Blaby Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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135825 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Julia Louise Crowley 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 12 in Bush Hill Park, within the London Borough of Enfield. The whole of the ground floor and first floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 four children all on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. Children are cared for in a clean, organised and hygienic environment, consequently, children stay healthy. The childminder follows environmental health and hygiene guidelines. For example, the childminder adequately risk assesses her home prior to the arrival of the children and all surfaces and flooring are clean.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about keeping themselves healthy through sufficient daily routines and appropriate expectations such as washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder also explains why it is important to wash germs away and helps the children to understand the possible consequences of not keeping clean. The childminder has all necessary policies and procedures in place, for example, the record of accidents and administration of medicines. Parents provide written consent for children requiring medicine or emergency treatment consequently children are appropriately cared for and parents are fully informed. However, the childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate, consequently, children's safety is compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide meals for minded children and the childminder provides healthy snacks of fresh fruit during the day. Opportunities for children to be active, learn to control their bodies and develop their physical skills both indoors and outdoors are sufficient. For example, children play in the garden with a sit on tractor, trampoline, balls and bats and walk to and from school. Children enjoy opportunities to use an adequate range of small tools and equipment with increasing control including scissors, felts and glue pens.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children move between the two main play areas freely; low level furniture means that children are able to access activities reasonably easily and sufficient use is made of the space available to ensure that children have room to play. A range of toys and play resources are made available daily, the childminder checks they are clean, safe and age appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although all areas are checked before use, the safety risk assessment is not fully effective and therefore not all hazards are readily identified. For example, electric sockets are not always covered. However, the high level of supervision and the appropriate expectations of children's behaviour, help to minimise risks. Generally good regard is given to fire safety, fire doors are appropriately used, the fire blanket is readily accessible in the kitchen and smoke alarms are fitted on both levels of the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's basic understanding of child protection means that she is alert to signs and symptoms that cause concern but the lack of understanding of local procedures and contact numbers presents a risk of children and families not receiving swift and necessary action.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children form warm relationships with the childminder and enjoy her friendly, relaxed manner. They are comfortable in her home and select toys for themselves and choose the activities that

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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 they wish to take part in. Children are involved and participate in games and activities that are appropriate to their stage of development, for example, younger children enjoy small toys that are presented on the floor and can access bricks and simple construction toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children expect the childminder to play a part in their game, and she is quick to respond to their requests. For example, younger children pass toys and objects to the childminder and she responds with smiles and chatter. Children gain self esteem and confidence from the childminder's participation, and thoroughly enjoy activities. Children's needs are effectively catered for and this ensures that the younger children in particular gain security and confidence within the environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder offers an adequate range of opportunities to promote language and communication skills, creativity, and physical play experiences for babies and children under three years, for example, story telling, rhymes/songs and outdoor toys. Although the childminder does not plan activities generally, children are provided with an appropriate range of toys and play equipment and she joins in their play, engaging with them encouraging participation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. The childminder helps children to settle by asking parents for appropriate information concerning their child’s routine and individual needs, for example, dietary requirements and any medical needs. She has a sufficient knowledge of each child’s individual needs which contributes to children’s well-being while in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children enjoy a sense of belonging as the childminder forms effective links with the children's parents so that the children become part of the family. The childminder works in partnership with parents to have agreed methods to manage children’s behaviour; the children benefit from the consistent approach. Children play with toys and play equipment that represent themselves and the wider community, encouraging them to have positive attitudes towards others, for example, books, puzzles, dolls and small world figures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All policies and procedures are discussed with parents at the beginning of the arrangement to ensure continuity of care for the children. However, the complaints procedure and systems for recording complaints are not up to date, therefore children's safety is compromised through a lack of information available to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children feel at home and at ease in a sufficiently organised family environment. They know the childminder well and are relaxed and happy. They receive adequate support from the childminder to support their learning and enjoyment. The home is organised to ensure that the children can play safely, and to effectively develop their social skills.

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Organisation

The childminder has relevant checks, experience and skills. However, these are not developed and enhanced by further training which limits the childminder's access to up to date information regarding current legislation and practice issues. Inconsistency in the organisation of paperwork and lack of regard to the National Standards and current legislation adversely affects the whole provision and therefore the setting does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide a range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice and to develop knowledge and understanding of responsibilities for notifying Ofsted of serious injury, death and infectious diseases. Both have been achieved, the childminder has a sufficient range of toys that presents positive representation of diversity that is easily accessible. Children are able to make decisions and choose independently from the play equipment available. In addition the childminder is now fully aware of her responsibilities for notifying Ofsted of serious injury, death and infectious diseases.

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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: • develop knowledge and understanding of safe guarding children procedures • update the complaints procedure and system for recording complaints in line with current legislation • 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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