Childminder in EssexOfsted inspection, 18 Apr 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309735 Inspection date 18 April 2006 Inspector Deborah Ann Benn

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and son aged 7 in Chadwell Heath in the London borough of Redbridge. The 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 a maximum of 2 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children under 5 years old, all on a part time basis.

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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 The family have 2 pet rabbits kept in hutches in the garden and a number of tropical fish kept in aquariums in the house. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment, they benefit from a good standard of cleanliness throughout the home. Daily routines, such as children washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating, help to encourage appropriate hygiene practices. The childminder is a good role model for the children, for example washing her hands after changing nappies and before preparing food. However, the organisation of resources does not consistently help to limit cross-infection. Although individual baby wipes are used fully for the baby and to clean older children's faces, children share one towel with the rest of the household after using the toilet. The childminder ensures that the care of the pets does not affect the care of the children and does not permit anyone to smoke in the home or in the presence of the children. Appropriate systems are in place to record the administration of medication

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Helping children to be healthy

and first aid, and a first aid kit is readily available. First aid training has not yet been undertaken. The childminder provides appropriately for children's nutritional needs. Their individual dietary needs are recorded and taken account of in menu planning and they are provided with substantial meals and snacks. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices; salad vegetables and a wide variety of fruit are attractively presented in bite sized pieces and provided daily. Children are provided with fresh water and fruit drinks throughout the day. Babies develop a healthy dependence on the childminder who is receptive to their specific needs, following individual routines for eating and sleeping which contributes to their well being. Outings to local parks and regular access to a well equipped and safe garden provide children with opportunities for vigorous exercise to develop their physical skills. The

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Helping children to be healthy

accessibility of appropriate toys and the organisation of space means that the baby is well supported to develop his physical skills such as walking and crawling.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have sufficient room to play, eat and rest. The use of the conservatory to store toys means that there is more space for children to play in the lounge, however, it makes the resources less accessible for the children. Good use is also made of the clear hallway to provide additional play space. Although they are unable to independently access them, a suitable range of good quality, age appropriate toys are made available to the children daily. Additional toys, such as a sand pit and small

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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 trampoline are available to support a range of activities in the garden. Good supervision and the use of appropriate resources helps to keep children safe. A high latch on the front door and a fully enclosed rear garden ensure that children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Although cleaning fluids are stored in an unlocked low cupboard in the kitchen, the childminder keeps the kitchen door closed when she is not in there and prevents children accessing the kitchen when she is. Appropriate use of the high chair and travel cot mean that the baby is kept safe if the childminder needs to leave the room. Appropriate resources are in place to support fire safety, smoke alarms are fitted and a fire blanket is wall mounted in the kitchen; although she has not yet practised a fire drill with the children, the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder is aware of escape routes. The childminder's basic understanding of child protection means that she is alert to signs and symptoms that cause concern. However, the lack of accessibility of local procedures and contact numbers presents a risk of children and families not receiving swift and necessary support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content. There is an obvious warmth between them and the childminder and they enjoy each other's company. Although the childminder does not plan activities formally, children are provided with an appropriate range of toys and play equipment and she joins in their play, engaging with them and encouraging participation. Children confidently make requests to the childminder for additional toys or a change of activity, however, their opportunity to self-select is limited due to space limitations. The childminder makes appropriate use of the television, ensuring children only have access to suitable programmes and limiting its use to better support them engaging in other activities such as imaginary play. The childminder knows the children well and responds readily to their needs and requests, helping to build confidence and encouraging them to feel welcome and at

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

home. Children's language development is well supported, the childminder shares books with the children, uses open questions and includes children in conversations. This also helps them to feel valued and supports their social skills. The childminder echoes babies' sounds and interprets meaning to their words, encouraging confidence. Although children have regular access to creative activities such as using colouring pens and pencils, glue and play-dough; messier activities such as sand and paint are only provided in the garden which limits their accessibility throughout colder months. Older children are able to access these through attendance at local nurseries but opportunities for babies to take part in messy play activities have not yet been planned.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 behave well and are learning to play co-operatively and to take turns. They respond well to the childminder's calm manner when reminding them of the behaviour boundaries within the home and follow her example of speaking with respect. Children play with an awareness of each other, taking turns and sharing well. The pre-school children are gentle toward the baby and display a mature and responsible attitude as they accept the need to share the childminder's attention. The children are responsive to the childminder's use of praise and acknowledgement of their thoughtfulness, encouraging them to continue and building self-esteem. Although the childminder has a positive attitude, children have limited opportunities to learn about the wider world, resources reflecting diversity are few and activities to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

help them build an awareness of each other's faith and cultures and those of other people, are not yet provided. Most documentation is in place to support a professional relationship. Written contracts are in place between childminder and parents, supporting continuity of care. However, some information lacks detail. Positive relationships developed between the childminder and parents help children to feel confident and aids clear communication. Daily discussions help to make sure that parents are kept informed of routines such as how long children have slept, what they have eaten as well as their general disposition.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. A daily record is kept of children's attendance clearly showing the time of children's arrival and departure and all available records are appropriately stored in a box file with an awareness of confidentiality. However, weaknesses in organisation adversely affects the service provided in a number of areas. The childminder is not able to demonstrate a full awareness of her responsibilities under the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. There is no record of children's General Practitioner or evidence of an agreement with parents to take children in the childminder's car or seek emergency medical treatment for all of the minded children. The certificate of registration is not displayed and conditions of registration have not been adhered to as the childminder is caring for more children than stated on her certificate. Although an increase in numbers had been sought, the childminder

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Organisation

commenced caring for an additional child before the amended certificate had been received. Particularly concerning is that Ofsted, as the regulator, has not been informed of changes to the household and this has resulted in an unvetted adult being resident on the premises. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 conditions of registration are met at all times • make sure that there are effective procedures in place for informing Ofsted of any significant events, such as changes to the household and also ensuring that all required checks are undertaken 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

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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