Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY236417 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2008 Inspection date Alexandra Cole 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?

This childminder has been registered since August 2001. She lives with her partner and three children in a detached cottage in the Mereclough area of Burnley. The home is situated within close proximity to local amenities. This family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children and currently there are no children on roll. Children are able to access the whole of the ground floor of the property with the exception of the main bedroom. Children do not have access to an outdoor play area within the setting, however, children are regularly taken on outings and walks including trips to the park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. When a provider does not have children on roll at the time of the inspection, inspection judgements are based on evidence gathered from discussions with the provider and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation.

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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. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of how children's good health is promoted. She has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. She describes how children learn about their personal hygiene through their normal daily routines. For example, washing their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. Although the childminder has made arrangements to update her current knowledge of first aid procedures, an up to date first aid certificate has not been maintained which is a breach of requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the procedures to follow when administering medication to children and the requirement to record any accidents. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of healthy eating and has systems in place to record all of the necessary information regarding children's diet. She is aware of the importance of ensuring children remain continuously hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates an awareness of the importance of physical exercise. She describes how children are able to go on trips to the park and places of local interest on a regular basis. In addition children are able to visit local playgroups where they are able to further develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is able to take action to ensure that risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. She explains how she is able to keep children safe through putting safety precautions in place, such as a fire guard and a safety gate prevents children from having unsupervised access to the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of ensuring children have access to a range of toys and equipment that are suitable to their age and stage of development. Play resources are organised in a manner which broadly helps to promote children's free choice. They are sufficient in quantity and children are able to exercise their decision making skills through choosing toys and equipment stored in one of the bedrooms.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder describes how fire precautions, such as smoke alarms, a fire blanket and a fire evacuation procedure are in place, ensuring children do not come to any harm. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility with regard to child protection and that the protection of the child is paramount. However, she does not hold up to date documentation relating to this issue.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of activities that promote children's development. She talks about encouraging children's language through activities, such as baking and their social development through regular attendance at the local playgroup.

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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 is aware of the importance of frequent interaction with children and through discussion demonstrated a sound understanding of ensuring all children are involved in the setting. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of ensuring children understand right from wrong. She talks about promoting this through encouraging children to share and to be kind to one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of promoting children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. She has systems in place to record details regarding children's individual needs, such as their daily routine and their feeding and sleeping requirements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

She demonstrates a sound understanding of different behaviour management methods that are used in accordance with children's age and stage of development. She talks about appropriate methods, such as distraction and redirection to other activities. Through discussion she is able to demonstrate a commitment to working with parents in order to manage children's behaviour in a consistent way which promotes the child's welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of developing a strong partnership with parents taking into account their differing needs. She talks about ensuring parents have the opportunity to discuss and review relevant documentation. Parents are provided with information regarding their child's day through daily discussion, promoting continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of the required records and the importance of these. She has the relevant systems in place to ensure documentation requirements are met with the exception of ensuring a first aid certificate is maintained which is a breach of requirements.

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Organisation

Through discussion the childminder is able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of working within the constraints of registration relating to numbers of children. She is able to demonstrate that space and resources are organised to best meet the needs of children. Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would 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 childminder was asked to ensure the statement of child protection is shared with parents and to conduct a risk assessment in relation to children's safety whilst being transported in a vehicle.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Satisfactory progress has been made and children's safety has been improved because the child protection policy is shared with parents and a risk assessment of children getting in an out of a vehicle on the driveway has been conducted and identified hazards reduced.

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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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