Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY217407 Unique Reference Number 20 December 2007 Inspection date Kate Bryan 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 in a house in Leicester City with her adult son. Within the home children have access to the lounge, kitchen, toilet and garden. The childminder is registered to look after three children and currently has one child on roll. There were no children present during the inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder regularly attends a carer and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. The childminder describes how children would be suitably protected from the risks of infection and cross contamination by the use of liquid soap and wet wipes. They would also learn about good hygiene practices by routine hand washing and discussion. The childminder describes how nappies would be changed on a changing mat and this would be cleaned with anti-bacterial spray to promote good hygiene. She talks about how children would be suitably cared for if they become ill and makes sure parents are aware of this when they visit her. However, the

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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 childminder does not have a current first aid certificate or consent for emergency medical treatment which means children's health is compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder talks about how she has agreed children's routines for sleep and rest with parents. She explains how she would provide a suitable range of physical activities daily in the garden and how she regularly uses the park which has large equipment for children to use. Children would also have physical activities indoors such as movement and music so they have exercise throughout the year.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory awareness of promoting children's knowledge of healthy eating. For example, she talks about how snacks consisting of fruit and drinks with no added sugar would always be available for children. Parents supply food for children at present. The childminder describes how children would develop a suitable awareness of healthy eating as they accompany her on shopping trips and help her to make chapattis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The childminder demonstrates how she has organised the home so she can monitor children in all rooms, this means she is with them in the kitchen and garden. The childminder talks about how resources would be rotated for younger children whilst she would explain to older children what is available so they could make their own choices of activities. She explains how all resources are new which means they are in line with current safety standards. Regular cleaning also ensures safety is well promoted. The childminder talks about the suitable range of measures she has in place to ensure children's safety and uses examples such as having a guard around low level glass and ensuring the front door is always locked. However, she does not have public liability insurance, smoke detectors are not in place and a fence panel is down which means children's safety is compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder explains how she would help children to learn about their own safety through practising the emergency evacuation procedure. The childminder describes how she would protect children as she recognises signs of abuse and knows the appropriate authorities to contact to keep them safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder explains how she would talk to children about safe road crossing when they are out so they learn to be responsible for their own safety. Within the home she would explain to them about the consequences of actions such as running so they learn about hazards and how to avoid these.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder describes how she would provide a suitable range of activities for children of all ages. She explains how older children would be able to experience a suitable range of activities such as completing their homework or playing games. Younger children would have the opportunity to read books, take part in art and craft activities and experience puzzles. Their imagination and creativity would be encouraged by activities such as dressing up. She talks about providing a suitable range of trips out for children to places such as the park, local shops and Twin Lakes so they gain an awareness of the wider world. The childminder explains how she would promote children's communication skills by talking and listening to them and by giving them opportunities to socialise with others, for example at a carer and toddler group.

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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 The childminder also talks about developing children's number and letter recognition by using resources such as books and by building counting into routine activities such as counting cars when they are out.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder talks about how children would be made to feel welcome in her home by talking to them about things they have done and by giving them lots of cuddles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a suitable awareness of promoting equal opportunities and welcomes all children to the home. She explains how children could learn about other cultures by acknowledging a range of festivals such as Diwali and Christmas. The childminder explains that all children would have access to all toys so they have equal opportunities to learn through play. The childminder talks about how children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities would be involved in all activities and how she would ensure parents are made aware of any extra help that they may require.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder explains how she would work with parents to ensure she has all the relevant details about children to ensure their needs are suitably met. However, these are not recorded and written agreements are not in place which means children's safety is compromised. She would also speak with parents daily so they are aware of their child's progress. Children would also take home work they have completed so parents can share in their achievements. The childminder suitably demonstrates how she would keep children safe by not releasing them to people she does not know. She talks about involving children in the routines of the home and gives a suitable example of how they would help to tidy away toys so they feel they have made a positive contribution.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a suitable awareness of managing children's behaviour and she explains how parents and children would be made aware of what she expected when they visit the home. For example, she would not expect children to run in the house. Children would receive explanations about their behaviour and older children would receive 'time out' to allow them to think about their actions. The childminder explains how she would reward good behaviour with praise and a treat so children know they have been acknowledged.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder explains how children would be encouraged to explore the environment and how she uses her lounge for activities and for children to sleep. She talks about the attendance pattern of children which shows they have good levels of adult input for the time they are with her.

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Organisation

The childminder explains how children would be suitably protected as the satisfactory organisation of the home ensures they are closely monitored and within sight or sound of her at all times. She would also make sure children are never left with anyone who has not been vetted to ensure their safety.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates how she verbally shares her policies and procedures with parents when they visit so they are suitably aware of how their child would be looked after. Her registration certificate is also displayed so parents know that she is suitable to care for children.

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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 However, the childminder does not have a first aid qualification or any records relating to the care of children currently cared for which means their safety is compromised. Overall, evidence suggests that 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 the provider agreed to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues; provide a suitable range of toys and materials to promote equality of opportunity; improve fire safety precautions by providing smoke alarms on every level of the house and make sure that low-level glass panels are safe or inaccessible. A guard has been placed around glass that can be accessed and the childminder has a suitable awareness of child protection procedures so children are kept safe. Smoke detectors are not in place which means safety in this area is not as effective as possible. Resources to promote equality of opportunity are in place so all children learn appropriately.

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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: • ensure that positive steps are taken to promote safety within the setting • ensure that a first aid course is attended which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure that all records relating to the care of children are in place and available for inspection at all times. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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