Childminder in Kirklees

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 EY296099 Inspection date 04/11/2008 Inspector Anne Bennett

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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 2004 and lives in a semi-detached property in Kirkburton. The open plan dining, kitchen, lounge area, conservatory and toilet downstairs are used for childminding. There is a garden to the rear of the property for outdoor play. The premises are accessed via the driveway to the front of the property. The family has one cat and a rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and currently minds four children in the early years age group and one in the later years age group. Care is offered between the hours of 07.45 and 18.45 Monday to Friday.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children can independently access a range of resources and play opportunities in a comfortable and welcoming environment where their health is effectively fostered. Progress is restricted because of the childminder's limited understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), particularly in relation to the learning and development requirements. Adequate information about day to day care needs, activities and routines are appropriately communicated to parents, however, they are not sufficiently involved in promoting children's learning and development. Policies and procedures are rudimentary and lacking in detail and several legal requirements are not being met, compromising children's overall welfare and safety. The childminder has begun to reflect on her practice, however, formal self evaluation systems are not currently in place to evaluate and monitor the quality of the provision.

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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 understanding and awareness of safeguarding procedures in order to protect and keep children safe (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 12/12/2008  ensure risk assessments are conducted and reviewed regularly (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 12/12/2008  become familiar with the early learning goals and use sensitive observational assessment in order to plan to 12/12/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 meet children's individual needs (Organisation)  plan and provide experiences which are appropriate to each child's stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals (Organisation) 12/12/2008 To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 carry out regular evacuation drills, recording details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  consider ways to reflect more actively on practice to improve outcomes for children  further develop strategies for involving parents and other early years providers in children's learning and development

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provision

The childminder understands that she is responsible for safeguarding children's welfare, however, knowledge of child protection procedures is not sufficiently sound to ensure that children are effectively safeguarded. Written risk assessments are not conducted and regularly reviewed in order to manage or eliminate risks to children. A basic fire evacuation plan is in place but is not currently practised with children to support them to learn about danger and how to keep themselves safe. Policies and procedures are basic and are not used effectively to monitor, review and improve practice despite being shared appropriately with parents and carers.

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provision

The setting is clean, well maintained and comfortable for children, and the layout on one level lends itself well to independent and group activities. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to diversity and difference so children learn to value difference in others. All children have the opportunity to join in through the use of a range of age appropriate resources. A regular two way flow of information with parents is maintained as they are encouraged to share what they know about their child, particularly at the point of admission. Levels of engagement with each child and their family are adequate, however, there is insufficient emphasis placed on overcoming barriers to focusing on children's learning and development, including establishing links with other early years providers.

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provision

Self evaluation is in the initial stages and the childminder can verbally identify some strengths and areas for improvement within the setting. The recommendations made at the last inspection have been appropriately addressed and training on the use of empathy dolls and outdoor play is planned for the future.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder knows the children in her care well and creates a comfortable and settled environment for them, with an effective range of resources including books, musical instruments, mark making materials, role play items, jigsaws and dressing up clothes. A variety of play based activities are enjoyed by the children who attend This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the setting, but they are not offered an effective balance of opportunities across all areas of learning. Children are happy and settled as they take part in collage activities with the childminder, discussing the different types of foam animals, colours and shapes available. The childminder uses positive praise and encouragement which helps to develop children's self esteem, for example, 'Well done, that is a lovely picture.'

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Despite attended training on the EYFS framework, the childminder's knowledge of the learning and development requirements is limited and demonstrates an insufficient focus on raising achievement. Planning systems are basic, lacking emphasis on children's individual learning needs and there is little awareness of the availability of additional support systems. Scrap books are currently used to collate and present children's pictures, however, progress is restricted by the absence of observations and assessments in order to monitor development. Activities and opportunities available to children lack clear focus on the early learning goals and do not effectively deliver challenging experiences for each individual child.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is not proactive in developing children's awareness of danger and how to stay safe inside and outside the setting. Procedures, such as evacuation of the property, assessment of risk on outings and systems for monitoring and introducing adults into the setting are not communicated effectively. Since the last inspection, steps have been taken to address children's nutritional requirements and meals are now provided on a daily basis to ensure that children receive a healthy, balanced diet. The setting makes use of the local area and public spaces, such as parks to support the learning environment and encourage children to understand the benefits of physical play. Necessary steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection when children are ill and effective hygiene practices are encouraged and reinforced. Low level toys and equipment enable children to enjoy making independent choices about their own play. Children are given time and space to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

pursue their own interests, such as taking turns to skip and step along a musical mat and the childminder provides support and alternative activities when appropriate. 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? 4

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 4 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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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.

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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:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 provide written statements of safeguarding procedures and complaints procedures and share them with parents (Providing information to parents) 12/12/2008

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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:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified above 12/12/2008 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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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