Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY235812 Inspection date 17/11/2009 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and nine years in Shirley, Solihull. Access to the property is via a small step at the entrance. They live within walking distance of the local shops and park. Children have access to all rooms in the premises. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of two children under eight years may attend at any one time. There are currently two children on roll, both of whom are within the early years age group. The childminder 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 inadequate.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Although the childminder provides a homely environment for all children in her care she has a limited understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Consequently, she does not meet a number of requirements, compromising children’s welfare, learning and development needs which results in children making insufficient progress towards the early learning goals. Some documentation to support the childminding service is in place. However, requirements relating to risk assessment, first aid and complaints procedures are not met. Elements relating to organisation of documentation were raised at the previous inspection. Therefore, insufficient progress has been made to improve outcomes. The childminder provides appropriate resources and equipment to provide children with a range of play opportunities. She strives to offer a flexible service and is sensitive and respects children’s home backgrounds and circumstances, although she does

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

not have the documentation to support children’s individual learning needs. This also limits the information available to parents about children's progress. Partnerships with others, including schools are being fostered. Systems are yet to be developed to monitor and evaluate the quality of the provision in order to sustain future 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?

 take necessary steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of children by ensuring welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are known and 17/12/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 met so that children are healthy, safe and secure and have their individual needs met (Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare)  gain knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements so that children are provided with an educational programme that will enable them to make progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning (Early learning goals) 17/12/2009

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further?

 conduct a record of risk assessment, clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident. A risk assessment must be carried out for each specific outing with the children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare; also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 17/12/2009

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further?

 ensure parents are informed of any accidents or injuries sustained by the child whilst in the care of the childminder (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 17/12/2009

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further?

 put in place a written procedure for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and keep a written record of complaints and their outcome (Safeguarding and Promoting children's welfare; also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 17/12/2009

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further?

 plan and provide experiences which are appropriate to each child's stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals (Organisation) 17/12/2009

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further?

 ensure records are easily accessible and available for inspection by Ofsted (Organisation) 17/12/2009

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further?

 ensure a current and appropriate paediatric first aid certificate is maintained (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare; also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 17/12/2009

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop a system to monitor and evaluate the quality of the welfare, learning and development of children.

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the early years provision

Elements of safeguarding relating to risk assessment are not fully met because the childminder has not attended training or posses a pack for the EYFS welfare, learning and development requirements, consequently her knowledge and understanding of the requirements is limited. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of child protection procedures and is clear about her duty to report and record any concerns. She has considered her procedures in the event of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 an allegation being made against her or a member of her household. She ensures adults within the household undergo Criminal Records Bureau checks to confirm their suitability. Whilst the childminder undertakes visual safety checks and has taken some action to ensure children play safely within her home, for example, by having a fire blanket and fire extinguisher in place, she is not aware of the

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the early years provision

requirement to conduct a full, written risk assessment and consequently cannot provide evidence that she has considered all risks to children, both within the home and on outings.

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the early years provision

The childminder is keen for children to be well cared for and enjoy their time with her. She takes time to get to know children and demonstrates how children's individual needs are identified as part of the induction process and taken into account in an effort to address inclusive practice. However, her lack of understanding of the EYFS framework means that she cannot demonstrate how she would support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The childminder has given careful consideration as to how she organises space within her home and children can play in a welcoming, dedicated playroom with a wide range of resources. The childminder provides business information to parents and carers, such as contracts, and ascertains information including parental consents.

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the early years provision

The childminder has daily conversations with parents about how their children have settled and the activities they have undertaken. The childminder said she discusses her policies and procedures with parents at the beginning of the placement and offers a settling-in period to children as their needs dictate. However, the childminder could not produce evidence of what information is given to parents at their introductory meetings apart from the business aspects. This means elements that are required under the EYFS, such as information about how to make a complaint about the service are not readily available. The childminder does not currently evaluate her practice, although she is now aware of the requirement to do so. Recommendations from the previous inspection have not been sufficiently addressed as the childminder could not provide evidence of all documentation for this inspection. As an experienced childminder, she has made

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the early years provision

links with the local school in order to facilitate collaborative working. Children are taken to events, such as a Diwali assembly, which helps their understanding of special events and helps them to become familiar with the school building, helping their eventual transition into primary education.

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and outcomes for children

Whilst the childminder provides a homely, welcoming environment and is committed to providing an enjoyable experience, children make inadequate progress in their learning and development within the EYFS. The childminder has not devised systems to plan and assess children's progress in accordance with the EYFS. Basic welfare information relating to children’s starting points is gathered at the beginning of the placement. However, the childminder does not record information relating to children’s learning and development to ensure she can measure their progress. The childminder gives a verbal overview to parents and carers of children’s achievements throughout the week, although this information This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 is not used to inform future planning and the next steps in children’s learning as is now required under the EYFS. The childminder is sensitive to differences within

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and outcomes for children

society and is keen to ensure that all children are welcome and included in her home. The childminder has some resources that reflect positive images including dolls and books. The childminder answers children’s questions honestly and with explanations that help children to understand and respect individuality. The childminder encourages children to behave well as she is experienced in dealing with different situations and responds to individual situations with sensitivity.

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and outcomes for children

Children can access a range of resources in an inviting playroom. Toys cover a wide age range. The childminder plans a flexible routine that is organised around children’s play preference needs, such as ensuring children have plenty of opportunities to play outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Secure relationships are apparent as children happily sit on the childminder's lap and enjoy a cuddle. Children respond to music playing in the background and animatedly join in by smiling and moving in time with the music. Children develop some problem-solving skills as they alternate between stacking bricks and putting them in a bucket. Overall, children are developing some skills that will support their future learning although the range of this learning is currently limited due to the childminder’s lack of knowledge of the EYFS.

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and outcomes for children

Suitable systems are in place to ensure children’s welfare needs are mostly met including an attendance register and safety equipment, such as stair gates. However, the childminder could not provide evidence of having completed a first aid course or evidence that parents are informed about accidents as they had not signed an entry in the accident book, therefore compromising children’s health, safety and information sharing with parents. Road safety issues and fire drills are discussed with children helping them to take responsibility for their own personal safety. Appropriate hygiene routines are encouraged, such as hand washing prior to eating and children have sufficient, healthy snacks, meals and drinks throughout the day to satisfy their appetites. Children enjoy playing in the garden and are taken to local parks to enjoy the freedom of exercising in a large, open space. 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 4 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 4

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 4 The extent to which children feel safe 4 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 4 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 4 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 4

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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 in relation to maintaining a valid paediatric first aid certificate (Welfare of the children being cared for) 17/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report in relation to conducting a formal risk assessment (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 17/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 make a written statement of complaint procedures available to parents (Providing information to parents). 17/12/2009

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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 in relation to maintaining a valid paediatric first aid certificate (Welfare of the children being cared for) 17/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report in relation to conducting a formal risk assessment (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 17/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report in relation to providing a written statement of complaint procedures available to parents (Providing information to parents). 17/12/2009

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