Childminder in Hampshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY363849 Inspection date 04/12/2008 Inspector Anne Gunston

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her partner and two school age children in a house in Blackwater, Hampshire. The property is accessible and the ground floor of the home is available to children for play. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play and toilet facilities exist on the first floor. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a total of four children under eight years. Currently there are three children in the early years age range on roll. The home is within easy walking distance of local parks, shops and schools. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group. The family have two dogs and two cats as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers an inclusive environment and welcomes all children into her home. She uses informal methods to communicate with parents, to ensure she complies with their wishes regarding children's care. Although she has a positive attitude towards improving her practice in the future the childminder has not prepared well for her childminding role to date. She has basic understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and has paid limited attention to dealing with the recommendations made at her registration. Overall, this results in poor outcomes for children's welfare, learning and development.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the early years provision requires significant improvement. The registered person is given a Notice to Improve that sets out actions to be carried out.

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further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

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further?

 develop knowledge of the early learning goals (Early learning goals) 05/01/2009  ensure observations of children's achievements are used to plan and provide experiences which are appropriate to each child's stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals (Organisation) 05/01/2009  ensure that the premises and equipment are organised in a way that meets the needs of the children (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 11/12/2008  obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine before administration and ensure that these records are shared with parents on every occasion 11/12/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 (Promoting good health)  ensure that the record of risk assessment clearly states when it was carried out, by whom, the date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation) 11/12/2008

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further?

 ensure that the daily register is an accurate record of the attendance of all children on roll (Documentation) 11/12/2008 To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 increase knowledge of health and safety legislation with regard to provision of a clean environment and resources, and hygienic working practice.

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provision

The childminder is completely aware of her responsibility to safeguard children in her care. She has acceptable knowledge of child protection procedures and ensures that all adults who have contact with children are suitable to do so. The childminder is currently maintaining ratios and providing suitable levels of supervision for children. However, evidence indicates that in the past she has not complied with conditions of her registration, with regard to the care of only one child under one year at a time. The childminder has begun to implement some of the requirements of the EYFS; all required policies exist and the childminder shares these with parents to inform them of the service she provides. However, some records, which are a specific legal requirement, are inaccurate. The childminder does not include all children in her care on the attendance register; risk assessments and records of medication lack detail. The childminder does not share

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provision

the latter with parents after administering every dose, which puts children's health at risk.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has sound knowledge of the character of children in her care and is affectionate towards every child. Children are at ease with her and are able to play with resources, which are of interest to them. The childminder monitors which resources are in great demand, such as toy mobile phones and stacking bricks; she ensures that an ample supply of these is available to minimise arguments and encourage children to share amicably. She displays toys at floor level enabling younger children to make independent choices; at times, she sits with the children, involving herself in their play and praising their achievements. The childminder dedicates the lounge in her home for children's use and ensures that this is a safe, secure area. However, this area provides little clear space for play and the childminder also uses one corner of the room as a rest area for younger children. Children are not able to rest comfortably and quietly without impeding the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's toys and play materials are appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder gives some thought to the activities she will provide This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 each week and provides variety in and out of the home. For example, her plans include children attending an activity centre on a monthly basis to promote their physical development. Older children take part in occasional cooking activities and use textural materials such as moon sand, encouraging their creativity and imagination. The childminder has begun to observe and record children's participation in the activities, although her knowledge of the early learning goals is insecure. She is therefore not able to make a link between the activities and each area of learning to ensure children receive challenging experiences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates some understanding of how to encourage children to develop a healthy lifestyle. She offers snacks, which may consist of bread sticks or cucumber and is aware that children require regular drinks throughout the day to keep them hydrated. Children receive main meals, which are prepared by parents and served by the childminder. Children's health is protected by use of disposable wipes for hands and faces; the family dogs are kept away from the children's play area. However, the childminder's own hygiene practice is at a basic level. For example, she does not use gloves or remember to wash her own hands after changing younger children's nappies. The childminder's methods of assessing risks fail to identify that toys used by younger children require very frequent washing or that some areas of the home are cluttered and in a poor state of cleanliness. The organisation of the childminder's home does not allow older

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children to safely and independently manage their personal care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 3 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 4 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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