Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY290053 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2007 Inspection date Gillian Charlesworth 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 August 2004 and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and under one year in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding where there are toilet facilities. Undisturbed sleeps are provided in the dining room. The first floor is not included in the registration. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local parent and toddler groups regularly and takes children to the library and local parks. The family have a pet hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part-time basis.

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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 inadequate. The absence of a first aid qualification means that appropriate treatment cannot be administered to children in the event of accidental injury. There is an insufficient range of contents in the first aid box and written parental permission is not sought at the time of the placement to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future. As a result, children’s health is compromised. However, there are appropriate hygiene procedures in place for nappy changing and this includes the use of an odour free nappy disposal system. Wet wipes are used for babies’ hands and faces before and after meals and this helps them to begin to learn personal hygiene routines. Children are suitably protected from the risks of cross infection through a brief written sickness statement within the National Childminding Association (NCMA) signed written parental agreements. Babies’ teethers and washable toys are placed in

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to experience the fresh air because they always walk to local amenities and parks in all weathers. The childminder varies babies’ position frequently to enable them to develop their physical skills. For example they stretch to reach a dummy, sit and select toys or roll from back to front. The childminder skilfully recognises babies’ signs of tiredness and settles them to sleep well according to their individual needs. This contributes towards a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies have drinks available that the childminder offers from time to time. They eat according to their individual routines. They enjoy home cooked food that parents have provided together with appropriate snacks that the childminder offers in consultation with parents. Mealtimes meet children’s individual dietary needs with relaxed, one-to-one attention and chances for them to use a spoon to develop skills and independence. The childminder is willing to provide snacks and meals for all children. A sample menu is available that includes a variety of foods including healthy options such as fresh fruit and vegetables.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are at ease in their surroundings that are clean, comfortable and secure. They can access a suitable and generally diverse range of resources that are in good repair, occupy them well, and are appropriate for the ages of children attending. Equipment is provided to ensure that the needs of all children are met. For example, a double buggy, high chairs, day sleeper nest, bouncer and nappy changing facilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Suitable safety measures have been implemented to protect the non-mobile babies attending and the childminder constantly supervises them to ensure they are always safe. The childminder has informally identified a range of additional hazards that pose a risk to children as they grow in physical independence. However, there is no robust system or readily available safety equipment to ensure that these hazards can be addressed at short notice, for example in the event of a change of attendance arrangements. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, when the childminder talks to them about safe practices when opening the door to strangers or describes the dangers of hot drinks. Appropriate fire safety procedures and equipment are in place to protect children in the event of an emergency.

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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 Children’s welfare is suitably safeguarded and protected. The childminder is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and is committed to reporting concerns using Area Child Protection Committee guidance materials that are displayed. However, not all written guidance materials are up-to-date or complete. A written child protection policy is also displayed and informs parents of recording systems together with the childminder’s responsibility to report concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, settled and relaxed. They arrive contentedly with their parents and are greeted by squeals of delight from other babies. The childminder welcomes them with cuddles and warm conversation that develops their sense of trust and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plays with babies at eye level and provides effective support and interaction as they gaze into her eyes with pleasure. She encourages their communication by interpreting and responding to their babble, chatting to them constantly and responding to their gestures. For example, as babies shake their head the childminder warmly responds by imitating this. She talks to them about activities and helps them to select toys that are just outside their immediate reach. Opportunities for individual attention are provided when others are asleep and babies enjoy sitting on the childminder’s lap, maintaining eye contact and being stroked. This promotes secure, close attachments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies have plenty of opportunities to socialise and take part in outings outside the minding home. They visit the park, local activity centres and parent and toddler groups regularly where they can take part in messy play activities. They enjoy exploring the resources which are varied regularly by the childminder. They delight in exploring musical interactive toys and washable books while receiving plenty of praise, support and encouragement. The use of natural materials and messy play activities are not yet fully developed within the home to enhance babies’ sensory development. Although the childminder is not aware of the guidance materials for children from birth to three years, her methods and interactions are effective.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging and are treated with equal concern. Babies receive plenty of reassurance from the childminder when they are startled by another’s squeals of delight and become anxious. They soon settle through the childminder’s immediate comfort and distraction. They have comforters available if needed and their individual sleeping and eating needs are effectively recognised and met. The childminder makes these personal through warm interactions at mealtimes and by rocking babies to sleep. Children learn about the local community through a variety of outings. They explore books that reflect diversity. The childminder is aware that some children have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is willing to meet these needs and has experience of identifying and discussing development concerns with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Babies are naturally praised for their achievements and have plenty of recognition, acceptance and comfort which minimises any anxieties and frustrations well. The childminder is aware of suitable methods to manage older children’s behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the successful and friendly relationships the childminder has developed with parents. Parents are welcomed into the setting and are at ease and relaxed as they share

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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 information. Parent feedback is positive and suggests that they are very satisfied with the childminder’s care. A daily communication book supports verbal feedback and is used by both parent and childminder to share information. For example, changes to routines at home or provide times of sleeps and nappy changes and details of activities. Most information in the written complaints procedure is appropriate and displayed for parents alongside a range of useful written information. This supports continuity of children’s care together with completion of parental written agreements and records of children’s information.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Overall, children’s needs are not met. Children’s health and welfare is not sufficiently protected and safeguarded. This is because the childminder has not completed the necessary training courses or addressed all previous actions and recommendations in order to comply with the National Standards. However, the childminder is an experienced early years practitioner and completed a Level 3 early years qualification in 1997 which gives her most of the necessary knowledge to care for children effectively.

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Organisation

Children’s attendance is organised so that they have effective support and this enhances their experiences and enjoyment. Most of the essential documentation is in place for the safe management of children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection required the childminder to complete two actions by July 2005 and made two recommendations. The actions required that the childminder complete appropriate first aid and local authority approved childminder’s courses. Although the childminder has made recent enquires to enrol on courses, she has not yet secured the bookings and therefore not addressed the actions. This has the potential to compromise children's health and well-being and actions remain to be completed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Previous recommendations to make sure the garden fence is secure and that mirrors are inaccessible to children have been addressed. A new fence has been erected and garden gates are bolted to ensure that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. The childminder has not requested written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment therefore children’s health is potentially compromised. This has been escalated to an action for the childminder to address.

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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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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: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children, and which is consistent with any guidance issued to local authorities by the Secretary of State • Complete a local authority approved childminder’s pre-registration course • ensure that the contents of the first aid box are appropriate and sufficient and are checked frequently and replaced as necessary • obtain written parental permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future. 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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