Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY332341 Unique Reference Number 23 July 2007 Inspection date Paula Hunt 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 17, 13 and 8 years old in Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, with the exception of the sitting room, is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library.

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 three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has two dogs, seven guinea pigs, a cat and some fish. She is also a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children potentially benefit from the childminder having some efficient hygiene routines, which help to prevent the spread of infection. Her home is clean and tidy and she ensures work surfaces and children's equipment are cleaned regularly. Children are encouraged to develop good hygiene habits. For example, they wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet and handling the family pets. The childminder provides appropriate first aid equipment in the home but she has not obtained parents' written agreement for her to seek emergency medical advice or treatment to ensure children's welfare in an emergency. Children are excluded from the provision with infectious illnesses to ensure the health of all the children is maintained.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with snacks that are healthy and are beginning to understand that some foods are good to eat. The childminder has an understanding of healthy eating and drinks are available throughout the day. Children know where they can access drinks and they respond to their own needs when they are thirsty. The childminder works with the children's parents to meet the dietary needs of the children in her care.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing their physical skills with a range of suitable activities inside and outdoors. They get fresh air and exercise daily, which helps them to stay fit and healthy. Children use the local park on a regular basis where children can run and climb. The day is planned to allow children to take part in active and quiet times. They are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move freely and safely within the childminder's home using appropriately sized furniture when completing their activities. They have space for movement and play with the majority of toys stored at child height and in appropriate boxes that are easily accessible to children, thus encouraging freedom of choice and independence. Toys and equipment are varied, kept clean and in good condition.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a mostly safe environment as the childminder is aware of some possible hazards and takes steps to ensure risks are minimised. For example, using a stair gate and socket covers. Children are able to experience travelling safely in a vehicle as the childminder provides appropriate car seats and insurance cover for the vehicle is in place. However, the childminder has not obtained written permission from parents for their child to be transported in a vehicle which compromises their safety. Risk's to children from broken or unsafe toys, furniture or equipment is minimised as the childminder carries out suitable visual checks on all equipment used. Children are kept safe when out and about as they are always closely supervised and the childminder demonstrated a sound understanding of how to minimise possible risks when at the park.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through discussion the childminder demonstrated an adequate knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and local procedures and she is well aware of her role and responsibilities in order to protect the welfare of the children in her care.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder confirmed that she spends time with the children, playing and talking to them. Activities are planned flexibly to provide interest and stimulation. The childminder responds to children's interests and encourages them to extend their skills and independence. Children receive plentiful one to one interaction due to their flexible attendance hours and as a result feel secure and are developing their confidence. Activities include frequent messy play, art and crafts to encourage their creativity and to enable them to experience different textures and colours. Children share books and stories, use push and pull along toys, as well as educational activity toys.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to develop social skills by having opportunities to play with other children of a similar age through attending local toddler groups. They choose from a satisfactory range of toys and equipment and the childminder is developing the use of the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework to further encourage children in their development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. Children are respected and valued. Their individual needs and routines are part of the childminder’s initial discussions with parents and carers. They are encouraged to share information verbally about their child and they are kept informed about their child's day and the activities provided. However, important information is not recorded and written agreements with parents and carers are not in place. There are no procedures are in place to keep a record of complaints if a parent wishes to make representation. Children have opportunities to learn about their local community through visits to parks and toddler groups and have access to a good variety of resources that reflect different lifestyles, for example, lotto games, books and small world figures.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour management methods are discussed with parents and children are distracted and offered different play activities to prevent any disruptive behaviour. The childminder uses appropriate methods suitable for the age and understanding of each child.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are made welcome in the childminder’s home. They have sufficient free play space which allows them to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Daily routines are consistent and activities inside the home and at groups are varied. Children are encouraged to develop their independence through making their own choices of toys and activities and are encouraged to toilet themselves. Some documentation such as, the daily attendance register is in place and up to date and confidentiality is maintained. However, consents and records for the safe and efficient management of the provision are not in place. Overall, children's needs are not met.

p.4

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

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

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 procedures are in place to keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken • ensure you work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children, with regard to written agreements, which set out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements • ensure you work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children with regard to records that include name, home address, date of birth, emergency contact details and GP contact details. 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