Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY295019 Unique Reference Number 23 August 2007 Inspection date Samantha Smith 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her two children aged one and seven years in South Ockenden, Grays. The whole of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and there are currently three children on roll attending on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children play in a clean home where they are encouraged to follow basic hygiene practices such as washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet. The childminder's own hygiene practice contributes to protecting children from the spread of infection. For example, she

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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 ensures that she washes her hands regularly throughout the day, before preparing foods and after changing nappies. Work surfaces are also kept clean, ensuring food is prepared hygienically.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate procedures are in place in the event of a child becoming unwell or having an accident. There is a first aid box located in the home and the childminder has a current first aid certificate in place. A record of accidents is kept, however the childminder fails to obtain parents' signatures of acknowledgement which means that parents are not always informed and children are potentially at risk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the healthy balanced snacks and meals provided by the childminder. These consist of such things as sandwiches, fresh fruit, spaghetti bolognaise, meat and vegetables, and salad is provided with every meal. Drinks are freely available. Children with particular dietary requirements have their individual needs met because the childminder is aware of these needs and changes are made.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical activity as they access the garden freely using a variety toys and equipment. They also go on regular outings to the local park and visit Grays Beach and forest, where they pick blackberries. They take great pleasure in gaining new skills as they learn to play tennis with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children play in a warm, well maintained home. They are beginning to develop a sense of belonging as they put their shoes and coats away on the coat pegs and shoe rack provided. They have access to the whole of the ground floor including the lounge, dining area and garden, providing ample space for them to play and move around freely, accessing toys and resources of interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Resources and equipment are in good condition, well maintained and suitable for their purpose. They are age-appropriate and the childminder is aware of safety when purchasing toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps have mostly been taken to minimise potential hazards, contributing to children's safety. These include covers on all electrical sockets, stairgates used to prevent unwanted access to restricted areas of the home and locks on the garden gate and shed. However, the lack of fire safety potentially compromises children's welfare. For example, the childminder does not have a fire blanket in place in the kitchen, the smoke alarms are not consistently maintained and the emergency evacuation procedures have not been practised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When being transported in a vehicle children are safely strapped into appropriate car seats and the relevant insurance cover is in place, However the childminder has not obtained written permission from the parents to transport children in a vehicle or to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues including the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child's welfare.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled in the childminder's home. They move around with confidence as they play hide and seek with the childminder's children. The childminder had established close and caring relationships with them and she spends much of her time joining in their play and interacting well with them. She teaches them new skills as they learn to play tennis in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a sufficient range of toys and resources available that mostly cover all areas of learning, and children show curiosity and a great deal of interest as they explore activities provided. These include, cars, trains, construction materials, books, puzzles and various role play equipment. They also experience various art and craft activities, including drawing and painting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming confident communicators as they engage in regular conversation with the childminder and each other. They spend time talking about what they are doing and they freely express their wants and needs, to which the childminder responds well. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development and as a result activities provided are suitably planned to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. All children are welcome in the childminder's home. Resources that promote positive images of race, culture and abilities are available for children to play with and the childminder supports this further through regular visits to the library. As a result children are gaining an appreciation of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is currently not caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, although she demonstrates a positive attitude to meeting children's individual needs and working in partnership with other professionals. Children are learning right from wrong as they receive guidance, support and appropriate explanations from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder has established with the parents. There is a regular exchange of information through the use of a daily diary and regular communication. This ensures that parents are kept fully updated about their child's progress. However the childminder has failed to obtain contracts for all children and there are no written agreements in place. The childminder is unaware of the regulation in place regarding complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has completed all required checks for registration including a criminal record check, ensuring the children are being cared for by a suitable person. However, she has not completed an Introduction to Childminding course which is a requirement for registration.

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Organisation

The home is sufficiently organised to support children's play and learning. However weaknesses in the childminder's organisation potentially compromise children's well-being. This includes keeping an up-to-date register, a record of accidents signed by the parents, a record of children's details including contracts and contact numbers for parents. The certificate of registration is not displayed.

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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 Overall children's needs are not met

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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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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 local authority approved registration course for childminding • assess the risk to children in relation to the windows and take action to minimise this; improve fire safety by ensuring that a fire blanket which conforms to BS EN safety standards is provided in the kitchen, smoke alarms are maintained on every level of the home and that emergency evacuation procedures are devised and practised • ensure the record of accidents is signed by the parents • obtain all required written signatures of consent • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken • display the certificate of registration at all times. 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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