Childminder in Warrington

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 EY317963 Inspection date 09/07/2009 Inspector Susan Patricia Birkenhead

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12, 10 and seven years. The family live in Warrington, Cheshire. The whole of the ground floor and some areas of the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. Family pets include two cats.

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Description of the childminding

This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll aged from two to seven years. Of these, one is within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder has completed required basic childminding training.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall quality of the provision is inadequate. The childminder promotes some of the welfare requirements to a satisfactory standard, which means children are generally secure and have most of their needs met. However, there are breaches in some requirements relating to risk assessments and documentation. The childminder's limited knowledge of the EYFS requirements means she is unable to clearly demonstrate a secure understanding of the areas of learning. Few activities are planned, observations are not completed and the children's developmental progress is not suitably monitored. This means their individual learning needs are not fully met and the progress they make towards the early learning goals cannot be clearly assessed. Suitable partnerships develop with parents to promote continuity of the children's care. Basic systems for evaluating practices are in the early stages and do not clearly reflect the childminder's commitment to the

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

continuous development of the provision.

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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?

 further develop knowledge and understanding of the EYFS and implement systems to plan, observe and assess children's progress in their learning (Learning and Development) 23/07/2009  ensure 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 23/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to both parts of the Childcare Register)  maintain a written record of all medicines administered to children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 23/07/2009 To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 review the safeguarding children policy to include accurate detail of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures  ensure the details of the evacuation drills practised are recorded  improve opportunities for children to develop their understanding of diversity, for example through the provision of resources and activities  continue to develop systems for monitoring and developing the setting.

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provision

The childminder has completed required training in childminding and first aid, and minimal additional training, such as EYFS. She knows the children well and talks about what interests them, which promotes a suitably inclusive environment. However, she is not using the EYFS framework to promote and challenge children's learning effectively. Most required documentation is adequately maintained, but the childminder has failed to record the details of medication administered and has not implemented written risk assessments. This is a breach in requirements. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the local child protection procedures, which is supported in the main by the written policy in place. However, conflicting information regarding the referral of child protection concerns means the policy is inconsistent with local procedures.

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provision

Parents receive a copy of the written policies, and daily verbal feedback makes them aware of the children's well-being. Information is exchanged initially about the children's welfare needs, however, this does not incorporate their developmental starting points. The childminder begins to give some thought to monitoring her practices by attempting to complete the self-evaluation form (SEF). However, details are basic and she is unable to clearly outline areas for continuous development. Appropriate action has been taken to address recommendations made at the last inspection and as a result, consent regarding emergency medical advice is now in place and fire evacuation drills are practised, but not recorded. This enhances children's health and safety.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder sufficiently organises her home to enable the children to move freely between the areas and select from play materials made available. She involves herself in children's play and at times attempts to extend their learning. However, her limited understanding of EYFS means there are missed opportunities to further challenge children and encourage them to become active learners. For example, when building with the blocks, the childminder asks questions about colour, but there is limited discussion to promote children's interest in number. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Also, their ability to concentrate is impacted by the distraction of the television, which was continually on during the inspection. Some photographic evidence is available to show children taking part in activities, but there are no systems in place to monitor their developmental progress, record observations and identify

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder generally approaches play spontaneously, regularly suggested alternative play to which children are responsive. Planned activities are limited to times of the year, for example, Christmas and Halloween. Children are taken on long walks regularly, which enables them to learn about the local community and contributes to their physical well-being. They explore the wildlife on the river banks and take a bus to the local shops to buy fresh fruit for their snack. They plant sunflower seeds in the garden and take great delight in nurturing them and watching them grow. This promotes their understanding of the natural world. Children begin to give some meaning to the marks they make when using the magnetic board, as they refer to their picture of a dinosaur. They show an interest in books whilst sitting with the childminder to look at pictures and name familiar images. The childminder explains they complete lots of creative activities, such as

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

making necklaces from beads, pictures using collage materials and models from junk. Children learn to operate the electronic keyboard and delight in the sounds of the different instruments by pressing the relevant buttons.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder sufficiently promotes children's good health throughout the daily routine. This means they develop some understanding of personal hygiene and receive some healthy foods. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder makes them aware of hazards by setting boundaries, establishing rules and outlining the consequences of their actions. Risks to children are minimised through the use of some safety equipment and the visual checks conducted. Children are encouraged to take part in all activities, therefore promoting an inclusive environment. The childminder is aware of the need to further develop the provision of outdoor equipment and provide play materials to promote diversity. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and as a result of the childminder's praise, they develop their confidence and behave well. 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? 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? 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: 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 (CR5.4) (also applies to the voluntary Childcare Register) 23/07/2009

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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 (CR5.4). 23/07/2009

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