Childminder in HampshireOfsted inspection, 7 Jul 2009

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 EY319007 Inspection date 07/07/2009 Inspector Tonia Chilcott

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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 2006. She lives with her partner and two children, both of whom are under eight years of age. They live in a house in Allbrook, Hampshire. The property is within close proximity to school, shops and parks. All areas of the property are registered for childminding; however, it usually takes place downstairs and within the self-contained annexe area. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for four children aged under eight years, of which one may be aged under one year. The childminder is currently caring for three children of whom one child is within the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate. Children are settled within the care of the childminder and enjoy their time in her care. A system is in place to self-evaluate the provision but this is not linked to current requirements and therefore, has failed to identify that some welfare requirements are not met, nor has it identified that the childminder is not working towards the correct frameworks. Whilst the childminder does not have a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children continue to make satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals.

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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?

 keep a written record of medicines and treatments given to children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 14/07/2009  maintain a written record of all complaints and the action taken as a result of each complaint, making this available to parents (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 14/07/2009  conduct a risk assessment to identify any potential hazards to children, and review it regularly (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 14/07/2009  request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 14/07/2009 To improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  further develop knowledge and understanding of the early learning goals to ensure the children make steady progress in all areas of learning

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further?

 further develop hand washing procedures to ensure children obtain a good understanding of healthy hygiene practices and how these contribute to good health, particularly before eating  develop systems to liaise with other providers delivering the EYFS for children to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care  further develop assessments and planning to clearly show identified next steps for children’s progress which can then be measured against their achievements, linking the information clearly to the early learning goals  develop systems of self-evaluation to identify the setting’s strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children

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provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection and the procedures to follow should she identify a child at risk. Children are well protected whilst in the annexe of the home that is warm, welcoming and free from hazards; however, there are no secure systems to risk assess the remainder of the home and the childminder has failed to identify that some potential hazards remain and so does not meet requirements. The childminder has recently completed a self-evaluation of the provision she provides but this is linked to the wrong framework. Consequently, requirements are not met such as ensuring that permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is in place for each child, nor are records of treatments administered to children maintained despite having written permission from parents. Additionally some recommendations arising from the last inspection have not been completed. For instance, at the last inspection the

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provision

childminder was asked to make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint and to maintain a record of any complaints. This has not been completed and consequently doesn’t meet current requirements. Systems to share information with other providers involved in children's welfare and development have yet to be developed to include other carers involved with all the children. However, the childminder builds good relationships with the parents and consequently parents value the care she provides. Information is shared verbally at the end of each day with parents, to ensure that they remain fully aware of the details of their child’s day with the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They are happy and settled within the warm and welcoming environment that is bright and inviting. Children have free access to a wide range of stimulating toys and materials that are stored within colourful low level storage systems that allow them to make free choices. The self- contained annexe is used for the sole purpose of childminding and is decorated well with a range of commercial posters and examples of children’s arts and crafts. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The good relationships that the childminder develops with the children ensure that she has a secure awareness of their individual needs. Children enjoy sitting together to eat healthy snacks and meals and learn some healthy practices such as hand washing after using the toilet. However, occasionally not all children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating meals. The childminder is vigilant in

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

ensuring that the first aid kits are readily available both in the home and in the car, this together with relevant first aid training in place ensures that children are treated appropriately in the event of small injuries. However, there is no written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and therefore, a risk remains.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make progress towards the early learning goals despite the childminder not having a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and how to ensure that children receive a balanced curriculum during their time with her. Whilst the childminder knows the children well, the impact of her limited knowledge of the EYFS means that activities are not planned to extend children’s learning against the stepping stones effectively. Observations are completed but are not linked to the correct curriculum and therefore do not provide an accurate picture of progress. Despite this, children make progress as they take part in the good range of activities that the childminder provides, both inside the home and whilst accessing the garden. For example, children develop their imaginations as they make cards. They select the materials of their choice and concentrate for long periods as they create the card. Children count with the childminder as they count

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

some of the resources. Their imaginations are developed further when they choose to dress up as witches, putting on the large hat and pretending to turn one another into frogs. Older children recite their spell on the other children before taking turns with one another and then becoming the frog. They bounce around the room laughing as they make appropriate croaking noises as they turn into frogs. Children learn about road safety when walking to and from local preschools with the childminder. 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? 4 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: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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