Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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207747 Unique Reference Number 07 January 2008 Inspection date Jennifer Getty 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 1999. She lives with her husband and family including three children aged 13, 15 and 18 in a village near Alfreton. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom upstairs in 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 walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding two children who attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children are learning to follow satisfactory hygiene routines, for example, washing hands at appropriate times in the day. Babies are protected from the risk of cross-contamination as there

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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 is a hygienic nappy changing procedure in place. Children are protected from the spread of infection because there is an appropriate policy in place with regards to the care of sick children, for example, parents collect sick children. Details of accidents are recorded and signed by parents and although the childminder does not administer medication she is aware of the appropriate procedure to be followed. Information relating to children's dietary requirements and allergies are obtained to ensure their needs are consistently met. Parents provide food for children and the childminder ensures this is stored appropriately and safely. Children have access to drinks at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has not undertaken recent training in first aid which is in breach of National Standards and she does not have an appropriately stocked first aid kit. Children's health is therefore compromised if first aid is required.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are opportunities for children to have physical exercise and enjoy the outdoors as they frequently walk to the local school and toddler group. They visit the local park which offers opportunities for children to develop their swinging, sliding and climbing skills. Children also enjoy playing in the garden under the supervision of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment which helps them feel secure and comfortable. The childminder's home is warm and inviting for children as they choose from the toys set out for them. The childminder ensures there is a range of toys that are suitable to the children's ages and stages in development available. The toys are checked and cleaned on a regular basis promoting children's safety. The childminder assesses risks to children each day to ensure that the area is safe for children to play in and that hazards are minimised. There is a fireguard in place and all dangerous items are stored safely out of children's reach. Children are protected in the event of a fire because the childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure and there is suitable fire detection equipment in place. Children enjoy outings and they learn to walk safely to the toddler group and school, for example, babies are in pushchairs and younger

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder does not hold public liability insurance, potentially compromising children's welfare. Although the childminder has some awareness of child protection she has limited knowledge of the current procedures to be followed to promote children's safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They are developing good levels of self-esteem as they respond well to the positive interaction from the childminder. Younger children smile and make noises as they push the beads around wires and they enjoy playing with the toy kitchen, offering drinks and food to the childminder. The childminder plans activities that relate to the children's stages in development and she works with parents to ensure their interests and needs are met. Children are able to play with a range of appropriate toys which the childminder sets out ready for the day. They are developing good independence skills as they choose from the toys available and access other resources. There are some opportunities for children to enjoy craft activities such as making calendars and cards. Younger children colour and play with crayons. Babies' play opportunities are appropriately supported by the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder's understanding of the various stages in development.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder gathers appropriate information about children's needs, for example, emergency details, allergies, likes, dislikes and routines, which are discussed with parents and some are recorded. Parents have the opportunity to discuss their child's needs with the childminder promoting consistency of care. Children develop positive relationships with the childminder and respond to the consistent praise and encouragement. There are good settling-in procedures to help younger children leave parents confidently and they feel at home with the childminder. Children's self-esteem and confidence is promoted because they are all treated with equal concern and their individual needs are taken into account. There are satisfactory opportunities for children to find out about the wider society, for example, they attend the local toddler group which offers a range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some resources which reflect different cultures, although these are limited. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of working with outside agencies and parents to meet the needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand responsible behaviour and respond well to the childminder's gentle reminders. The childminder has appropriate strategies in place to manage behaviour which are appropriate to the children's ages, for example, explanation and discussion. The childminder works well with parents to ensure care routines are consistent with those at home and information is exchanged on a daily basis, supporting children's welfare and enjoyment. Children's safety is maintained as they are collected in line with arrangements made with the parents and by adults known to the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate which is in breach of National Standards and compromises children's health. Parents are not fully informed to enable all to work together to support the children's well-being because the certificate of registration is not clearly displayed. The childminder ensures that children are protected from adults because they are not left alone with minded children, although not all adults living on the premises have had the appropriate checks.

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Organisation

The childminder holds relevant details about children and emergency contact details. There are suitable written permissions to promote children's welfare and safety, for example, for transporting children in a vehicle. Children's safety is promoted because the childminder maintains records of their times of arrival and departure which is signed by parents. Time and resources are organised well to promote children's enjoyment and play opportunities. Children's home routines are discussed with parents and implemented by the childminder ensuring consistency of care for children and helping them develop a sense of belonging. Overall children's needs are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of the current procedures to follow relating to child protection; maintain a first aid certificate; ensure all accidents recorded are countersigned by parents; ensure children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity.

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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 Children's safety is promoted because parents sign the record of accidents ensuring information is shared appropriately. They are developing an awareness of the wider society because there are some resources which reflect various cultures, for example dolls and books, and children have access to some activities that promote equality of opportunity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

However, children's health and welfare is potentially compromised because the childminder has not attended first aid training and does not hold a current first aid certificate. Although the childminder has some understanding of the child protection procedures to be followed she has limited knowledge of signs, symptoms and current procedures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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: • obtain public liability insurance • develop knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board and obtain the booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - summary' • comply with conditions of registration with regard to displaying the certificate • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children, and maintain an appropriately stocked first aid box • ensure all persons over the age of 16 living on the premises submit to the vetting procedure which includes criminal record checks. 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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