Childminder in TamesideOfsted inspection, 25 Feb 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY279564 Inspection date 25/02/2010 Inspector Jane Shaw

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2004. She lives with her husband and one child aged 13 years in Carrbrook, Stalybridge, Cheshire, close to parks, shops, schools, pre-schools, other childcare groups and transport links. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding, plus access to a bathroom on the first floor. The children also have access to a rear garden for outdoor play. The family has two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range, and is currently minding one child on a very part-time basis, and a further two children in this age range on a full-time basis. She also cares for older children. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's learning and welfare needs are satisfactorily met. However, a number of legal requirements in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) have not been met. Each child's individual requirements are catered for and respected, and all children have equal access to activities and experiences on offer. They all have access to a range of activities and outings to promote their interest and enjoyment; however, the childminder has little knowledge of the learning and development requirements of the EYFS, which means that she does not clearly recognise what area of learning is promoted by the activities she provides. Positive partnerships with parents and carers support children’s placements. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of her childcare practice as a whole, but has not yet implemented systems for self-evaluation in order to identify strengths or areas for improvement.

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The 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?

 ensure that a written record of risk assessments for the indoor and outdoor environment, as well as for outings, is in place and reviewed regularly (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 01/04/2010

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further?

 develop knowledge and understanding of the EYFS 01/06/2010 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and develop systems to plan, observe and assess children's progress in their learning and development (Learning and development)  provide evidence of first aid qualification and public liability insurance (Documentation). 01/04/2010

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 implement systems for self-evaluation in order to make plans for continuous improvement  ensure the attendance register accurately reflects children's hours of attendance  keep a written record of fire evacuations detailing any problems encountered and how they were resolved.

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the early years provision

Required suitability checks were completed on the childminder and household members prior to registration. The childminder confirms that there have been no changes to suitability and therefore children remain safeguarded. The childminder has a sound understanding of her role in protecting children from harm and shows an awareness of the indicators of abuse and the procedures to be followed in the event of any concerns.

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the early years provision

The childminder adequately maintains most documentation required for the management of the children's welfare to ensure their needs are met. However, the attendance register does not accurately reflects children's hours of attendance, and evidence of up-to-date public liability insurance was not available at the time of the inspection. She is aware of potential hazards to children, and has in place appropriate safety equipment to minimise risks; however, the childminder does not undertake or record risk assessments for her home or outings, which is a breach in requirements.

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the early years provision

The provider has not undertaken self-evaluation; however, she is aware of her strengths and areas for improvement. She has appropriately addressed the recommendations made at the last inspection. The childminder states that she has recently updated her first aid qualification; however, she has not yet received her certificate. She shows commitment to developing her service and expertise by accessing further training, for example, food hygiene training.

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the early years provision

All children have access to a variety of resources and materials to support their play, learning and development. They independently access resources from those set out for them and freely move around the available space making decisions about resources. However, the childminder has little knowledge of the learning and development requirements of the EYFS, which means that she does not clearly recognise what area of learning is promoted by the activities she provides. Observations of children’s development and achievements are not completed and therefore their developmental progress is not fully monitored. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 clearly recognises that improvement to the service she provides is necessary to ensure better outcomes for children. All children are treated with equal concern and have access to the activities. The childminder provides individual support to

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the early years provision

children and as a result inclusion is promoted. For example, children have the opportunity to develop an understanding of diversity through their everyday play, access to some resources and activities and the celebration of festivals, for example, Chinese New Year.

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the early years provision

Positive partnerships with parents and carers support children’s placements and verbal feedback is given to them as they collect their children at the end of their minded day. A written complaints policy and procedure is not yet in place.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled, and the interaction between the childminder and children is very good. She offers them comfort and support during their minded day through the varied activities and opportunities on offer. They freely access resources from those set out for them, moving confidently around the available space and making choices about activities. The childminder knows the children well and what interests them. However, she is not using the EYFS learning and development requirements to further promote and challenge the children's learning. The childminder discusses each child’s individual needs with parents and carers prior to placement, enabling appropriate activities to be planned. Systems for observing children’s activities and achievements and planning the next steps in their learning are not yet in place.

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and outcomes for children

Children appear safe as they move around the room and as they seek support from the childminder. Risk assessments are not yet in place, but the childminder does undertake visual daily checks of the premises. The childminder has a fire evacuation procedure and advises that drills are carried out with children on a monthly basis; however, these are not recorded.

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and outcomes for children

Effective procedures and daily routines are in place to promote children's health. Parents and carers provide their children’s packed lunches; these are appropriately stored until required. The childminder provides children with healthy snacks throughout the day and an evening meal. Drinking water is always available and children freely access this when feeling thirsty. Appropriate hygiene procedures are in place; younger children’s hands are wiped prior to meals, and they are being encouraged to brush their teeth after eating. Appropriate nappy changing routines are in place. Children have regular opportunities for outdoor play and fresh air, for example, as they feed the ducks on the local pond, and as they enjoy pony rides at a local country park.

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and outcomes for children

A positive behaviour management strategy ensures children’s behaviour is good. They are encouraged to develop an understanding and respect for one another through sharing and taking turns with resources. Children are becoming confident and are developing self-help skills as they select resources for play. They are developing good communication and language skills as they make themselves This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understood through conversation. They have good mark-making skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to develop an understanding of mathematics as they use a variety of resources and activities to problem-solve, match and sort. They are able to count to 10 as they count the number of shapes on playing cards. Children have access to a variety of technological toys; for example, they use a toy cash register when playing an imaginary game of shop. Hand-–eye–coordination is progressing as they are involved in craft and activities that require dexterity, such as rolling and cutting with play dough implements. They show good imaginative skills as they play together with small world resources and as they are involved in planned role play opportunities. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

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

 formulate and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children cared for from abuse or neglect (Arrangements for safeguarding children) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 01/05/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 formulate a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints (Procedures for dealing with complaints) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 01/05/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure details of minded children are retained at all times (Records to be kept) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 01/04/2010

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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). 01/04/2010

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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 compulsory Childcare Register section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 01/05/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory Childcare Register section of the report (Procedures for dealing with complaints) 01/05/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory Childcare Register section of the report (Records to be kept) 01/04/2010

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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). 01/04/2010

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