Childminder in Gloucestershire

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 EY375667 Inspection date 29/01/2009 Inspector Karen Elizabeth Screen

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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 lives with her husband and two children, aged 19 months and three years old. They live in the rural town of Berkeley in Gloucestershire. Childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor and in the enclosed rear garden. The family keep three pet rabbits and two guinea pigs. Local amenities include a primary school, playgroup, shops, library and a park.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of two children may attend at any one time. Childcare is offered before between 08.30 and 17.30. There are two children in the early years age range on roll. The childminder is able to deliver and collect children from the nearby primary school. Partnership arrangements are in place with another setting.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder has begun to gain an understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to support the different stages of children's learning. Parents are consulted regarding their children’s care, so that each receives individual attention to feel secure and settle quickly. Children's welfare needs are generally supported, but measures for keeping children safe are not always completely effective. On the whole, the childminder has addressed the points raised during her registration and has appropriate plans for continuous improvement to her childminding practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, in order to support all areas of children's learning and development through challenging and exciting activities, and to support the next steps in children's learning

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further?

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

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further?

 conduct a risk assessment and review it regularly, to help identify and keep potential hazards at a minimum, with particular reference to children's safety on or near the stairs, and in the event of a house fire (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 08/02/2009  undertake a paediatric first aid qualification which is approved by the local authority and consistent with the guidance set out in the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage (Qualifications, training, knowledge and skills) (also applies to both parts of the 21/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Childcare Register)

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provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of suitable systems for recording medication and accidents. She has attended appropriate initial childminder training, but has not obtained a paediatric first aid qualification. This is a requirement for registration as a childminder. The childminder is suitably organised so that required documents are in place to meet children's welfare and to ensure that they are appropriately safeguarded. For example, she is confident about identifying possible signs or symptoms which might lead her to be concerned about a child's well-being. She is also confident about the procedure to follow in these circumstances. The childminder's procedures in case of a complaint, are also compliant with requirements, so that children are suitably protected.

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provision

The childminder organises the day to spend time with the children in her care, as well attending to her own family's requirements. The indoor and outdoor areas, furniture, equipment and toys are suitable and generally safe for children's activities, and provide adequate space for their play. However, although the childminder reflects on some areas of her practice, she has not established a secure system to help her identify areas for improvement, such as undertaking a risk assessment, in order to reduce hazards for children. For example, she does not have a clearly defined procedure for the emergency evacuation of the premises, and has not fully considered the risks posed to children when they are unsupervised at the top of the stairs, when they all gather to wash their hands in the bathroom.

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provision

Partnerships with parents and others are beginning to be established. Parents and children are asked for their views, which go towards developing links and ensuring that the childminder's service is inclusive. The childminder uses information provided by new parents, such as the children's routines, as a starting point to think about their developmental needs. She records basic details about the children's day in a daily diary, and some family members take the opportunity to contribute in detail. This helps to promote to continuity of learning and care, and results in children's individual requirements being satisfactorily met. However, the childminder’s systems for assessment and planning are not yet fully functional.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development, through their participation in an adequate range of activities and play opportunities. Children also learn by watching each other, and playing alongside other children at a local children's group. Children's emotional well-being is supported through warm and supportive relationships. The childminder takes time to get to know new children and plans basic daily activities to take account of their interests. However, activities are not always sufficiently developed to support individual children's progress to the next stages of their learning and development. Finished work is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 shared with parents so they are generally involved in their children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's physical, social and economic well-being are soundly promoted. Young children enjoy exploring the natural and built environment in most weathers, for example on outings to feed the ducks and explore local shops. They also have the opportunity to be physically active, using the equipment in the nearby park. Toddlers and young children are afforded adequate opportunities to practice their fine motor control, such as when they are given the opportunity to explore the properties of play dough. Babies and young children benefit from playing on the floor exploring their environment indoors. However, in the winter months, they do not make regular use of the garden facilities, such as the sand pit.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about good personal hygiene, for example through discussions about the need to wash their hands after feeding the rabbits and guinea pigs. They are encouraged to develop good habits and behaviour appropriate to young learners, their own needs, and those of others. This is because the childminder acts as a positive role model and children respond to her clear house rules. Children learn how to keep themselves safe when they are near to traffic, but this does not extend to developing an effective understanding of the dangers of playing near the top of stairs, or how to leave the home quickly and safely in the event of a fire. 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? 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? 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

 take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 08/02/2009  take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report (Qualifications and training) 21/03/2009

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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 Early Years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 08/02/2009  take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report (Qualifications and training) 21/03/2009 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 registration.

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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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