Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY321172 Inspection date 12/01/2010 Inspector Angela Margaret Ellis

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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 08456 404040, 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: 08456 404040 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 January 2006. He co-minds with his wife in Ossett, on the outskirts of Wakefield, close to shops, a park, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor, including the bathroom of the property are used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. Family pets include a cat.

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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. When co-minding he may care for a total of no more than 10 children under eight years at any one time. There are currently 11 children on roll in this age group. The childminder also cares for children aged over five years to 14 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has completed the required childminding training and holds an appropriate level 2 qualification in Early Years and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming environment in which there is a varied range of toys and activities available to all children to stimulate their interests. He has a clear knowledge of each child’s individual needs and this ensures that he promotes all children’s welfare and learning. This enables all children to make sound progress in all aspects of their learning and development. Most of the requirements relating to children's welfare are promoted appropriately, however, those related to risk assessments and aspects of documentation are not fully met. The systems in place to reflect on and evaluate practice in order to maintain continuous improvement are in their infancy. Positive relationships are in place with the parents and he is aware of the importance of working with others involved in children’s learning and care.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 12/01/2010

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further?

 obtain prior written permission from parents for each and every medicine before any medication is given (Safeguarding and welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 12/01/2010 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  ensure that the risk assessments identify all aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis and maintain a record of when these particular aspects have been checked (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 12/01/2010

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure that hand drying facilities minimise the risk of cross-infection  develop the system of self-evaluation that identifies strengths and areas for development in order to maintain continuous improvement. Demonstrate how parents' views contribute towards it in a meaningful way and monitor the impact that the improvements have on the outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of how to implement the procedures for child protection to ensure that the well-being of the children is maintained. He understands his responsibilities in protecting children from harm. Most of the records required for safe and efficient management of the early years provision are maintained. However, the risk assessments do not include all aspects of the environment, which need to be checked on a regular basis. For example, the overhanging table cloth poses a risk to children and a record is not maintained of when these particular aspects were checked. Written consent has not been obtained from parents for administering each type of medication and for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment. This means that the requirements are not fully met in relation to documentation. A range of policies and procedures that inform parents about aspects of the service he provides have

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the early years provision

Steps are in place to prevent the spread of infection and children learn the importance of hand washing after using the toilet and before and after meals and snacks. Paper towels and antibacterial hand gel are available, however, a communal towel was used to dry the children’s hands in the bathroom, which poses a risk of cross-infection. The deployment of resources is sound and the childminder is taking positive steps to ensure that resources and the environment are sustainable. For example, the children learn to recycle household waste and many school collections are made on foot. The childminder has completed all mandatory training and keeps up-to-date with current childcare practice through accessing relevant publications and links with other childminders, with whom he meets and discusses current practice and emerging issues. The childminder demonstrates some ambition, vision and drive to maintain continuous

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the early years provision

improvement and has identified being more organised with the documentation required and possibly embarking on a level 3 course in childcare. The recommendation made at the last inspection to ensure children are protected from the harmful effects of smoking has been implemented; this contributes to enabling children to stay safe and healthy. The childminder has thought about using a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 system of self-evaluation and has accessed a copy of the Ofsted self-evaluation form, however, this has not yet been completed. He verbally explained how he reflects on some aspects of the service he provides, but he has not considered the impact that any improvements have on the outcomes for children’s learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder meets the individual needs of children irrespective of background or ability. He does this by developing positive relationships with parents and children and this contributes to inclusion, meeting children’s needs consistently and providing continuity of care. Friendly exchanges were observed with a parent on the day of the inspection and children clearly benefit from this partnership. Parents clearly expressed their satisfaction with the service indicating that they have no hesitation in recommending the service to others. Some parents telephoned the childminder to see how their children were settling in and reassurance was given. Parents are kept informed about their child's activities and progress through daily verbal discussion and in the assessment records. Some observations are matched to the areas of learning and are used to identify learning priorities within the planning. Effective links have been established with other providers, such as the

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the early years provision

local school and nursery school because over the years the childminder has taken and collected children. Information is being effectively exchanged from others delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage and used to identify learning priorities.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates that he has a sound knowledge and understanding of the learning and development, and welfare requirements, which contributes to promoting children’s welfare and learning. There are positive relationships between the childminder and children and he recognises and meets children’s individual needs. Children make sound progress in their learning in relation to their capabilities and starting points. This is because the childminder provides a child- centred environment in which there is a varied range of toys and activities provided. The childminder also makes use of resources within the local community to extend children’s experiences. For example, children go to the local park, which provides a varied range of experiences, such as playing on the play equipment, walks, and space to run and play in safe open areas. Trusting relationships have been developed between the childminder and the children, which increases their

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and outcomes for children

sense of well-being and confidence, and demonstrates that they feel safe.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides varied resources that represent diversity to help children learn about the society they live in. They are supported by the childminder at appropriate times, demonstrating that he understands when and when not to intervene. All the children receive the individual support they need which contributes to inclusive practice. They are given time and space to enjoy and achieve by being able to play independently. Babies were observed to be very inquisitive and interested in the exploration of their environment. For example, crawling and pulling themselves up with the furniture, clearly demonstrating their physical skills. They were also fascinated by the coloured spots on some of the equipment and expressed delight in the sound of the shakers and musical instruments, therefore developing their creative skills. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children have a balance between freedom and safe limits. The childminder understands that suitable types of activities and appropriate levels of support give the children confidence to take risks and try out new skills. They learn how to evacuate the home safely in an emergency and practise fire drills, and a record is kept of these. They are kept safe on outings and safety is reinforced at all times. Fluorescent arm bands are used during darker nights on their walk home from school. Children learn about the benefits of healthy eating and they are offered a balance of nutritious meals in which plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables are offered. Some parents provide food for their children and the childminder works with them to ensure that their child’s eating and sleeping routines are adhered to. The children enjoy being active and use the space to take part in a range of physical activities, which supports children’s physical development. Children learn

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and outcomes for children

to use good manners and to care about and respect each other through learning to share and take turns. Appropriate activities are provided that capture children's interests and therefore, they behave well. Children make sound progress in communicating, literacy, numeracy and skills relating to information and communication technology, therefore developing their skills for the future. This is because a range of activities are provided by the childminder that enable children to actively explore their surroundings with curiosity and interest. 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 2 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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 12/01/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 provide a written statement of the procedures to be followed in relation to complaints (procedures for dealing with complaints) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 12/01/2010

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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 early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 12/01/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 provide a written statement of the procedures to be followed in relation to complaints (procedures for dealing with complaints). 12/01/2010

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