Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY243809 Unique Reference Number 29 February 2008 Inspection date Vivienne Dempsey 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 November 2003, to care for a maximum of five children under eight years. She lives in Framwellgate Moor, a suburb of Durham city. She has four children, three of whom live with her, one adult and two aged over eight years. Her home is near to schools and preschool facilities, including nursery, playgroup and toddler group. Other amenities in the area include a park, library, sports and leisure centre and shops.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for four children, of whom three are under eight years, and her grandson, aged four. She walks to a local school to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is working towards gaining an National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Child Care and Education.

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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 satisfactory. The premises and equipment are adequately clean and the childminder encourages children to follow good hygiene routines to help prevent the spread of infection. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after toileting. Appropriate documentation for the administration of medication and recording of accidents is in place. However, written parental consent for seeking emergency medical treatment is not in place. This compromises children's health in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Drinks are readily accessible and children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents whose wishes are respected. The childminder provides opportunities for the children to develop their physical skills. For example, children have access to the large, child-friendly garden and walk daily to school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The children are cared for in a secure and welcoming home. There is a sufficient and suitable range of toys and resources for indoor play. These are appropriate to the developmental needs of the children. The childminder has taken some steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings. For example, smoke alarms are fitted and discusses road safety with children on outings. However, there is no emergency escape plan in place and fire drills have not been practised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has insufficient knowledge of child protection issues and relevant procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. All of which compromises children's safety and well-being. Therefore, children's safety and well-being is at significant risk.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are happy and settled in the setting and interact positively with the childminder. They show an interest in the sufficient range of toys and resources available. For example, rattles, jigsaws, blocks and mark making resources. These are readily accessible to children promoting their independence, as well as supporting their play and learning. The childminder listens to and values what the children have to say. She responds well to their individual needs, prompted by verbal and non verbal requests. Children enjoy snuggling into the childminder as they sit together sharing books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are suitable arrangements for rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. All children are treated with equal concern. They are settled, happy and well behaved. The childminder provides lots of positive praise and encouragement, which develops the children's confidence and self-esteem. Children's understanding of the wider world is limited, as there are insufficient resources that promote equal opportunities or diversity.

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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 The childminder is proactive in welcoming children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Parents have daily opportunities for a two-way sharing of information to ensure children's individual needs are met. Some written agreements and business arrangements are in place. For example, information regarding children's individual needs are sought. However, the childminder is unaware of the complaints procedures. This is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has completed relevant training. Ratios are maintained and children are supervised by the childminder at all times. However, not all persons over 16 living in the household have been suitably vetted, not all the records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision are in place, and the childminder has insufficient knowledge of child protection issues and relevant procedures. Her registration certificate is not prominently displayed, although it is shown to parents at pre-registration visits. Therefore, children's safety and well-being is significantly at risk.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the record of written permission from parents by making it clear that the childminder has their permission to consent to medical treatment for their child in an emergency. This permission is still not requested from parents.

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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: • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment

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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 • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) • make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint • ensure all persons living in the household, over 16 years are appropriately vetted • complete an appropriate first aid course that 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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