Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY265988 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2007 Inspection date Mary Anne Henderson 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 2003. She lives with her partner and three children aged six, 14 and 18 years in Telford, Shropshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for three children under eight years on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and she attends the local toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Areas used by children and their toys and equipment are cleaned regularly. The childminder does not have a current first aid certificate thereby compromising children's health and welfare. There is a complete first aid box available. There is written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for all children on roll. The children are learning about the

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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 importance of cleanliness through routines as they wash their hands before eating and following outdoor or messy play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are gaining an understanding about healthy eating because they enjoy a balanced diet. The childminder provides healthy meals including pasta, vegetables, meat and salads. She also provides healthy snacks of fruit including apples, grapes and oranges. Children are prompted throughout the day to have lots of drinks of water or squash and they have a drink with all their meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy a range of outdoor activities including using large and small equipment such as slides, swings and climbing frames at the local park. They also have daily access to the outdoor play areas where they run around in the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are gaining a sense of belonging because their art work is displayed for them on the kitchen wall. They are able to relax and read a book or watch their favourite video in the lounge, eat and engage in messy play in the dining room and choose from a range of toys and resources kept in low open boxes in the conservatory. This is so they can make independent choices about what they would like to do. The children are also provided with a range of equipment to meet their physical needs. This includes single buggies, travel cots, high chairs and a range of toileting equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Strategies to ensure children's safety are satisfactory. However, at times the electrical sockets are not made secure with safety covers. This possibly compromises children's safety. Children are learning about fire safety because they practice the emergency evacuation procedures with the childminder. Areas are checked before the children arrive using a written risk assessment format.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is maintained because the childminder has an understanding about safeguarding children. She knows what to do and who to contact should there be a concern about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and independent and make their own choices about what they want to play with. They enjoy a good range of activities including painting, construction, small world play and gluing and sticking. There is a range of resources for children of all ages and abilities. As young children play with their toys the childminder interacts positively with them, talking to them and asking them what they are doing. As children play they show confidence talking to the childminder, for example, they say 'can I have a drink please?' and ' thank you very much'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a range of outings to places of interest including local walks and visits to the park. They interact positively with their peers and the childminder as they play with the resources. Children make their own choices about what they want to do, choosing from a range of open boxes situated in the play areas.

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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 good. Children enjoy access to a range of toys, resources and activities that positively reflect diversity. This includes small world people, dolls and books depicting positive images of culture, religion and disabilities. The children explore a range of festivals throughout the year, including Diwali, Christmas and Easter. There are good procedures in place for supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder would work closely with the parents and other professionals to meet children's individual requirements and to ensure an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. They are clear about the rules through consistent boundaries such as clearing away toys before getting others out. Strategies used to manage behaviour include distraction and discussion about what has gone on, talking to the children about the feelings of others and constant praise for positive behaviour. Children also enjoy stories about positive behaviour and the childminder encourages them well, by praising their efforts to share.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are positive relationships between the parents and the childminder because there is open discussion about the care of the child. Parents receive verbal and written feedback about their child's routines and development and parents are encouraged to report any concerns to the childminder to ensure consistency and continuity of care. The parents are provided with a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures. This ensures they are well informed about the service provided and the routines of their child in their absence.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are cared for in a clean environment. They are cared for by persons who have been appropriately vetted. The childminder provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for the children and their parents. Ratios are maintained and records are current, up to date and signed by both parties. However, the childminder does not have a current first aid certificate. This compromises children's health and welfare.

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Organisation

All other required documentation was made available for the inspection including written parental permission to administer medication, dietary requirements, contractual agreements and children's information sheets. Parents are made aware of the complaints procedures because there is a policy which outlines the name and contact details of Ofsted as the regulator. There is a range of written policies in place, which are shared with all parents. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection the childminder was asked to address two recommendations. She was asked to develop knowledge of diversity and equality issues. She addressed this by reading books and leaflets about how to support children from different backgrounds, how to ensure all children have an awareness of the world around them and how to promote equality of opportunity for all children. Children now explore various cultural festivals including Diwali. Children are also now more aware of the world around them and they enjoy non-stereotypical play.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to ensure all parents complete the full range of consent forms available to them. She addressed this by getting parents of all children on roll to sign all the

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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 required consent forms including written parental permission for outings and emergency treatment or advice. Children's welfare regarding consent forms is now maintained.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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: • complete a first aid course which 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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