Setting

Summary of complaint

On 18 March 2011, we received a complaint that raised concerns about the methods used to manage children’s behaviour; about children's safety outdoors; about maintaining children's privacy; and about the treatment of infectious children in the setting. We needed to investigate these concerns to see whether the setting was meeting the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirements relating to 'safeguarding and promoting children's welfare'. In particular, these include requirements that state that providers must have an effective behaviour management policy which is adhered to by all members of staff; that providers must discuss with parents the procedure for children who are ill or infectious; and statutory guidance that providers should ensure that all staff are aware of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality. In addition we needed to investigate this concern to see whether the setting was meeting the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare

p.1

Summary of complaint

requirements in relation to 'suitable premises, environment and equipment'. In particular, these include a requirement that states that the provider must take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children – both indoors and outdoors – are kept to a minimum.

p.1

Summary of complaint

We do not investigate to prove or disprove a complaint but we check the information to see if the childcare provider is meeting all legal requirements. We carried out an unannounced visit and found through discussion and observation that there were suitable procedures for managing children’s behaviour; that children’s privacy was respected; and that procedures for children who are ill or infectious are discussed with parents. However we found that the provision does not take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children are kept to a minimum, with particular regard to the use of crockery outside. Although it was not part of the original concern, we also found that not all outings are risk assessed separately and reviewed before embarking on them. Following our investigation, we issued a notice to improve that asks the provider to:

p.1

Summary of complaint

take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children are kept to a minimum, with particular regard to the use of crockery in the outdoor area (The Early Years Foundation Stage General Welfare Requirement - Suitable premises, environment and equipment)

p.2

Summary of complaint

ensure that for each type of outing a full risk assessment is carried out and that the assessment is reviewed before embarking on each specific outing (The Early Years Foundation Stage General Welfare Requirement - Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)

p.2

Summary of complaint

A satisfactory response to the notice has been received and the provider remains registered with Ofsted.

p.2

Publication of complaints

We publish details of complaints made against childminders, home childcarers and childcare providers where we or the provider have taken action in order to meet legal requirements.

p.2

Publication of complaints

We publish details of complaints for five years commencing on the date we complete our investigation.

p.2

Publication of complaints

For further information about the complaints process please view the Concerns and complaints about childminders and childcare providers leaflet (Reference no. 080120)

p.2