Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY272962 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 Inspection date Jennifer Anne Marsh 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 2004. She lives with her husband and 11 year old daughter in Ashby, close to the town centre of Scunthorpe. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is an 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 six children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding six children under eight years for a variety of sessions during the week.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for within a clean and homely environment where the childminder is sensitive to meet and support their health needs. For example, noses are wiped and faces cleaned regularly to ensure the personal comfort of young babies and to help prevent cross-infection. Children are learning simple personal hygiene routines. They are supported in washing their hands after playing outside and before eating food. Daily checks of equipment

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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 and regular cleaning routines ensure equipment remains safe to be used by the children. Children's health and medication issues are accurately recorded and shared with parents to ensure they are well cared for should they need medical treatment. A written sick children policy is adhered to in order to prevent risks of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are suitably nourished. Food is provided by parents and this is correctly refrigerated to maintain food safety for the children. The childminder shares with parents ideas on healthy eating to encourage healthy lunch options for the children. Children's health is additionally supported with regular drinks of fresh juice or water and healthy snacks of fresh fruit, such as bananas.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play outside mostly when the weather is fine. They develop their physicals skills and enjoy using a selection of outdoor play equipment, such as skipping ropes, pogo sticks, sit and ride toys and the trampoline. Children benefit from fresh air on a daily basis when they walk to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe environment. The childminder takes positive steps inside her home to promote children's safety. Regular risk assessments are completed and parents kept well informed regarding children's safety during any building work. Most space and resources are appropriately organised, which allows children to make safe, free choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning about keeping safe. They follow road safety procedures and remain within the sight of the childminder at all times. Young children are kept safe on outings as the childminder uses a range of safety equipment, such as reins and buggy harnesses. Electric smoke alarms are tested weekly and a fire practice is well rehearsed on a monthly basis. A detailed log is kept to ensure children understand the procedures to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has kept up to date with recent training to ensure children are safeguarded well. She is familiar with procedures to follow if concerns are raised and all necessary contact details are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled. Young children enjoy exploring the contents of toy boxes and making their own decision about play. A flexible well planned settling-in period meets the young children's needs well and aids the separation process with parents and carers. Babies respond to the childminder's warm and responsive interaction with them. Young children fully enjoy play within the homemade ball pool. They manipulate and explore 'cause and effect' toys, stimulated by what might happen next. However, opportunities for young children to build on their natural curiosity and senses through natural resources in the childminder's home are limited.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is recording some good quality information about the children's development. This includes photographic observations about their achievements and daily care. These are shared with parents, who are encouraged to become actively involved in the children's learning.

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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 satisfactory. Children are provided with an increasing range of opportunities to develop their social skills. They visit playgroups and 'stay and play' sessions, enabling children to learn to play harmoniously with others. Children receive lots of praise, which raises their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about cultures and festivals other than their own when they are involved in local creative group activities. For example, Saint Patrick's Day, Pancake Day and Chinese New Year. However, in the childminder's home, children's access to activities and resources reflecting diversity is limited. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of where to seek advice when required, if caring for children with additional needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued as individuals and their needs met well through close relationships with parents. A good rapport is in place. Daily verbal and written information is shared on the children's progress. Parents are provided with the opportunity to write details of how the children have been at home, which in turn provides continuity of care for the children. Written policies are in place to inform parents of procedures should they have any concerns.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are comfortable in the childminder's home. There is a balanced range of quiet and fun activities to meet the children's individual needs. Good use is made of local resources, such as park and play sessions to help enrich the children's lives outside the home. Most of the space, resources and furniture in the home are adequately organised to promote free choice and play for the children.

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Organisation

All required documentation regarding children's health and safety is in place. This is professionally presented and stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. Clear written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her business and her provision of care for children. However, a breach to the National Standards regulations has occurred. Ofsted were not informed about building work and an extension completed last year, which has meant a change of rooms used by the children.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to increase resources that reflect diversity and practise an emergency evacuation procedure. Within the home there is limited access to resources reflecting diversity, although access to activities at local groups helps children gain an understanding of the world around them. A fire evacuation procedure is practised on a monthly basis and helps promote children's safety in the event of emergencies.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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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 Ofsted are informed at the earliest opportunity of any significant changes to the premises. 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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