Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY270315 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2007 Inspection date Sharon Watson 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 2003. She lives with her daughter aged six years, in Balby near to Doncaster town centre in south Yorkshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding five children under eight years. The childminder has a dog, guinea pig, hamster and chipmunk. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local pre-school group and takes children to the local park and library.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a clean and tidy home and good procedures are followed to minimise the risk of cross-infection. For example, a clear sickness policy is implemented and incubation periods of infectious diseases are adhered to. Children routinely wash their hands before eating and after toileting and know this helps to prevent the spread of germs. Detailed documentation

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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 supports children's health and welfare. In particular, detailed health records are completed and medication given to children is clearly recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children engage in regular exercise as they walk to and from school. They regularly attend the local park where they can run around freely, kick and catch balls and access swings and slides. This helps to promote children's balance and coordination and to promote their well-being. Children's dietary requirements are managed in partnership with parents. In particular, the childminder respects parents' wishes with regard to cultural requirements. Parents generally provide a packed lunch for their children and snacks of fruit are provided daily. Fresh drinking water, fruit juice and milk are available to children throughout their stay.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a child focused environment and are at ease in their surroundings as they confidently ask for toys. Rooms are light and airy and appropriately heated to ensure children remain comfortable. The kitchen area in particular, is used to display children's work and helps them to gain a sense of belonging. A good range of toys and resources are easily accessible to children and promotes their free choice. Toys and equipment are well maintained and checked daily to maintain children's safety. Equipment such as a small step and trainer seat support children's self-help skills when using the bathroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A risk assessment of the premises is conducted daily and equipment is implemented to ensure children can move around the home safely. For example, low cupboards are secured, fireguards are securely fitted and electrical sockets are protected. A good fire safety procedure is operated, in particular, exit doors provide easy access in an emergency and regular fire drills are carried out with the children. This helps them to take responsibility for their own safety. Children learn to stay safe when on outings, in particular, they are taught how to use a pedestrian crossing and cross the road safely. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of signs and symptoms of abuse and the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. This mostly promotes children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and are confident to speak and share their experiences. For example, during imaginative play they talk about cars, how they are parked and where they are stored. The childminder questions children to extend their learning as the car play progresses. In particular, children learn to differentiate colour and recognise vehicles, such as a fire engine. They mostly choose their play and some planned activities are provided to link with school topics. Children enjoy a range of outings, for example, they attend fun days, soft play centres, parks and take walks around the local area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's care needs are discussed prior to commencement of care and this helps to identify children's routines, likes and dislikes. After school, children are provided with a light snack and activities are very relaxed after the demands of the school day. A toy library is used to add interest to children's play and maintain their interest. Play dough is enjoyed by the children as they explore texture and use cutters and letter shapes to enhance their learning. A good range of dressing up clothes are accessible to children and this promotes their role play.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats all children and their families with equal concern. She respects parents' wishes, in particular cultural differences, when providing care for children. Their routines are discussed, for example, children's likes, fears and any special comforters are acknowledged to help them settle well into the setting. Children access a good range of resources stored at low-level to promote self-selection. They enjoy a good range of multi-cultural resources, such as dressing up clothes and books, and enjoy the celebrating of festivals. This helps children to learn about diversity and gain respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is committed to providing appropriate care for all children. Activities are planned to help children join in and learn at a level of their understanding. A written behaviour policy is implemented and shared with parents to ensure consistency when managing children's behaviour. Children are rewarded with stickers and praise to promote positive behaviour, in particular, for managing their own toileting and taking away their own plate. Older children are involved in implementing the rules of the setting and this helps them to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Comprehensive policies and procedures are implemented and shared with parents. In particular, a complaints policy and a collection of children policy enhance the care of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Space is organised well and ensures children can move around easily. Separate play areas ensure children of varying ages can play safely. Activities are organised well, for example, table top activities are used to provide children with messy play. Floor play is enjoyed by the children as construction and imaginative play is made available. Toys are well organised and promote children's independence through self-selection. Children's attendance is recorded up to date and adult to child ratios are maintained.

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Organisation

Children's care and learning are mostly enhanced as the childminder is committed to further training. In particular, the childminder is currently completing level 3 childcare training. However, first aid training has not been maintained up to date and is in breach of National Standard 1: Suitable person. Children's details are recorded up to date and stored securely to maintain their confidentiality. All required documentation is in place and available for inspection. Policies and procedures are reviewed as required to ensure quality of care for children. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the provider make sharp implements inaccessible to children and ensure toys and resources are clean and well maintained. The provider was asked to seek written parental permission to take children's photographs and to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. She was also asked to ensure accidents are promptly recorded. All the issues have been addressed to maintain children's safety, ensure their confidentiality is maintained and develop partnerships with parents.

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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 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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