Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY272836 Unique Reference Number 28 February 2008 Inspection date Deborah Jaqueline Newbury 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2004 and lives with her three children aged two months, seven and 12 years, in a first floor flat in Whitton/Twickenham in Middlesex. The home is near local shops, schools and parks and is close to bus and train routes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the entire home although are deterred from going into the main bedroom and kitchen. There is access to a communal garden, though this is not enclosed. Children visit a nearby park daily.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight; of whom not more than two may be under five years. There are currently no children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

When a provider does not have children on roll at the time of the inspection, inspection judgements are based on evidence gathered from discussions with the provider and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation.

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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 As there are no children on roll, individual outcome judgements cannot be judged better than satisfactory because there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children are placed at potential risk because the childminder does not have a valid first aid certificate. This means that she may not have up-to-date knowledge of practice and may not, therefore, take the most appropriate action should a child have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Evidence gathered through discussion and observation suggests that the childminder has a sound understanding of the importance of ensuring good standards of hygiene and taking positive steps to minimise the potential for the spread of infection; for example, through the provision of individual towels and asking parents to supply soap and toothbrushes for their children. She provides a clean environment and would encourage children to follow good personal hygiene practices as part of the normal daily routine. Posters reminding children of the need to wash their hands are displayed. The childminder does not care for sick children because of the potential for passing illnesses onto other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder agrees arrangements for the provision of food with children's parents. She obtains information about their individual dietary requirements and shows a clear understanding of the importance of providing a balanced, nutritious diet and promoting children's awareness of healthy eating. The childminder discusses how she ensures good food hygiene practices and stores food appropriately to prevent any potential health risk.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder explains how she provides children with daily opportunities to be physically active and to spend time outside in the fresh air. She walks to and from school and takes children to the park every day. Children also play in the communal gardens.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for children through the display of photographs and a variety of posters and pictures. Furniture, equipment and toys are safe and appropriate for the needs of children. The childminder checks her resources regularly to ensure everything is safe, clean and ready for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder displays good understanding of the importance of ensuring children's safety, both inside and outside the home. The premises are safe and secure and include the necessary facilities for children. The childminder takes suitable precautions to prevent accidents, for example, through the use of appropriate safety features. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder discusses safety issues with them; she includes regular opportunities for children to practise fire drills and she teaches them about road safety when they are out and about. Relevant posters and books to promote children's awareness of safety issues are available within the home

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates an understanding of child protection issues and an awareness of her responsibility to safeguard children. She has developed her knowledge

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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 through relevant training and ensures parents are aware of the action she will take if she has any concerns about the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Evidence gathered through discussion suggests that children cared for by this childminder are likely to benefit from a day planned around their individual needs, with a variety of activities, inside and outside the home. The childminder has considered how she is able to offer opportunities for children to mix with other children and adults and thus develop their social skills, through regular attendance at childminder drop-in groups and shared outings. Visits to the local library and park are offered to help children gain familiarity with their local community. Outings further afield, for example, to the London Aquarium and the Science and Natural History museums, during school holiday times offer children a broader experience and an opportunity to explore different environments. The childminder demonstrates how she encourages children to interact with her and her family, and with one another, through lots of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

conversation and seeking children's input about what they would like to do. This enables children to form meaningful relationships and means they are fully consulted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's play materials are well organised and arranged to be easily accessible to aid independent choice and decision making. The childminder provides a range of role-play and imaginative toys, such as dressing-up clothes and small world toys. An interesting selection of books is available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates sound awareness of equal opportunity and special needs issues. She understands the need to treat children as individuals, and in an equal way. Resources within the home, that reflect positive images, help children find out about the wider world in which we live and they have opportunities to find out about different celebrations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes children's understanding of appropriate ways to behave through discussion and explanation. She fosters children's self-esteem and confidence through praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder understands the need to develop a strong partnership with parents. Evidence available at inspection suggests that the childminder has devised effective systems for ensuring this. For instance, she provides parents with their own copy of her written policies and procedures which means they are well informed about the way she organises her service. Relevant and useful information is displayed prominently within her home where it can be easily viewed by parents. For instance, the childminder displays her certificate of registration, public liability insurance certificate and posters relating to different aspects of childcare. She maintains regular communication with parents through informal discussion and regular meetings to discuss children's development and the activities they have particularly enjoyed. She supplements this, for some children, depending on their age, by a daily diary. Letters from parents of children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

previously in the childminder's care, are very positive about the childminder and the care their children received.

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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 has attended several short courses on a variety of childcare based topics and is currently working towards the Diploma in Home Based Childcare. However, the lack of a valid first aid certificate places children at potential risk.

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Organisation

Evidence suggests that the childminder is well organised and that she arranges available space in her home to ensure children are comfortable and have room to move around independently. She has a sound awareness of required recordkeeping and the importance of these. Documentation, to ensure the welfare and care of children, is stored securely and made available for inspection. The childminder is aware of the need to keep Ofsted informed of significant events or changes, although she did not promptly notify the regulator of the recent birth of her third child.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the childminder's last inspection, two recommendations were made. These required the childminder to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and to obtain written parental consent for emergency medical treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder completed a first aid course shortly after her last inspection; this was valid for three years but expired in September 2007. She has yet to update this training. Systems are in place to obtain parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment as part of the range of consent forms that parents complete at the start of their child's placement.

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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 • 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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