Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331428 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date Jacqueline Patricia Walter 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her four children aged seven, six and four years and ten months. She lives in the Belle Isle area of Leeds, in West Yorkshire. Toilet facilities on the first floor and the whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time. There are no children currently on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She 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. Discussion demonstrates that children are appropriately nourished through the childminder and parents working together. For example, parents are asked to supply babies' food and drink and documentation shows that the childminder provides healthy and nutritious food that is low in salt and sugar content. The childminder states that children have regular and independent access to drinks as a result of either fresh water or juice being available on low tables. In addition to this, she states that she ensures they are offered drinks at all meal times and gives extra verbal encouragement during in hot weather. Documentation also demonstrates that special dietary needs are fully taken account of.

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Helping children to be healthy

Through discussion the childminder demonstrates she has a sound understanding of promoting hygiene. For example, she uses antibacterial gel to keep the house clean and ensures her house is a non-smoking environment. She also states that children have their own flannel and individual paper towels to prevent the spread of germs. Documentation shows a good sickness policy is in place. It includes good arrangements if children become ill in the setting. For example, parents are asked to collect children if they become ill. They are also informed of the procedures to follow should their children have infectious conditions and how long exclusion times are expected to be implemented. Discussion and documentation demonstrates there is a suitable medication policy in place, which includes written records of what has been administered and consent to administer it from parents. Documentation also demonstrates that there is a very good accident

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Helping children to be healthy

record system in place. For example, parents sign copies of the records, which include diagrams indicating the location of the injury. They receive a copy of the record.

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Helping children to be healthy

Discussion also demonstrates that children have appropriate opportunities to develop a suitable awareness and understanding of simple good health and hygiene practices. For example, the childminder encourages them to participate in routines, such as washing their hands after coming in from school, before their meals, after toilet use and after playing in the outdoor area. They also have good opportunities to create an appropriate understanding of healthy living and eating, through the childminder providing healthy foods, such as fruit, raisins and chopped vegetables and children engaging in baking activities, such as making pizzas with healthy toppings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Discussion demonstrates that the childminder has insufficient knowledge of some aspects of child protection. She is able to talk of some signs and symptoms that she needs to be aware of. However, she is not fully aware of procedures to follow should concerns arise. For example, she does not make any records of concerns that are noted and her written guidance on local procedures and contact numbers do not reflect current legislation. In addition to this, she is in breach of childcare regulations as she has not notified Ofsted of a significant issue regarding a child protection matter.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Discussion shows that children are able to develop an appropriate sense of belonging in this welcoming accommodation. Space is used appropriately and there is sufficient and suitable child-sized equipment, such as a high chair and buggies available. Toys and activities are organised and safe for children to use. For example, the childminder states she looks for kite

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 marks to indicate safety and older children use their smaller equipment in other areas of the setting so younger ones cannot access them. Toys are also organised into age-appropriate activities within baskets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes some positive steps inside her home to minimise risks of accidents. For example, external doors are kept locked with keys kept on nearby hangers, stair gates are fitted and covers are fitted onto sockets that children can access. In addition to this, she ensures low glass, such as patio doors are toughened. Documentation demonstrates good procedures are in place to protect children from fire. For example, the evacuation plan is written up and drills are practised and recorded. The childminder also states she requested a fire officer visit the setting to fit the smoke alarms on all levels of the home. Documentation also shows that there are some good positive steps taken in the outdoor play area. For example, there is a written trampoline safety policy in place, which includes actions, such as the childminder obtaining written permission from parents for children to use the apparatus, and safety nets being fitted

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

at all times when children are using the equipment. However, the garden is not presently secure as fencing panels have been blown down, there is a lot of general rubbish and litter all over the area and a drain is blocked and is nearly overflowing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates she provides appropriate opportunities and experiences for children to develop confidence and self-esteem. For example, she states that she praises them for both effort and achievement. She gives them opportunities to develop some skills in choice and decision making and to use their initiative as a result of her putting a selection of activities out for them to choose from and then replacing these with other resources every two to three weeks to further stimulate their interest. Discussion also demonstrates the childminder has systems in place to encourage positive and friendly relationships with children. For example, she offers lots of cuddles and reassurance and collects information from parents on their routines, comfort toys and equipment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to acquire new knowledge and skills from a good selection of toys and activities that reflect different ages and abilities and provide experiences in all areas of play. For example, baby equipment, such as gyms, musical toys, stacking blocks and soft toys are available and activities, such as exploring homemade play dough and painting encourage the development of children's creative skills. Puzzles and books are also available and provide appropriate opportunities for children to develop skills in communication, language, literacy and maths.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Discussion demonstrates that the childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She uses her own understanding and experiences in childcare to promote children's learning. For example, she states she plans and provides structured learning opportunities where activities are adult led, as well as giving children opportunities to freely choose their activities. She ensures she extends and reinforces their play and learning, taking care to not take over their ideas and play. For example, she asks open-ended questions, such as asking where are animals in a book and what colour is an object.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates that children are all involved and fully included. It also demonstrates that she provides some opportunities for children to learn about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 diversity of the wider world. For example, she states all children from any background are welcome in the setting and in addition to this, she provides a very small selection of resources and activities that promote positive images. These include two cultural dolls, a couple of books that reflect positive images of different cultures and a small world toy that promotes an awareness of disability. The childminder states that she talks to children in a positive manner if they raise issues on differences in people and encourages them to respect and value all differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Discussion also demonstrates that she has a sound understanding of the surrounding issues when caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Further discussion also demonstrates that behaviour of children is suitably managed through the implementation of age-appropriate strategies for both inappropriate and positive behaviour. For example, she ignores inappropriate behaviour unless it is a danger to the children, but will talk to the older children about why it is inappropriate and the consequences to them and to others if it persists. Documentation shows that she implements good procedures to ensure consistency in managing behaviour. For example, a written policy is shared with parents and house rules are displayed on a door in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Both discussion and documentation demonstrates that professional partnerships are promoted between the childminder and parents. For example, good information is collected on children and their families, which includes children's likes, dislikes, religion and health history. In addition to this, verbal agreements are made with parents for children that have individual needs. For example, opportunities for them to access items, such as certain foods that they can not have at home. Additional written permission is also obtained from parents for photographs to be taken of children, sun creams to be administered and for children to be taken on outings. Discussion also highlights that information on children's care, development and learning is appropriately shared. For example, daily conversations both before and after the children's sessions take place and documentation demonstrates information on the setting is shared well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

For example, the childminder writes up some policies and shares these with parents on their initial visits and she also has created a file, which includes details, such as menus for the children's meals and her emergency evacuation plan.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Robust vetting procedures ensure children are cared for and well protected. For example, in addition to ensuring that adults are checked who live in the premises, the childminder also ensures checks are undertaken on those that spend considerable time at the setting. Documentation shows that the adult-child ratio appropriately supports the children’s care, learning and play. For example, records of children's attendance include arrival and departure times, and these clearly show when children are in attendance.

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Organisation

The childminder's knowledge and understanding of child development is suitable as she has completed all the required qualifications. She has appropriate regard for the well-being of all children. For example, she completes further training on subjects, such as Early Years Foundation Stage training and the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She is also currently working on the advanced course regarding managing children's behaviour.

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Organisation

Documentation and discussion shows that most policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. However, there are weaknesses in notifying Ofsted of significant issues, in the

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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 understanding of child protection procedures, and in the safety of the outdoor area. All required documentation is held; most is maintained and stored appropriately.

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Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would not meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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: • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and ensure relevant written guidance and contact numbers are up to date • devise and implement a risk assessment to ensure children are safe when playing in the outdoor area • devise and implement a system to ensure that Ofsted is notified of any significant issues that effect the setting. 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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