Childminder in Kent

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 EY350513 Inspection date 19/03/2009 Inspector Susan Jennifer Scott

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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

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.

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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 children, one of whom is aged two years, in Sittingbourne. The whole ground floor area of the house is used for minding children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years, of these, not more than one may be in the early years age group, and none may be under one year at any one time. She is currently minding five children on a part-time basis, one of these is in the early years age range. Overnight care for children is not provided. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends local toddler groups and is a member of an approved childminding network. She drives to local schools to take and collect children.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is inadequate. The childminder is not familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage resulting in some breaches of requirements. As a result, children's welfare, learning and development needs are not catered for effectively. The children benefit from some toys and books which reflect varied cultures and diverse images. The childminder makes clear her expectations and children behave well in her care. Children have access to a safe environment where they experience adequate care to protect their health and support appropriate behaviour. The childminder shares her policies and procedures with parents.

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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?

 use systematic observations and assessments of children’s achievements, interests and learning styles in all areas of learning to plan challenging, relevant and motivating play experiences for each child indoors and out, across all areas of learning and development (W4.1 Organisation) 30/04/2009  obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children (W1.2 Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also 31/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 applies to both parts of the Childcare Register)  maintain a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance (W1.1 Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 31/03/2009 To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 maintain a record of risk assessments including aspects that need to be checked regularly and a record of when and by whom they have been checked  provide a suitable range of equipment to meet the developmental needs of childminded children in the Early Years Foundation Stage

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provision

The childminder is not clear about the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and, as a consequence, some of the required documentation is not in place. The lack of written consent before children receive medication and the lack of an accurate register compromises children's welfare. Although risk assessments are not recorded, children benefit from routines which ensure that they are cared for in clean, comfortable surroundings offering them some choice of activities. Parents can access information about the provision through the policies and procedures which are kept in a file as well as certificates of registration and insurance which are displayed. The childminder does not liaise with the children's school's to promote their learning and development in the early years. Consideration has been given to issues such as safety, equality and confidentiality which are covered in the written documentation, and parents can access information on how to contact the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's progress and achievements have not been observed or assessed in the childminder's care. The childminder has not developed her understanding of, or skill in using, the Early Years Guidance for the Foundation Stage to ensure children are supported in all the areas of learning and development. She is therefore unable to effectively take account of their individual interests and levels of skills when providing play and learning opportunities. Children show some independence, making choices about the activities they want to do, by selecting resources and toys from the lounge and playroom. They have access to some technical resources to play, such as using the games console or the technological drawing toy. They are sometimes able to draw but the childminder has to get these resources for them as they are not freely available. Children enjoy chatting about their experiences at school when asked. They like to play with the toy cars and one child

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

shares a pop up book with others. No planning is used to provide for the learning and development needs of the children in this age group and children are unsure how to organise their own play using the toys available. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues is supported through her use of the policy which provides information about the records she keeps and how to share concerns to safeguard children. The childminder works with parents, sharing information about the care she offers and obtaining consents from parents for a variety of activities such as transport but she has not recorded written parental consent to administer medication. This is a is a breach of requirements. She has made some arrangements to safeguard children and shares her written procedures and policies with parents so that they are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

informed about her arrangements. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to protect children from hazards in the home although there is no written record of the risk assessment. Children learn about keeping themselves safe and the discussion of evacuation procedures enables them to understand how to behave in an emergency. The childminder has not completed the register of attendance for each child for some time, which is a breach of requirements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children experience a balanced diet as the childminder provides food and drinks that meet their dietary requirements. For example, children have a snack tea of toast with butter, jam or chocolate spread or meals such as shepherds pie, depending on the length of time they are cared for. Parents provide information about their children’s individual needs so the childminder can ensure these needs are met. The childminder uses clear instructions and this encourages children to learn good habits, such as sitting at the table to eat and drink. However, they do not benefit from secure hygiene practices regarding hand washing as children do not always wash their hands before fetching their tea and eating. 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? 4 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 in relation to written records for the administration of medication, and records of attendance 31/03/2009

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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 in relation to written records for the administration of medication, and records of attendance 31/03/2009

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