Childminder in Leicestershire

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

p.1

Unique reference number 225869 Inspection date 29/04/2009 Inspector Paula Hunt

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1996. She lives with her partner and her three children aged 17 and 14 years in the Fleckney area of Leicestershire. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding and is accessible with ground floor toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has an early years qualification and walks to local schools/pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a pet dog.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently eight children on roll, five of whom are within the early years age range.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate. The childminder has a limited awareness of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and as a result does not meet all requirements set. Whilst children have opportunities to participate in an adequate range of activities there is currently no planning in place or systems for assessing children's progress. Parents and carers are not effectively involved with the children's learning. Self-evaluation is not being effectively used to identify areas for improvement. The childminder's knowledge stems from her previous experiences of childminding and has not been effectively updated to enable her to fully embrace the recent changes in childcare.

p.3

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.

p.3

further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

p.3

further?

 develop and implement systems to provide for all areas of the learning and development requirements (Learning and development) 30/06/2009  maintain, records, policies and procedures required for the safe and efficient management of the setting and to meet the needs of the children with regard to the daily attendance register and obtaining parental consents (Documentation) 30/06/2009  improve knowledge of the EYFS and develop systems to self-evaluate and monitor practice to bring about improvements to fully promote outcomes for children (Learning and development requirements) 30/06/2009  conduct a full risk assessment of all areas used by 30/06/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children and take the necessary action to address potential hazards (Safeguarding and welfare)  implement a written procedure for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and keep a

p.3

further?

written record of complaints and their outcome (Safeguarding and Promoting Children's Welfare) 30/06/2009  notify Ofsted of any change of persons living on childminding premises and ensure that those adults living on the premises are suitable to have access to children, including obtaining an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure (Suitability of adults) 30/06/2009  obtain information about who has legal contact with the child and who has parental responsibility for the child (safeguarding and welfare). 30/06/2009

p.4

provision

The childminder does not evaluate her provision and this means that she cannot successfully identify areas for improvement. She has a limited understanding of the EYFS but uses her own experience to provide an appropriate range of activities for children. The childminder has the capacity to improve and has demonstrated this by addressing most of the recommendations that were raised at her last inspection. Children develop some independence as they choose their activities from a moderate range of accessible resources. They are familiar with the daily routines, which ensures that children have opportunities to play and learn indoors and enjoy regular outings to the park and toddler groups. Inclusion is adequately promoted by the childminder and resources, along with the activities provided by the childminder help the children develop their understanding of the wider world. Children are valued and respected whilst in her care, with a focus on supporting

p.4

provision

Most of the required documentation is in place and suitable records are kept for accidents and medication although the record of daily attendance is not accurately maintained to show what children are on the premises in case of an emergency, written consent has not been obtained to transport children in a vehicle and information about who has legal contact with a child and who has parental responsibility for the child has not been sought as required to fully promote children's welfare. The childminder demonstrates some awareness of how to provide a safe environment for children and has taken some appropriate steps to minimise risks. For example, cupboard locks prevent access to low level cupboards and the main door is secure to ensure that unauthorised persons do not have access and that children are not able to leave unsupervised. However, she has not devised a written system for identifying and minimising risks to children to fully

p.4

provision

meet the specific legal requirements and to ensure that all areas used by children are monitored and safe. As a result she has failed to recognise dangers, such as, toilet cleaners in the ground floor toilet and poisonous plants in the garden, as a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 hazard.

p.4

provision

Children are generally safeguarded because the childminder recognises the signs and symptoms of child abuse, although she does not have a written a child protection procedure that she would follow in the event of concerns about a child. The childminder failed to notify the regulator of another adult living at her premises and to obtain a criminal records check for that person which is a breach of requirements. The childminder has satisfactory relationships with parents/carers, and as a result, children are happy, settled, safe and secure during their time at the setting. She keeps parents informed about what their children have been doing both verbally and by sharing photographs taken on her phone with them. Links with other settings providing for the EYFS have not yet been established. However, the childminder does not have a written procedure for dealing with concerns from parents or any systems in place to keep a record.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and have access to an adequate range of activities in which they are interested. They move freely between the lounge and conservatory which is presented as a play room. The childminder gets to know children well and they respond appropriately to her. She encourages them to ask questions and be interested in what they do. The childminder sits alongside them and joins in, for example as they use the playdough. She makes use of incidental opportunities to extend children's thinking, for example, their play dough play facilitates a discussion about the shapes and colours of the cutters which leads them to identifying the same colours on the plastic table cloth. However, she does not currently plan for children's learning and development although she does know the children well and is aware of what they enjoy doing. Furthermore, she does not undertake any observations of children's achievements and is unsure how to link to

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

them to the areas of learning. Consequently, the childminder cannot be sure that all children have their welfare and learning and development needs met and that they are able to achieve as well as they can.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Behaviour is managed appropriately through suitable methods and house rules. The childminder encourages responsible behaviour through having a set of simple rules which all children understand. She develops their self-esteem through lots of praise and encouragement. The children are able to distinguish right from wrong and take turns and share toys and resources. The childminder encourages the children to stay safe and be aware of danger through discussions about crossing the road, keeping close by her when they go out, not unfastening seat belts when in the car and not talking to strangers. She ensures children are able to be active and understand the benefits of physical activity through outdoor play, walks and visits. She encourages the children to understand and adopt healthy habits, such as daily routines and hygiene practices because she reminds them about hand washing and sets an example for them to follow. Children make healthy choices over the snacks which

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

are provided by the childminder and parents wishing to provide a packed meal for their children are respected. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

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.

p.7

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:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare register) 30/06/2009

p.7

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:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 devise and implement a written procedure for dealing with complaints or concerns from parents and keep a written record of complaints and their outcome (procedures for dealing with complaints) 30/06/2009

p.7