Childminder in Staffordshire

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 EY348661 Inspection date 21/04/2009 Inspector Patricia Dawes

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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 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 husband and one adult child aged 18 years in a house in Little Aston, near Sutton Coalfield, West Midlands. The lounge at the back, playroom, kitchen and downstairs toilet are the areas of her house that are made available for childminding; the premises are accessed via one step. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The house is within walking distance of shops and schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children; she is currently minding two children on a full/part-time basis. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate. The childminder is not complying with a number of Welfare Requirements; namely she does not hold a recognised first aid certificate or public liability insurance and not all required documentation is in place. She has limited knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The provision is inclusive and there are appropriate partnerships with parents in place. Children are provided with a varied range of activities to support their learning and development. Self-evaluation and monitoring processes are not fully developed, but the childminder has addressed previous actions from her registration visit and identified areas for future improvement thereby demonstrating a capacity and commitment to improve.

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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?

 obtain prior written permission from parents for each and every medication before any medication is given and ensure that written records of all medication administered are kept. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 31/05/2009  ensure that a written procedure for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents is put into place and this information is shared with parents (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 31/05/2009  ensure that a current paediatric first aid certificate is maintained (Suitable people) 31/05/2009  obtain written parental consent to seek the necessary emergency medical advice or treatment for each child 31/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)  develop knowledge and understanding regarding child protection issues including procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against

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further?

yourself or a member of your family (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 31/05/2009  obtain public liability insurance for the provision (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 31/05/2009  develop the risk assessment record to identify all aspects of the setting used by children that need checking on a regular basis and ensure the record notes when and by whom they have been checked, and also ensure that the record is reviewed at least once a year (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 31/05/2009 To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop self evaluation to clearly identify the provision's strengths and priorities for development  develop and implement procedures for observation and assessment in order to identify clear learning priorities and plan relevant learning experiences for each child.

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provision

Children’s welfare is not adequately safeguarded and promoted. Whilst the childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms in recognising abuse and for reporting those concerns, she is unsure of the procedure to follow in the event of an allegation being made against herself or a family member. She has also not obtained a recognised first aid qualification, parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice or to administer medication. As a result children’s welfare is compromised as they may not obtain prompt treatment. She does however conduct emergency fire evacuation drills from her home and talks to children about ‘stranger danger’ and road safety on outings. This helps children learn how to keep themselves safe in an emergency. The childminder carries out a daily visual check of her home, however she has not conducted a formal risk assessment to identify and minimise safety hazards in the home, outdoor play area

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provision

The childminder's home is sufficiently well organised to help children access resources for themselves. As a result, children have the opportunity to make their own choices in their play to promote their independence. Children access the local community through visits to the nearby park and shopping centre in the town. The childminder is consistent in her approach to the children's behaviour management, which helps children to learn right from wrong.

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provision

Children and parents are treated with respect and individual dietary and religious This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 needs are taken on board and managed appropriately. The provision is inclusive as the childminder knows the children and strives to meet their individual needs. This helps to promote and develop children's sense of belonging. The childminder has contracts with parents and children’s individual information is recorded. Daily verbal exchanges of information are shared with parents at the end of the day. However no information that refers specifically to her complaints procedure is made available. A parent spoken to during the inspection said he was happy with the childminder and his child enjoyed attending. Links with other professionals involved in the care and education of the children are being developed.

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provision

There are no formal systems in place to evaluate and monitor the service being provided, however, the childminder is able to identify her strengths and weaknesses, has completed previous actions raised and responded appropriately to the issues raised during her inspection. This demonstrates a capacity for continuous improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled and benefit from a caring, responsive relationship with the childminder. She provides inclusive care during the day and they respond well to her undivided attention. She smiles and talks to them, giving lots of praise and eye contact to encourage their language development and social skills. The playroom gives all children opportunities to self-select from a good range of age and stage appropriate resources. The childminder observes children’s interests but does not develop this further to relate this to the early learning goals. Although observations of children's learning and progress are made occasionally, the childminder does not have all the information about children's progress and development needed to help her identify the next steps of children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are given encouragement to develop the habits and behaviours appropriate to good learners, such as, sharing equipment, taking turns and listening to others. Some activities are adult-led, however the childminder also allows children to investigate and explore on their own or in co-operation with their peers. Children enjoy activities such as role play, water play, baking, art and craft, and electronic toys. This supports their development and overall learning. Children have access to writing and drawing activities and books to promote communication, language and literacy. They have opportunities to solve problems whilst completing age-appropriate activities such as jigsaws, puzzles or role playing as a shop assistant or customer. They are able to discuss and access resources which positively promote diversity and disability. The childminder also ensures children experience a good range of outdoor experiences by playing in the garden,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

going for walks to visit the local shops or park nearby. This develops children’s knowledge and understanding of the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Clear daily routines are in place, which promote children's welfare. Children are learning about the importance of being healthy because the childminder has satisfactory procedures in place to reduce the risk of infection. Most records relating to accidents are in place. Clear boundaries for positive behaviour are developing, as the childminder has appropriate systems for managing behaviour in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 place. They respond positively to requests from the childminder, such as when asked to share the toys or help tidy away, which they do with some encouragement. She talks to them in a calm and positive manner. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement for their achievements and efforts, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They have regular fresh air and are encouraged to eat a well-balanced diet in consultation with their parents. They

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

learn about safety through discussions with the childminder. Safety measures are in place, which teach the children what to do in the event of a fire, and the childminder has fire prevention equipment in place. 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? 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: 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 a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (Procedures for dealing with complaints) 31/05/2009  ensure any medicine administered to any child who is cared for on the premises, is recorded and includes the date and circumstances and who administered it, including any medicines which the child is permitted to self-administer, together with a record of a parent/guardian/carer’s consent. (Records to be kept) 31/05/2009  ensure that an appropriate first aid qualification is held (Welfare of the Children being cared for) 31/05/2009  keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect (Arrangements for Safeguarding) 31/05/2009  obtain own insurance in respect of liability which may

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

be incurred for death, injury, public liability, damage or other loss (Insurance) 31/05/2009  undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment at least once in each calendar year, and immediately, where the need for an assessment arises and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 31/05/2009

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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 in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report. (Procedures for dealing with complaints) 31/05/2009  take action as specified in the compulsory part of the 31/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Childcare Register section of the report. (Records to be kept)  take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report. (Welfare of the Children being cared for) 31/05/2009  take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report. (Arrangements for Safeguarding) 31/05/2009  take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report. (Insurance) 31/05/2009  take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report. (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 31/05/2009

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