McGowan-Waugh Maria

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 EY304077 Inspection date 12/01/2009 Inspector Susan Marriott

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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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 2005. She lives with her three children aged four years, two years and 11 months in their house in the Kingsley area of Northampton. Access to the house is gained from the front garden path. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor, plus one bedroom and an upstairs bathroom for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There is also a toilet and utility room located in the cellar. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding one child for after school hours during term time only. The childminder drives to the local school to collect children and holds a recognised Level 3 childcare qualification. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

This childminder promotes many aspects of children’s welfare with success, ensuring that they are safe and secure, but required risk assessment is not in place. Children are well engaged in play-based activities in an appropriately inclusive manner, although the childminder has not yet become familiar with the learning and development requirements. There is a close working partnership with parents which ensures they are kept well informed of most issues relating to their child’s care and learning. The childminder does not yet use any form of self- evaluation to identify key strengths and areas for development.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop a quality improvement process as the basis for continuous self- evaluation to identify strengths and take appropriate action to address weaknesses.

p.3

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 conduct a risk assessment of the indoor and outdoor environment and review this regularly (Suitable premises, environment & equipment) (also applies to compulsory part and voluntary part of Childcare Register) 31/01/2009  develop knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (Educational programmes) 31/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification and has previously attended many professional development training courses. She uses this knowledge and expertise to ensure that children are kept very safe and demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of vetting procedures and safeguarding issues. However, she has recently returned to childminding activity after a significant period of absence and has not yet reviewed her practice in order to identify strengths and address weaknesses. The individual needs of children are generally met in practice although the childminder has not yet acquired knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.4

provision

Clearly written records, policies and procedures underpin the safe and generally efficient management of this welcoming and friendly, family environment. Preventative action is taken to address identified hazards and minimise the risk to children. For example, a safety gate prohibits children's access to the staircase. However, the childminder does not conduct a full risk assessment to meet requirements. Children can readily access toys and equipment and this ensures that they develop personal independence and the ability to make choices and decisions. The childminder devotes her time and attention to the children during minding hours, effectively promoting learning through interactive play. Effective links with the parents and carers enable the childminder to tailor activities to the individual children in her care.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is properly protected. Suitable documentation is maintained relating to accidents, medication and incidents and the childminder promotes suitable systems to prevent the spread of cross-infection. Clear and effective procedures are in place, protecting the children's health and well-being. Their behaviour is very well managed and appropriate strategies ensure their social, physical and economic well-being are appropriately met.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from independent access to an appropriate range of purposeful play activities provided by the childminder. During the inspection, the children choose to play with their dollies or watch suitable television programmes, as the childminder prepares a healthy cooked tea. She promotes appropriate conversation about the day's events and ensures that tea time is a happy social occasion. The children sit down to eat their meal at the table and chatter amongst themselves. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.5

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

p.5

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.

p.5

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? 2

p.5

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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?

p.5

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.5

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years Register section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment). 31/01/2009

p.6

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.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years Register section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment). 31/01/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

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.7

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.7

Detail of the complaint/s

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

p.7

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.7