Childminder in Herefordshire

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY285750 Inspection date 29/10/2008 Inspector Janette Elizabeth Owen

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her daughter aged 16 years in the city of Hereford. The downstairs of the property is used for childminding and is accessible to all children. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, not more than 3 may be within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder is currently minding one child within the EYFS and three other children in the older age range. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary childcare register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The care and education for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage is effectively managed. Children are well settled in the home which is safe and secure and has good opportunities to make sound developmental progress. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure that the specific needs of all children are met.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provision is generally well organised, the childminder has a business like approach to her work and a good understanding of the care and development of children. The childminder has begun to develop some systems to evaluate the quality of the provision, but these are not yet used effectively to identify areas for future improvements.

p.3

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.3

further?

 update children's records to include details of who child normally lives with  continue to develop understanding and procedures to promote inclusion. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 carry out a full risk assessment on all type of outings and review the assessment before each type of outing. 29/11/2008

p.3

provision

The childminder has improved her knowledge of childcare by attending training. This means that children receive a better standard of care. For example, the childminder promotes the good health of children well because she has attended This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 infection control training and used the information learned to make sure any risk of cross-infection is minimised. Plans to further develop her knowledge by completing a National Vocational Qualification in Early Years will also be beneficial to the children. The good partnership with parents' is based on effective information sharing. Details of children's individual needs, their routines and written consents from parents are obtained. Parents are provided with some written policies and procedures and details of the activities their child will be involved in. A photographic record of children's achievements is shared with parents. This

p.3

provision

enables parents to be part of their child's learning. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of equal opportunities and gathers information from parents on children's individual needs. She has yet to develop systems for supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities or children who speak English as an additional language in order to fully promote inclusion for all children.

p.4

provision

The childminder takes positive steps to promote children's safety particularly in relation to ensuring the premises are safe and secure. Risk assessments are carried out and reviewed regularly but do not include assessing any potential hazards when taking children on outings. Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues, although she does not have up to date supporting information such as Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines. Through her self-evaluation she has identified child protection as an area to develop further through training.

p.4

provision

The areas used by children are maintained in a safe and clean condition. There is sufficient space for children to play, rest and have their meals in safety and comfort. They can play with activities in the lounge or rest and relax, art and craft activities take place in the kitchen. The condition of the garden has been improved to provide a safe space where children can play, be involved in gardening or explore and investigate the living world around them. Toys, equipment and furniture are appropriate for the ages of children cared for and easily accessible. This enables children to make choices about what they play with and develop their independence.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing good relationships with the childminder, they are content and relaxed in her care. The children settle well to activities showing enjoyment as they use craft materials to make pictures or set up a game together using the dolls house and cars. The childminder is consistent in her methods for managing behaviour, this means that children learn to play safely and harmoniously. They share toys and help to tidy away after activities, they are helpful and polite. The interaction between the children and minder is good, they chat together during activities and enjoy settling down for a story. Praise and encouragement for what they do helps promote their sense of pride and achievement.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about being healthy through daily routines such as snack and meal times and hand washing. Regular outings and outside play enables them to be active and get fresh air. They are learning to keep themselves safe because they are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 involved in practising the evacuation drill.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Arrangements to enable children to settle well when they are first minded are good. They are able to visit the home prior to staying and the childminder obtains the necessary information from parents. The childminder uses information on children's interests to engage children in activities and opportunities to learn. Children who enjoy physical activities have their interest channelled into outside play. They can be active, use tools and a range of materials as they dig in the garden or play with toys. Good use is made of opportunities for children to explore and use their senses either outdoors or inside such as cookery activities. Children are able to explore the texture, smell and taste and to use tools as they stir and mix ingredients together. Children are able to expand their vocabulary and develop their communication skills by interacting with the childminder who uses sensitive encouragement to help

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

young children develop their speech. There is a balance of planned, purposeful play and exploration, both in and out of doors, with a balance of adult-led and child-led activities that results in children being active learners, creative and think critically.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Written plans record the activities the children are involved in, they cover all areas of learning and are appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children. Their development is recorded using photographs and captions to show that they are making progress. The information is shared with parents and used by the childminder to identify the next stages in children's learning. For example a topic on transport arose from a child showing interest in vehicles. Parents share in their children's learning by being able to contribute information on what their child can do at home. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

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

p.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

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

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Satisfactory How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Satisfactory

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Satisfactory

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 provide and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children. 29/11/2008

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 obtain a qualification at a minimum of level 2 in an area of work relevant to childcare, or training in the core skills as set out in the document ‘common core of skills and knowledge for the children’s workforce' 31/12/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been one complaint made to Ofsted since the last inspection. On 3 March 2008 Ofsted received information which raised concerns in relation to standards 1 (Suitable Person) and 2 (Organisation). Ofsted referred this matter to a third party and the third party carried out a visit to the childminder. The outcome of the visit raised concerns in relation to standards 4 (Physical Environment) and 6 (Safety). The third party set actions for the childminder to complete. An Ofsted inspector visited the setting on 26 March and found the actions set by the third party had been addressed and the childminder was complying with the standards. Ofsted confirms no further action will be taken and the provider remains qualified for registration.

p.8

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.

p.8