Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347632 Unique Reference Number 13 August 2007 Inspection date Alexandra Cole 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 February 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in the Fartown area of Huddersfield. The whole of the ground floor of the property and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. Children access outdoor play in the garden to the rear of the property. The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently caring for one child that attends on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a clean home where suitable hygiene practices and routines are implemented by the childminder. For example, as they wash their hands before mealtimes. This protects their health and helps children learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children are able to move freely in the home which helps them feel confident to explore their surroundings and use their bodies to develop physical skills.

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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 Children's dietary requirements are agreed with parents and the childminder provides suitable food storing facilities. Children's physical needs and well being are sufficiently met and promoted by the childminder who recognises when they are tired or thirsty. Children rest, eat and drink in accordance with their individual needs and routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children. Adequate procedures are in place should a child become ill whilst in her care, which are shared appropriately with parents. However the childminder does not keep a record of any accidents that have occurred. This is a breach of regulations and compromises children's safety and welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in sufficiently well maintained premises. The organisation of the play environment gives children opportunities to self-select from the toys stored in the dining room. This encourages children's choice and promotes their independence. The childminder carries out basic risk assessments to check that toys and equipment conform to safety requirements. However, these are not always robust enough to ensure all toys and equipment are free from hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe, for example the childminder reminds them to go slowly when running in the garden. A fire evacuation procedure s in place however this is not practised with the children. Additionally the fire blanket is not easily accessible and one of the emergency exits from the property is blocked. This means children's safety is not fully protected in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her responsibility towards child protection and is able to put relevant procedures in to practice. However, she does not hold a copy of the most recent guidance from the Local Safeguarding Children Board as required.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled at the childminder's house. Warm relationships between the childminder and children contribute towards their sense of belonging. Children are provided with a satisfactory range of activities and play experiences that promote their development such as, reading books and taking part in imaginative play of 'doing the ironing'. The childminder's use of praise and support builds on children's self-esteem. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of children's needs and informally plans activities to ensure children enjoy a range of play opportunities that meet their developmental needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and broadly content in their surroundings and they play well together. The childminder has a calm and caring manner towards children and provides sufficient interaction to meet their needs; for example, as she shares a book with them. Children enjoy the colours and sounds of manufactured toys which they explore with interest. Children are happy and settled during the day; ensuring they feel safe and secure.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an adequate understanding of increasing children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. They have equal access to toys and equipment. However, there is a limited range of resources and activities available to increase children's awareness of the wider world. The childminder uses appropriate strategies for managing children's behaviour, such as, distraction and redirection to other activities. This helps children to understand the boundaries and play together harmoniously.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are confident in their environment and feel safe and secure in their relationships with the childminder. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents and appropriately recorded. Discussions with parents as children begin their care enables the childminder to be aware of their specific needs to ensure appropriate care is given. Children's well being is fostered appropriately as the childminder relays information about their needs to parents on a daily basis; promoting continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Policies and procedures are used adequately to promote the care and welfare of children and most of the documentation is in place and appropriate. The space and resources are suitably organised to enable children to participate in a range of activities that promote their development.

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Organisation

However the childminder does not maintain a record of any accidents occurring and does not hold some of the required documentation in relation to child protection. This compromises children's safety. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of 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 complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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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 a record of accidents is maintained. • ensure the fire evacuation procedure is practised with children, provide a fire blanket in the kitchen and ensure all fire exits are clear. • assess the risks to children in relation to toys and equipment and take action to minimise these. 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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