Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY333791 Inspection date 25/11/2009 Inspector Lindsay Helen Dobson

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

p.2

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.3

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.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 2006. The childminder has three children aged 18, 13 and 7 years. The family live in a townhouse in Wakefield city centre. The home is close to shops, schools and railway networks. The ground floor of the home is used for childcare purposes and toilet facilities are available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have two dogs and a cat.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. There are currently seven children on roll, of which, three are in the early years age range.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children benefit from a welcoming and safe environment. They are provided with a suitable range of play resources and experiences. Children are happy and settled during their time at the setting and are progressing steadily in their learning. Systems for observation and assessment are developing; however, these are not yet fully effective. The childminder provides an inclusive setting for all children, where all their individual needs are being met. The childminder has identified that her additional training will benefit her practice, showing she has the capacity to improve. The childminder has policies and procedures in place; most of which are up to date and reflect practice, however, a record of risk assessments has not yet been implemented.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 make a record of risk assessments clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Suitable premises, environment and equipment)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 23/12/2009

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure all policies and procedures are available for inspection, up to date and reflect current practice  develop children's observation and assessment records, to ensure they are up This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to date, reflect all areas of learning and clearly show children's next steps

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of her role in safeguarding children, the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. Adults in the home are suitably vetted and the childminder ensures children are well supervised at all times. Any visitors to the setting are required to sign a visitor's book. The childminder's home and garden are safe for children and the childminder carries out daily checks before children arrive. She has implemented safety features such as cupboard locks, a fire blanket and a stair gate. However, she does not maintain records of the risk assessments she carries out and this is a breach of regulations. Emergency evacuation drills are practised regularly, which ensure all children are kept safe in the event of an emergency.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has started to self-evaluate her service, although this process is in the early stages. She has obtained a hard copy of the Ofsted self-evaluation form to use as the basis for this. She is committed to improving the service she provides and is now making effective use of training opportunities and improving her knowledge and skills. The childminder is beginning to recognise her strengths and areas for improvement and is currently completing her level 3 in childcare to enhance her provision. The childminder has met the recommendations raised at the last inspection by completing a recognised first aid qualification, obtaining parental consents and developing the opportunities children have to learn about diversity and the wider world. She has developed a sound range of resources which includes, dressing up clothes, dolls and books. The childminder is now aware of cultural festivals, children's own backgrounds and their individual needs. She

p.5

the early years provision

ensures a fully inclusive environment is provided.

p.5

the early years provision

Suitable procedures are in place to work with parents. The childminder discusses and shares written policies with them outlining how she works prior to their child starting. However, some of these policies do not consistently reflect current practice and they were not initially available for inspection. Daily verbal feedback ensures that parents are kept informed about their child's learning and care. The childminder gathers relevant information in order to meet children's welfare needs, for example, diet and medical requirements. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards sharing and gathering information about children with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). For example, she sent a questionnaire to the local school to find out about children's current learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The children have fun, are occupied and interested in the activities available in the main and are generally well supported in their play by the childminder. The childminder is developing a sound knowledge of the learning, development and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 welfare requirements in line with the EYFS, which enables her to provide a generally suitable curriculum for the children. She uses a reasonable range of methods and a varied range of resources to provide sufficient activities and experiences to meet children's needs. These include a variety of indoor and outside activities which help the children to progress in line with the early learning goals.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Sensitive observations of the children's development are recorded and are beginning to reflect the six areas of learning. The childminder is still developing these systems and is aware that further development is necessary. Her inconsistent approach does not ensure that they are used effectively to highlight if there are any gaps in children's learning or enable her to effectively identify the next steps in their progress. Children are making steady progress in their learning, through activities, such as play dough, creating their own ideas through art and craft activities, dressing up and using small world resources. Younger children are beginning to problem solve as they attempt to fit the car track together, recognising the different sizes and shapes, whilst receiving appropriate support from the childminder.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children respond positively to the childminder, displaying clear and appropriate attachments. They are observed to be settled and beginning to make choices about what they want to play with. The childminder works with children at floor level and joins in with their play. For example, as the children try on a range of dressing up clothes, the childminder dresses up too and plays along with them. She enthusiastically encourages and praises young children's achievements. Their behaviour is consistently managed in a way which is appropriate for their stage of development and the childminder routinely reinforces boundaries. The childminder is attentive, showing genuine interest and creating consistent positive interactions which enable children to feel secure. Young children chatter to their friends and the childminder, responding well to the childminder who is interested in what they say and do.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder provides children with support that enables them to begin to understand how to keep themselves safe from harm. For example, they learn about road safety and stranger danger when on outings. Children are adopting healthy lifestyles as the childminder provides them with healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. These are home cooked and contain fresh produce such as meat and vegetables. Children's independence is promoted as they access drinks throughout the day. The childminder has established good systems to help children stay healthy with regard to keeping the environment clean and implementing procedures to prevent cross-infection. For example, children are learning to cover their mouths as they cough. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

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.8

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.8

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.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 make a record of risk assessments clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 23/12/2009

p.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 make a record of risk assessments clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 23/12/2009

p.8