Childminder in Hackney

Inspection report for early years provision

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402761 Unique Reference Number 25 March 2008 Inspection date Angela Jackson 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 1977. She lives in Lower Clapton in the London borough of Hackney. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a front garden for outside play. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There were no children present at the time of the inspection. When children are not present 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. The childminder does not demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of how to take appropriate steps to maintain the good health of children. There is inconsistency in collecting written details and information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies and no written policies regarding looking after sick children and the administration of medicines. The childminder is inadequately prepared for dealing with accidents and injuries as no written consent is obtained from parents for seeking medical advice in an emergency and the childminder's first aid qualification has expired. Therefore, she does not meet the requirements of registration. There is no accident record available for inspection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder describes how children learn about their personal hygiene through their normal daily routines, such as washing hands before and after eating, and after using the toilet. The home is clean and the childminder states that the linen children use, such as sheets and towels, are washed two or three times a week.

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Helping children to be healthy

From discussion, the childminder demonstrates an adequate understanding of healthy eating, including the need to have drinking water accessible at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The house is warm and light. There is a dedicated play room on the first floor where toys are organised on shelves and around the walls. Toys and equipment are well maintained and provide sufficient interest for a wide age range of children although some have warning notices stating they are unsuitable for children under three years old. The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks in and outside her home have been minimised to a reasonable standard. There are stair gates at the bottom of the stairs on the ground floor and another gate at the doorway to the living room. There is no gate between the playroom and the landing where stairs lead off to both downstairs and upstairs. There is a sofa bed in the playroom. The childminder states that sleeping children are within her hearing at all times and that she checks on them regularly to ensure they are safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken steps to protect children in the event of a fire, by planning an escape route from the upper levels through the fire exit and into the neighbouring property. This route has not been practised with children. There is a smoke alarm at the ground floor level but the ones on the upper floors are not fixed in place and their batteries are dead. The childminder confirms she smokes but that she does not do so when caring for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an adequate lock on the front door to prevent entry by unsuitable adults and the childminder demonstrates sound understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe from adults that have not been vetted. She has a reasonable understanding of child protection issues and how and when to refer concerns to the relevant agencies.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Play resources are organised in a manner which helps to promote children’s free choice. They are easily accessible and provide sufficient opportunities for children to gain knowledge and skills across all areas of development. The childminder talks about encouraging children’s language through reading stories and their creative skills through drawing, painting and sticking. The play kitchen and toy workshop provide opportunities for children to role play and use their imaginations. The impact of these on the children’s development is not clear as there are no records or evidence to show what children can do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder shows a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving satisfactory examples of how she approaches a variety of situations for children of different ages. She states that she gives children a lot of time and attention and uses praise and reward to promote social skills, such as sharing with others. She uses discussion and explanation to help children understand about difference and diversity and to understand the needs of others. The childminder does not provide parents with written policies or procedures about the level of care she offers although she says she encourages a two-way exchange of information at registration and regular feedback. Contact details of the regulator are displayed for parents' information.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has insufficient understanding of the requirements of the National Standards regarding documentation, how long it is to be kept, and having records available for inspection. For example, the registration certificate is not displayed and other certificates, policies, and signed consent forms are either not in place or are not able to be produced. This is a breach of regulations. The childminder shows an adequate understanding of maintaining the correct number of children present at any one time, and is aware of her responsibility to ensure Ofsted are notified of changes in the household. Registers are completed on a daily basis with times of arrival and departure noted although the system for dating the entries is not clear. Overall, the evidence suggests that the childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, as recommended, children's safety has been improved within the kitchen area by sharp knives being stored in a locked cupboard. In addition to this, the childminder has attended training in child protection issues and obtained books that reflect positive images of ethnicity, gender and culture. However, the childminder has failed to address the action set and to have all records relating to childminding activities accessible and available for inspection. It is, therefore, not possible to verify all details of childminding activities since the last inspection. This is a breach of regulations.

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Improvements 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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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: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible and available for inspection at all times • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements for documentation set out in regulations 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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