record of children's attendance is kept up to date in the diary. However, the childminder has not yet obtained written consent from parents for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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

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: • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young 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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