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

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Unique reference number EY261711 Inspection date 13/01/2009 Inspector Janette Elizabeth Owen

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11 years, seven years and two years in Bromyard, Herefordshire. The whole of the ground floor is registered for childminding, and use of the upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed area for outside play. The premises is accessed via a step and toilet facilities are located on the first floor.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also provides care for children over five years. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provision is inadequate; although most procedures are in place to ensure children's care is promoted, weaknesses in the specific legal requirements result in children's welfare being compromised particularly in relation to their health and safety. Children have to access satisfactory learning opportunities that begin to support their learning and development. The practice is inclusive and the childminder is able to positively support children for whom English is an additional language. A good partnership with parents means that the childminder is able to support children effectively and provide information which helps involve them in their children’s learning. The childminder has evaluated some aspects of her practice and future plans are likely to bring about improvement to the provision. However, the childminder's self-evaluation is not effective in identifying weaknesses referred to in the report.

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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?

 complete an appropriate paediatric first aid course (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare: also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 28/02/2009  improve procedures for notifying Ofsted of any serious accident, illness or injury to, or death of, any child whilst in care, and of the action taken in respect of it ( Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare: also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 28/02/2009  maintain a record of aspects of the environment that 28/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 need to be checked on a regular basis and when and by whom they have been checked. Carry out a full risk assessment on all type of outings and review the assessment before each type of outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare; Suitable premises, environment and equipment: also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register)

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further?

 undertake sensitive observational assessment in order to plan to meet young children’s individual needs (Organisation). 28/02/2009

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provision

The childminder has an inadequate understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) welfare requirements. This means that children's health and welfare is compromised. The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate and a record of risk assessments, particularly in relation to outings children are taken on are not maintained. Most documents required to ensure the welfare and safety of the children are in place and written policies provide parents with detailed information on the procedures used by the childminder. However a lack of understanding of the requirements to inform Ofsted or other agencies of significant events means that some procedures are not effectively implemented.

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provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of safeguarding procedures in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines, this means she is able to protect children from harm or neglect. Safety equipment is fitted where required and children are taught about road safety to make sure they are safe when out on walks or outings.

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provision

The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. There are good arrangements in place to promote inclusion because the childminder respects diversity and takes positive steps to support all children. The support provided for children who speak English as an additional language is a strength of the provision and enables children to make good progress in developing their communication and language skills.

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provision

Teaching methods are satisfactory; the childminder has yet to consolidate her understanding of the EYFS to enable her to effectively make connections between children's learning and how to lead them forward. Plans are being developed to allow the childminder to focus activities on specific areas of learning but systems to carry out sensitive observational assessments have yet to be put in place.

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provision

The childminder has begun to evaluate her provision and has identified areas for improvement which include involving parents more fully in the process and developing individual care plans for children. However the process has not been effective in identifying the weaknesses identified in the report. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a homely environment where they can play, rest and eat in comfort and safety. A good diet of freshly prepared meals and regular access to physical activity helps promote a healthy lifestyle. The childminder talks to children about safety in the home and when on outings, and activities such as stories raise their awareness of personal safety. This helps them learn to keep themselves safe.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good quality resources are provided which are set out so that children can access them independently and set up games either alone or with other children. The childminder interacts in children's play when appropriate allowing children to play on their own, developing their own games or by joining in to help children grasp new concepts and ideas. Good use is made of role play to enable children to develop their vocabulary and understanding of new words in relation to everyday items such as cups, plates and utensils.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Although space is limited both indoors and outside, children are able to participate in a varied range of activities which covers all areas of learning. The childminder is developing links between the activities and children's developmental needs so that she can use activities to help children move on to the next steps in their learning. Children enjoy using small-world toys, acting out their own experiences using houses and vehicles or sorting and matching dinosaurs and animals, identifying different sizes and features of the animals. Regular outings enable children to learn about the community in which they live and observe wildlife, plants and animals. Special occasions and events such as Halloween and Christmas are celebrated and shared with children and families. The childminder talks to parents about events they celebrate so she can make children feel welcome and include these events to raise children's awareness of the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes good behaviour using positive strategies to manage behaviour and help children to learn right from wrong. They are encouraged to share toys and show concern for others. They are generally helpful and polite helping to keep the area tidy, to put away toys when they have finished playing with them. This helps them keep safe and develop respect for the toys and activities. 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? 2 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: 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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare; Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 28/02/2009

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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

 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’ (Qualifications and training) 31/01/2010  take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare; Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 28/02/2009 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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