Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY255781 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2007 Inspection date Sally Ann Hubbard 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 husband and two children aged nine and 12 years in the town of Brandon in Suffolk. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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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 minding two children both of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local parks. The family has two cats as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. The childminder does not have a sufficiently stocked first aid kit, therefore children are not fully safeguarded as she cannot respond appropriately if a child has a serious accident. Children are learning the importance of good personal hygiene. They always wash their hands before

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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 eating, after using the toilet or after handling the cats. The childminder talks to them about the germs making their tummy poorly if they do not clean their hands properly. An appropriate system is in place to record accidents and any medicine given to children. Parents sign these to acknowledge they have been informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sometimes have healthy snacks, such as fruit and they can ask for drinks whenever they feel thirsty. This helps children to recognise their own needs. The childminder makes sure the younger children are offered regular drinks according to their individual needs and routines. Children enjoy playing outside in the fresh air as they use the play equipment in the garden. They enjoy playing together on the slide. The childminder helps them learn the benefits of exercise by explaining that it is good for them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children’s welfare is not appropriately protected because the childminder does not have the relevant child protection information available. She does not have the telephone number for making a referral; therefore she cannot act quickly to safeguard children should she suspect a child is being abused.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are welcomed by the childminder. She makes sure she is ready for when they arrive by getting toys and activities out for them. Children enjoy a suitable range and variety of toys and activities. The childminder ensures that her toys and equipment conform to relevant safety standards and are appropriate for the ages of children she is looking after.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely around the childminder’s house and garden because she has identified and taken steps to minimise hazards. She has safety catches in place on any cupboards that contain dangerous items and socket covers are placed in any unused sockets. Children cannot leave the premises unsupervised as the childminder keeps the doors securely fastened. Appropriate fire safety measures are in place, such as a fire blanket and a smoke detector. However the childminder has not devised and practised an emergency evacuation to ensure she can get everyone out of the house safely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled, they have good relationships with each other and the childminder. Children enjoy each other's company and they have fun playing boisterously together. The childminder spends time playing with the children, for example, playing a game that helps them learn to associate words with pictures. Children learn right from wrong as the childminder reinforces boundaries and gives children explanations about their behaviour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy choosing what they want to do from a satisfactory range and variety of toys and resources. They can help themselves as these are accessible and within their reach. Children particularly enjoy bouncing on the trampoline outside and playing with the cars indoors. They benefit from going out to the local parks with the childminder where they have more space to run around and play.

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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 inadequate. The childminder does not have a record of complaints that she can share with parents at their request. She does not have sufficient knowledge or understanding of the regulations regarding complaints. As a result parents are not fully informed of factors that potentially impact on the children’s well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are all treated equally and take part in any of the activities on offer. The childminder has some resources reflecting diversity in society. She asks for good information about the children enabling her to meet their individual needs. Children learn to be positive and accepting of everyone. The childminder is aware and able to recognise that some children may have learning difficulties. She would provide activities and care to meet those needs and work closely with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning how to behave appropriately; they are given reminders as they play. This helps them to play safely and have regard for others. The childminder verbally agrees with parents how she will manage children’s behaviour. Rules and boundaries are reinforced with the children. The childminder develops sound relationships with parents. She keeps contracts and information forms in place for each child, detailing emergency contacts and children’s needs. Information about the children’s day is discussed and shared with parents daily so they know what their children have been doing while at the childminders.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder does not have a copy of the National Standards; therefore she is not able to effectively meet these. As a result children’s safety and welfare is potentially compromised.

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Organisation

Most of the required records are in place to support the childminding business. These are readily available and the childminder carries emergency contact numbers for all the children with her on her mobile phone at all times. All household members have had checks to ensure they are suitable. Children’s attendance is appropriately recorded and the childminder is aware of how many children she can look after. Overall children’s needs are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder has started to develop these resources and has a satisfactory range that she uses to help children learn about diversity in society. She was asked to ensure that a record is kept of any concerns reported by parents and significant events are reported to Ofsted. The childminder has made a record of a concern and is aware that she needs to report significant events to Ofsted in the future.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to ensure that a record of all complaints is maintained. She does not have a record of complaints in place or sufficient knowledge of the National Standards. Therefore she cannot ensure parents are fully informed of factors that might impact on children’s well-being. This is being made an action at this inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Lastly she was asked to obtain local child protection referral numbers, and record children's existing injuries. She has a system for recording children’s existing injuries in her accident book.

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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 However she does not have child protection referral numbers available and therefore cannot ensure children are fully protected. This is being made an action at this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint made to Ofsted that required the childminder to take further action. Ofsted received a complaint that there was a lack of supervision and confidentiality at the setting. The complaint raised concerns in relation to the following National Standards 6(Safety) and 12(Working in partnership with parents and carers). Ofsted undertook an unannounced visit on 06/03/2006 to investigate these concerns. Ofsted found evidence of a breach of National Standards 6 and 12 and also found evidence of a breach of National Standard 7(Health). Ofsted issued three actions to the provider as follows:

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Complaints since the last inspection

Standard 6 - demonstrate how children are under your direct supervision at all times

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Complaints since the last inspection

Standard 7 - ensure a record is maintained, signed by the parent, of any accidents

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Complaints since the last inspection

Standard 12 - demonstrate your awareness of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality with regard to personal information relating to minded children and their families.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted also issued a recommendation to the provider under National Standard 12 as follows:

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Complaints since the last inspection

Standard 12 - ensure that a record of all complaints is maintained

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Complaints since the last inspection

A satisfactory response to the actions was received by Ofsted on 31/03/2006. The childminder met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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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: • ensure the first aid box has sufficient contents which are frequently checked and replaced as necessary • ensure the child protection booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused - Summary' is available and that any concerns can be reported without delay • demonstrate how a record of complaints will be maintained

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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 • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations. 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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