Childminder in TamesideOfsted inspection, 21 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 312025 Inspection date 21 March 2006 Inspector Angela Cuffe

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and three children aged fifteen, eleven and nine in Droylsden, Manchester. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding eight children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They talk about the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to prevent the spread of germs. The children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They are taken out on a regular basis to socialise with other children and benefit from fresh air and exercise. The childminder understands the issues surrounding the administration of medication. However, children's safety is compromised because the childminder does not have written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and stores some medication in the first aid box. Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from the choice of meals and snacks available to them. These include fresh fruit and vegetables and a choice of healthy drinks. Meals are mostly healthy with some processed meals provided by

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Helping children to be healthy

the childminder. She is aware of the need to consider parents wishes when providing food for the children in her care. Children's individual needs are discussed on induction. Children understand the importance of taking regular drinks. They either help themselves or ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children have a poor sense of belonging within the setting and have limited space to move around and choose from different activities. The environment is mostly homely but the choice of background noise is inappropriate and sets a bad atmosphere for the children. There is sufficient space for the children to play but the childminder keeps the door closed and restricts children's ability to move around and explore the environment freely. There are suitable arrangements in place for day time rest. However, the children are purposely kept awake by the childminder as they try to sleep. There is a selection of reasonable resources for the children. However, these are stored out of their reach, which limits their ability to make free choices and use their imagination. There are some satisfactory measures in place to minimise hazards. The childminder has a fire blanket and smoke alarms. However, harmful substances, some

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

medication and sharp knives are stored within easy reach of children. The childminder's garden is not included in the registration because it is not safe and secure. The childminder has breached this condition by allowing children to play in her garden. These inconsistencies mean that safety for children is not always assured. The childminder has an adequate awareness of Child Protection issues. She is able to identify areas of concern but has failed to follow procedures set out in the guidance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is inadequate. Children remain unsettled and anxious about leaving their parents. They have little confidence and self assurance to enable them to play effectively either independently or with others. They make few choices and decisions in an overly adult directed environment. The television is tuned to inappropriate adult content discussions for the length of the visit. Children receive insufficient adult attention and support and make little progress. They are given a box of bricks to play with and retire to the sofa due to boredom and lack of stimulation. The children are not smiling or communicating with each other or the childminder. The interaction between the childminder and children is poor.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. Children are not given sufficient opportunities to learn and develop awareness of the world around them due to the childminder's limited understanding of equal opportunities. There are no resources with positive images of diversity, none of which reflect different abilities. This limits children's awareness of difference and the development of positive attitudes. Children are aware of their boundaries within the setting due to continuous reminder's from the childminder, she describes some age-appropriate methods to manage behaviour such as explanations. However, no examples of positive behaviour management explained or observed. The childminder develops positive relationships with parents. She has regular discussions with parents and care arrangements tend to be informal. The lack of written records and documentation does not adequately promote the safety and welfare of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has an insecure knowledge and understanding of good quality childcare and a failure to comply with regulations and requirements as set in the National Standards for Childminding. Some of the essential records and documentation are not maintained or adequately completed. The record of attendance is not completed and permissions to seek emergency medical attention has not been sought. The childminder does not have a current first aid certificate. The organisation of care does not meet regulatory requirements. This compromises children's safety, well being and development. Overall the provision does not meet the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to increase toys ands equipment to reflect diversity. This has not been done. There are no improvements since the last inspection. This limits children's awareness of difference and the development of positive attitudes.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) • ensure that hazards to children on the premises both inside and outside are minimised • plan and provide a suitable range of activities for children, which are appropriate for their stage of development and based on their individual needs • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and the National Standards • develop knowledge and understanding of anti-discriminatory practice and provide toys, equipment and materials to promote this • 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

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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 by the date specified in the notice.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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