Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

501893 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2007 Inspection date Alison Margaret Walker 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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1999. She lives with her partner and their four children aged three, six, nine and eleven years in Rodley, which is a residential suburb of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child aged two years on a full time basis. The childminder walks to the local school and nursery to take and collect children. She attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. The family have a dog and two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a clean and homely environment. Suitable arrangements are in place for first aid and administering medication. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate. She

p.2

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 is committed to keeping this up to date and is due to attend another first aid course shortly. There is a fully stocked first aid kit available in the kitchen. The childminder has detailed information on the incubation periods for infectious diseases. A written sickness policy is in place and is available for parents to see. However, the childminder does not have written consent from parents for seeking emergency advice and treatment.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The children have access to drinks but these are not always regularly replenished. The childminder provides all meals, snacks and drinks. Some of these are healthy and nutritious, such as a selection of fresh fruit and yogurts which the children enjoy. The children sit together to eat their meals but they do not follow consistent hand washing routines before eating. The childminder has nappy changing facilities but nappies are not always checked and changed at regular intervals causing children to be uncomfortable. The childminder discusses the children's sleep patterns with parents but these are not always adhered to. They visit the local park and the childminding and toddler groups where they are able to socialise with other children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a selection of age appropriate toys, furniture and equipment which are safe and well maintained. Positive steps are taken by the childminder to ensure the children's safety, for example, electric sockets are protected, safety gates are used, a fire blanket is sited in the kitchen, a clear fire evacuation procedure is in place, drills are practiced once a month and recorded. The childminder keeps emergency contact details for the children close to hand. The children are protected from persons who have not been vetted, this is because they are closely supervised by the childminder. The childminder has a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance, she has done child protection training and demonstrates a satisfactory awareness of the signs and symptoms of child abuse.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is inadequate. An adequate range of outings are organised to local parks and groups. These give children some opportunities to explore and socialise with other children, for example, at the local childminding group. Children enjoy playing with small world figures and watching children's television. The childminder has a good selection of play materials that are age appropriate but these could be organised more effectively to encourage children to make their own choices. Children seem happy in the childminder's care, however, they do not always receive the attention they require. This is due to the attention demanded by the childminder's own child. Children do not play well together, they are not encouraged to share or co operate with each other. For example, the childminder allows her own child to snatch toys off the minded children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are given limited praise and encouragement, for example, when a child is doing a jigsaw. The childminder tells the child that it has been done wrong and breaks the jigsaw up. The child loses interest and walks away. The childminder asks children questions but does not always give them time to respond, allowing other children to interrupt. These actions by the childminder have a negative impact on the children's confidence and self esteem. The television is on most of the time, even when children are not watching it. The childminder has an extensive list of activities she provides. There is little evidence to suggest this list is personal to her. For example, when she mentions that children help her make jelly, children say that they don't and they show no interest when she talks about baking.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. The childminder gathers adequate information on the children from their parents at the start of the placement. Information is shared verbally with new parents about the service the childminder provides. The childminder shows new parents a portfolio which includes policies and procedures. However, this is not personal to the childminder and does not fully reflect her practice. Children begin to gain some awareness of their local environment and the diversity of the wider world through a small selection of resources and activities that promote positive images. For example, dolls with different skin tones, dressing up clothes and dual language books. The childminder fails to give children the individual attention they require. She is inconsistent in attending to their needs, for example, nappy changing and adhering to their individual routines.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a weak knowledge and understanding of how to manage children's behaviour. She does not set boundaries, she uses negative language and children who behave well are often overlooked. Children are not sufficiently encouraged by the childminder to use manners, share and take turns. They are rarely praised and bad behaviour is often ignored. As a consequence the children have little understanding of what behaviour is not acceptable. However, the childminder has enrolled on a behaviour management course.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a written complaints policy which she says she shares with parents. She has obtained the revised guidance, however, she shows very limited knowledge of the new regulation regarding recording complaints and has not devised a complaints record. This is a breach of regulations and as a consequence, parents are not made fully aware of any complaints that may have been made.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder attends regular training courses relevant to childminding. She has done a 'Birth to three matters' framework introductory course, but as yet has not implemented this into her practise with children under three years. She has limited knowledge of the National Standards, she has copies of policies but due to a lack of understanding they are not implemented effectively. Space, time and resources not effectively organised, toys that children enjoy playing with are not always accessible to them. There is an inconsistent structure to the children's day, for example, some mealtimes are hectic. Children sit at the table to eat their lunch, half way through they choose to leave the table and finish off their meal sat in front of the television.

p.4

Organisation

All information on the children is stored confidentially but is easily accessible if needed in an emergency. Registers are accurately maintained with the children's arrival and departure times recorded. The childminder displays her registration certificate in her hallway to inform parents of her registration. She knows to notify the regulator of any relevant changes, for example, when the family got a dog.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were raised relating to the registration certificate, medical advice and treatment, the 'Birth to three matters' framework, hygiene in the bathroom, new regulations and the complaints record.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder's registration certificate is now clearly displayed giving parents evidence that she is registered with Ofsted. Hygiene in the bathroom has improved, surfaces are cleaned before the children arrive, minimising the risk of cross infection.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has not sought written consent from parents to the seeking of emergency medical advice and treatment and this has a serious impact on the children's health and well being. The childminder has attended 'Birth to three matters' training. However, there is no evidence to suggest it has been implemented to effectively influence children's learning and development.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has obtained copies of the new regulations including information about the complaints record. The childminder has not devised or completed a complaints record. This is a breach of regulation and parents are unable to see the record to check on any complaints that might have been made.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 1 2004, Ofsted received concerns relating to Standard 2, Organisation. A visit was made by a childcare inspector on 4 March 2005 and one action was raised under Standard 2. A further visit was carried out by a childcare inspector to ensure compliance with the Standard. The provider remained qualified for registration.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns relating to National Standard 1, Suitable Person. The concerns were originally shared with another agency. A childcare inspector from Ofsted Early Years then visited the provision on 18 September 2006. An action was raised against National Standard 14, Documentation and was satisfactorily met by the registered provider. The provider remained qualified for registration.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns relating to National Standard 1 - Suitable Person. The concerns were originally shared with another agency. Ofsted inspectors visited the provision on 21 December 2006, 26 January 2007, 1 February 2007, 15 March 2007, 3 May 2007 and 12 July 2007. Actions were raised and satisfactorily met by the registered provider. At the time that this investigation was concluded, Ofsted were satisfied that the provider remained qualified for registration.

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

Complaints 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.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions: • improve hygiene practices in relation to nappy changing and hand washing • keep a record of complaints relating to the national standards and any action taken • ensure all children are treated with equal concern. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

p.6

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.6

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.6