Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288700 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 Inspection date Christine Jacqueline Davies 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 adult son in a three bedroom house, in the London borough of Southwark. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time and is currently minding three children under eight years. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Satisfactory systems are in place which ensure that the premises are maintained to a suitable level of cleanliness. For example, the childminder cleans the premises on a daily basis, minimising the risk of cross infection to children. Appropriate procedures regarding the administration and recording of accidents are in place and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, helping to promote children's health and wellbeing. Children benefit from a varied diet which includes a range of vegetables and fruit. A system is in place to gather information from parents

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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 regarding children's dietary requirements, however, this information for some children has not been obtained. This means that children's health is not fully safeguarded. The childminder provides opportunities for children's physical health to be promoted. For example, children are taken to the park where they can use a range of small and large equipment, helping to develop their physical skills, and keep fit and healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children's welfare is compromised because the childminder has not ensured that all regular visitors or persons living on the premises aged 16 years and over, have been suitably vetted. In addition to this, the childminder has not consistently recorded the daily, individual hours of children's attendance. This is a breach of regulations. The childminder has not taken positive steps to protect children's welfare when off the premises. For example, she has not ensured that appropriate car seats are used when children are being transported in a vehicle. In addition to this, parental consent has not been obtained to transport children in a vehicle or to go on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is not fully safeguarded when on the premises. Although a fire blanket has been obtained, the childminder has not ensured that it is suitable for use or fitted according to the manufacturers instructions. Furthermore, an electrical socket located in the hallway was easily accessible to children and was not suitably protected from children splashing water during their water play activity. Children 's risk of accidental injury is increased because the childminder has not put in place suitable precautions to prevent young children accessing the stairs leading to the upper floor of the premises. In addition to this, the garden presents a hazard to young children as the childminder has not ensured that gaps in the fencing have been made safe. So as a consequence, children are able to access the neighbouring garden easily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Equipment and resources used by children are in suitable condition and meet safety standards. The childminder has obtained the government booklet ‘What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused-Summary’ and demonstrates an awareness of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a varied routine and ensures that children have access to a range of equipment that is developmentally appropriate for their needs. Activities include construction, electronic toys and creative activities such as water play. Children express themselves happily when participating in imaginative play and particularly enjoy 'making pizza' using the selection of role play resources provided. Children also have opportunities to visit the library where they can enjoy planned story time sessions and mix with other children socially, promoting their confidence and self-esteem. Resources are organised so that children can choose independently enabling them to make choices during play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children respond well to the childminder and have developed a positive relationship with her, promoting their confidence and sense of security. The childminder has devised a range of policies and procedures which are available to parents and keeps them informed of the service

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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 provided. Parents are required to complete admission forms detailing their child's basic individual needs. However, the childminder does not always ensure that information regarding the children's individual health needs have been recorded on these forms. This means that children's needs may not always be met effectively. Nonetheless, the childminder communicates with parents on an informal basis about children's general care and progress. The childminder has devised an equal opportunities policy and has ensured that there are some resources reflecting diversity available to children, helping to develop a positive attitude to others. The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, and adapts her activities to meet the individual needs of children. The childminder has a calm

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Helping children make a positive contribution

approach to managing children's behaviour and uses positive behaviour strategies that are clear and age appropriate, helping to raise children's self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children's overall safety is not safeguarded because the childminder has failed to ensure that all regular visitors or persons living on the premises aged 16 years and over, have been suitably vetted. This is a breach of regulations. Furthermore, the attendance register has not been accurately maintained which is also a breach. All other required documentation is in place, however, the childminder has not ensured that she gathers all relevant information from all parents about children's individual needs. The childminder has not taken appropriate steps to ensure that children are transported safely in car seats when off the premises and she has not ensured that suitable safety precautions are in place when children are indoors, increasing children's risk of accidental injury. Suitable activities are in place, providing children with variety and choice. A selection of policies and procedures are available to parents. Overall, the

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Organisation

childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended that the childminder ensure that the cleanliness of the kitchen is well maintained; ensure that the garden is secured and children are not exposed to hazards; provide a wide range of toys and resources for older children and provide further toys and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder was also required to ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible and available for inspection at all times and ensure the children's daily record of attendance is appropriately maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has made some improvements. Overall, the level of hygiene in the kitchen is of a satisfactory standard and is cleaned by the childminder on a daily basis. The garden fence has not been secured which means that children can access the neighbouring garden, increasing their risk of injury. The childminder has acquired resources for older children which include books, puzzles and access to the computer. There are some resources reflecting diversity in place. The childminder has ensured that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible and available for inspection, but has not ensured that the children's daily record of attendance is appropriately maintained, which is a breach of regulations.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004, Ofsted has received one complaint relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person. Concerns were raised about suitability. Ofsted conducted an unannounced visit and as

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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 a result, one action was set under National Standard 14: Documentation. The provider responded to the action that had been set. Ofsted was satisfied with the response and the provider remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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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: • ensure that appropriate car seats are used when children are transported in a car and that parental permission is obtained • ensure that a fire blanket is in place and is fitted according to the manufacturers instructions • ensure that all areas used by children are made safe and that areas that are out of bounds to children are made inaccessible • ensure that all adults living or regularly visiting the premises are suitably vetted • ensure that the actual hours of children's attendance is recorded 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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