Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY291774 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2007 Inspection date Patricia Dawes 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and six years in Wolverhampton, West Midlands. The childminder works with another registered childminder. The co-minders husband and two children aged four and seven years live at the same property. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding. 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 a maximum of five children at any one time. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. Currently they are caring for five children between them on a part-time basis. Both childminders take turns to drive to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder and her co-minder attend the local parent/toddler group.

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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. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home where they learn to follow simple health and hygiene practices. Appropriate information is obtained from parents about children's individual health care needs. Formats are available to record any accidents or to administer medication and an adequately stocked first aid kit is available; however, the childminder has not obtained written parental consent to seek emergency treatment or advice and her first aid certificate has expired. Both of these have the potential to compromise children’s treatment and care in the event of an accident or emergency, which means children’s health and welfare are not adequately promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are appropriately met. The childminder follows parents' wishes regarding the provision of snacks and meals, which take into account children's individual dietary needs and preferences. They receive adequate quantities of good quality food to ensure they are well nourished and have free access to drinks to ensure they do not become dehydrated. All children are able to rest or sleep according to their individual routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of physical play experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The childminder takes children for walks around the area, to the shops and local park or drives children to fun children’s play venues. They also access the large garden where they have good opportunities for physical play such as riding bikes and scooters or playing with sand and water or playing ball games.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, where they can move around freely and independently under the childminder's close supervision. They are becoming aware of how to keep themselves safe in the home as the childminder explains the dangers of throwing toys or running in her home. Children learn about road safety and stranger danger when on outings. For example, the childminder encourages children to hold hands or onto the buggy as they stop at zebra crossings to practice the 'Green cross code'. Children’s safety in case of fire is not fully supported. Smoke alarms are in place and the childminder discusses her fire evacuation procedure with children; however, the fire blanket is not in situ on the kitchen wall as recommended by the Fire Safety Officer. This has the potential to compromise children’s safety in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. These are stored at child-height enabling children to self-select from the attractive boxes and shelving. The childminder regularly checks toys and equipment for safety and cleanliness. Children are learning through their play because the childminder rotates resources for variety helping to stimulate children’s interest, pleasure and enjoyment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is not effectively safeguarded. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is aware of there role and responsibilities to report concerns to the appropriate authority; however, no written statement is available to share with parents. The childminder has not attended any recent training to ensure she is up to date with the recent changes in legislation, so her knowledge of the procedure to follow if

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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 an allegation is made against herself or a family member is not secure which compromises children’s well-being and safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settle quickly in the childminder's home. They benefit from the positive interactions with the childminder. The childminder is skilful and interacts well with the children. She has a positive attitude and is respectful, valuing what each child has to offer. Children are able to ask questions, and the childminder responds appropriately. She offers the children lots of positive praise and encouragement, has a good rapport and gentle approach, which supports and develops children’s self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's self-esteem and confidence are promoted because the childminder encourages children to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. All of their activities and achievements are shared with parents. Children have opportunities to develop their social skills outside the home environment. They are able to talk about their friends at playgroup demonstrating they have established clear friendships as they learn to play together, share and take turns. Children are able to choose from a good selection of toys, books and activities, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children show enjoyment in celebrating festivals, such as Diwali and Eid. They talk about making diva lamps and painting Mendhi pictures or designing their own cards for Eid.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a good sense of belonging because the childminder takes positive steps to ensure they are all valued and included, such as responding sensitively to their needs and respecting their individual personalities. All children have equal access to toys and equipment that meet their individual needs to promote confidence and independence. Resources reflecting positive images are readily available, which means children are developing an adequate understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some level of awareness and understanding of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has a positive approach, considering how the environment and activities could be adapted to ensure inclusion. She understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and with other professionals to promote the welfare and development of all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about responsible behaviour as the childminder is a positive role model and has a realistic understanding of appropriate strategies to use depending on children’s age and stage of development. She is calm and consistent in her style, encouraging children to have self-discipline and respect for others. Regular communication with parents helps to ensure a consistent approach to managing behaviour is maintained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive relationship is encouraged with parents from the beginning. The childminder welcomes parents into her home to spend time helping to settle their children. Verbal information is shared on a daily basis regarding children's care and activity. This promotes continuity of care and ensures their needs are met. She has a written complaints policy, which outlines to parents the procedures to follow should they wish to raise a concern or complaint. The childminder is aware of maintaining confidentiality.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that persons who have contact with the children are suitable and have satisfactorily completed the relevant vetting procedure. She has appropriate experience and enthusiasm to enable her to childmind; however, she has not developed her knowledge and understanding of the National Standards with regard maintaining her first aid certificate and displaying her certificate of registration. Therefore, she is not meeting current regulation in line with the National Standards for Childminding.

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Organisation

Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care where they initiate and extend their own play and learning, they feel at ease within the homely environment. The childminder organises space and her time to ensure children’s play opportunities are maximised and their individual needs are consistently met. All areas downstairs in the childminders home and rear garden outdoors are used by children for play; however, this means the childminder is in breach of her conditions of registration as she failed to notify the regulator that she had made changes in her garden. Although the area is now safe for children to use, her current certificate does not allow use of the garden.

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Organisation

Most documentation, which contributes to children’s health and safety is maintained appropriately, such as the children attendance register. Children’s individual records and parental contracts are stored confidentially and updated on a regular basis. This helps to form a positive relationship with parents to promote children’s care learning and play.

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Organisation

The provision does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration, 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:

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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 • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children • ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and set in place a procedure to notify Ofsted of relevant matters • display the certificate of registration for childminding. 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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