Childminder in Swindon

Inspection report for early years provision

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506003 Unique Reference Number 03 December 2007 Inspection date Nikki Whinton 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 1996. She lives with her 13 year old daughter in the centre of Swindon. The house is within walking distance of the town centre, shops, schools, parks and the doctors' surgery. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed yard available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six minded children under the age of eight years at any one time and is currently minding seven children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of 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. There is a range of measures to support children's health. For example, written parental permission has been obtained to seek emergency treatment, children use separate paper towels when hand drying to reduce the risk of cross contamination and the childminder's welcome booklet provides information about her sick children policy. Correct administrative procedures are followed if accidents occur. However, written parental permission is not obtained when a child needs to be given a prescribed or over the counter medicine. In addition, written information is not obtained as to the required dosage or when to administer. As a result, children's health is at risk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of nutritious snacks whilst in the provision, such as toast, fruit or yoghurts. Allergies or dietary issues are discussed with parents as part of the registration process. These discussions are recorded and any needs accommodated. Fluids are available to children, although they are not actively encouraged to drink at regular intervals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children lead a healthy lifestyle whilst in the childminder's care. They have frequent opportunities for fresh air and exercise when walking to the regular programme of activities that the childminder and the children attend in the local area, such as toddler groups. In addition, they visit local parks such as Town Gardens or Savernake Park, where they can use large-scale apparatus to help build their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and rest within premises that are clean, well maintained and of an appropriate temperature. There is a designated sleep room available to enable children to have uninterrupted sleep. Children are able to help themselves to a wide range of attractively presented age appropriate toys. Such free choice opportunities help children to gain independence and a sense of belonging whilst in the setting. There is a range of measures to promote children's safety and help avoid accidents. For example, gates prevent children accessing the stairs or kitchen unsupervised, smoke detectors are maintained in working order, the premises are secure and a fire blanket is immediately accessible in an emergency. However, potentially toxic beauty products are within children's reach when they use the bathroom independently. As a result, they may be put at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is promoted by a childminder who has achieved a Level 3 award in Safeguarding Children. She understands the potential signs of abuse and the correct procedures to follow if concerned about the welfare of a child. There are effective arrangements for making sure parents fully understand the provider's child protection responsibilities, prior to a child commencing in the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children appear relaxed, confident and 'at home' within the provision. They enjoy making decisions for themselves concerning the activities or resources they wish to explore. For example, some children decide to investigate a small world farm, whilst another chooses to draw pictures

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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 with crayons. Children play very well together and are learning to share resources successfully. They greatly benefit from the childminder's active involvement in their play, such as when singing nursery rhymes, spontaneously sharing stories or showing a child how to use a stethoscope to listen to a doll's heart during imaginary play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have a very good relationship with the caring, friendly childminder and go to her willingly for hugs and cuddles. They take part in frequent outings, such as to the local childminding group. Such opportunities enable children to play with an even wider circle of peers, investigate additional resources and increase their awareness of their local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are included and valued as individuals. They benefit from the childminder knowing them well and appreciating their differing likes and dislikes. They are able to access an adequate range of resources, including books and dolls to help them gain an awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. Their behaviour is supported by a childminder who acts as a very positive role model and uses effective strategies such as distraction and encouragement to promote children's acceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are given written information about the provision, its policies and procedures, prior to a child entering the setting. There are daily opportunities for parents and the childminder to discuss children's achievements or any care issues. Separate appointments are arranged to discuss any confidential matters. Children's care needs are promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children's care and development are supported by an experienced childminder, who undertakes training courses in order to build her professional knowledge. However, she does not have a current first aid qualification. As a result, children's health is at risk.

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Organisation

Children's personal information is easily accessible to support their care, such as in an emergency. All documentation is securely stored and the childminder's certificate of registration is clearly displayed. However, the daily register of children's attendance is not always kept up to date.

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Organisation

Overall, 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

As a result of the last inspection, the childminder was given a recommendation to help improve the quality of the provision. The childminder was requested to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder completed an appropriate first aid course following her last inspection. However, the qualification has now lapsed. As a result, children's health is at risk.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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: • obtain written permission from parents when administering any new medication to children, which includes the amount to be given and time to be administered • 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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