Childminder in Norfolk

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 EY375776 Inspection date 30/07/2009 Inspector Melanie Calway

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and two children, aged three and four years in a small village, near to the town of Downham Market, in Norfolk. All areas except for the master bedroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has some guinea pigs and four cats who stay outside.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than one may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children on outings to a local farm and on walks around the village.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate. The childminder's practice does not adequately ensure that all aspects of children's care, learning and development are successfully promoted and that all requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are met. The risk assessment is not fully effective in identifying and minimising all hazards to ensure children's safety. The childminder offers a caring and welcoming environment. Children are offered a range of appropriate activities but plans are over-prescriptive and do not take into account children's individual needs and learning styles. The childminder has only just started childminding and has not yet developed systems to evaluate her practice, although she uses the internet to obtain ideas and attends relevant training.

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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?

 develop the educational programme by making systematic observations and assessments of each child's achievements, interests and learning styles and use these to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child (Educational programmes) 17/09/2009  ensure that there is a balance of adult-led and freely- chosen or child-initiated activities (Organisation) 27/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  conduct a risk assessment, covering anything which a child may come into contact with, and record when it was carried out and by whom. Regularly review the risk assessment, at least once a year, and include in the record the date of review and any action taken, following a review or incident (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 27/08/2009  take reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children - both indoors and out are kept to a

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further?

minimum, with particular reference to developing procedures for the safe use of the trampoline, and the computer area (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 20/08/2009 To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop systems for self-evaluation to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development  develop systems to share information with parents about children's learning so that they are fully involved in the assessment process and in their child's continuous learning and development.

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provision

Children's welfare, care and safety are not adequately promoted overall. The childminder makes daily visual checks of the indoor and outdoor environment and has started to maintain a written record of risk assessment, but this does not cover all aspects of the environment and as a result some issues are missed, for example she has not taken steps to ensure that the computer area is safe and suitable. It is provided on a high counter and children have to stand on a low chair to access it or sit on the counter or a high breakfast chair. She allows children to use the trampoline with parental consent. She supervises this activity and ensures only one child can use it at a time, but has not developed clear procedures for its safe use and is not fully following the manufacturer's guidelines. Other aspects of children's safety are promoted satisfactorily. The childminder supervises children well. The premises are secure, with gates and doors locked while children are present and

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provision

the outdoor area is securely fenced. The necessary fire prevention equipment is in place. A fire evacuation procedure is practised and issues around safety discussed with children, such as how they would dial the emergency number if they had to, so they learn what to do in an emergency. Safety measures are in place for outings and a risk assessment for outings is carried out, although it is not recorded. Children are safeguarded from the risk of abuse or neglect as the childminder has completed safeguarding training and would seek advice or make a referral if she had a concern about children's welfare.

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provision

The required documentation is in place to enable the childminder to meet children's needs, such as systems for the recording of accidents and medication This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and parental consents. The childminder has developed a set of written policies and procedures to inform parents about her service. The childminder has a friendly relationship with parents and obtains important information about children's needs such as allergies, dietary requirements and preferences. She also researches information about children's cultural backgrounds so that she can make them feel welcome. She has only just started childminding and has not yet developed systems to exchange information about children's learning with parents. She uses the internet to download resources she can use in her service and has completed some training. She has not yet developed systems to reflect on her practice and

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provision

identify strengths and areas for development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning and development is not promoted effectively because the childminder does not have sufficient knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is not using observation to plan and provide for their individual learning. As a result the childminder is not identifying the next steps for their development to help them to progress and their individual learning needs are not met. Plans are over-prescriptive and do not arise from children's own achievements or interests. As a result, there is not a balance of adult-led and freely-chosen or child-initiated activities. Children's free play is broken up in order to participate in adult-led activities. Activities, such as watching a 'Jolly phonics' video, do not interest or motivate the children and as a result they become bored and their behaviour deteriorates. The childminder spends time engaged in behaviour management rather than extending children's learning at this time. The childminder has some

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

good quality resources which are appropriate for children's stage of development and these are set up so they are accessible for children, for example books are available on a low shelf and a play shop is set up in the living room. She speaks to children kindly and encourages them to communicate with her. Craft resources are available in the kitchen for children to develop early writing and creative skills. Number puzzles and construction toys are available for children to problem-solve and learn mathematical skills and the childminder counts with the children as they do a number puzzle. The childminder talks to children to encourage them to learn about the world around them and supports them as they use the computer and manage the mouse. The large outside area has a range of climbing equipment, swings, child-sized furniture and room for children to run and develop physical skills and is used on a daily basis. Children are settled and the childminder gets to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

know them well so that she can provide for certain aspects of their care, for example she knows that children need a safe space to go to if they want to be on their own. She obtains important information from parents such as how to react if they get upset. She gives praise and reassurance to children to boost their self- esteem and encourages them to share and develop respect for each other.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Overall some aspects of children's welfare are not adequately promoted because of the weaknesses in risk assessment and in the organisation of the provision to meet children's individual needs. Children's health is promoted satisfactorily. There are suitable hygiene procedures in place and children are reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder provides children with a healthy snack of fresh fruit and a nutritious lunch, for example, an egg This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 salad with home grown salad and vegetables. Parents' wishes as regards food are respected. Children's drinks are accessible and fresh drinking water is available. Children have opportunities for regular outdoor play and to be active. The childminder agrees methods of managing behaviour with parents and is positive in her approach. Children are learning some skills for the future as they learn some

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

independence skills and to take turns. 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? 4 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? 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

 undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment at least once in a calendar year and immediately, where the need for an assessment arises (Suitability and Safety of premises and Equipment) 27/08/2009  take action as identified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment). 20/08/2008

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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

 undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment at least once in a calendar year and immediately, where the need for an assessment arises (Suitability and Safety of premises and Equipment) 27/08/2009  take action as identified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment). 20/08/2009

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