Childminder in Milton Keynes

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY387821 Inspection date 21/10/2009 Inspector Maxine Coulson

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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 registered in 2009. She lives with her partner and her two children aged five and four years. They live in a two bedroom bungalow on a busy residential road in the village of Sherington, on the outskirts of Newport Pagnell. Children have access to the lounge and kitchen with the main bedroom for sleep purposes only. There is a fully enclosed garden available for the children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, pre-school and schools. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years. She currently has six children on roll, of these, three are in the early years age range. Children attend for various days and sessions.

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Description of the childminding

The family have one dog, one tortoise and four chickens.

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Description of the childminding

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

The childminder is caring for more children than her conditions of registration allow, this is an offence. However, at inspection a variation was granted in regard to the number of children on the Early Years Register and an action set to ensure she notifies Ofsted of any further significant events. The childminder provides a caring environment for the children she minds and acknowledges each child is an individual, with their own needs and interests. She has an adequate knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibilities to protect children and mostly safeguards them appropriately. Children are making progress in their overall learning and development as they enjoy a varied range of activities both inside and outside the home. The childminder builds and maintains positive relationships with parents and shows commitment to developing and improving her practice to promote outcomes for children effectively.

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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?

 make available to parents details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint (Safeguarding and welfare) (also applies to compulsory part of the 06/11/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Childcare Register)  inform Ofsted of significant events as soon as is reasonably practicable but within the required timescales (Suitability of adults) (also applies to compulsory part of the Childcare Register) 06/11/2009

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 provide a range of toys, resources and equipment that help children develop a knowledge and understanding of the world including their own cultures and beliefs and those of other people  further develop observations and make assessments of each child’s achievements, interests and learning styles; use these observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  ensure all creative activities are set a varying levels to ensure children of all ages can participate  ensure a record of all non-prescription medication including teething gel is kept including when and how much is given  ensure all children are provided with healthy snacks and meals and that information is obtained and acted on about each child's dietary needs

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is generally safeguarded because the childminder, for the most part, understands her role and responsibilities to protect children. She has procedures in place to ensure they remain protected from unvetted persons. She demonstrates an improving understanding of protecting children in her care by attending further training to update her knowledge. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and procedures and shares this information with parents. Detailed risk assessments are in place helping to reduce hazards and potential accidents. She provides an environment in which children relax and appear to feel safe and secure during their play.

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains records such as the accident and attendance register appropriately and has most of the regulatory policies and procedures in place to support her practice. However, she does not provide details to parents about how they may complain to Ofsted; this is a legal requirement. She has written parental consents for each minded child and maintains a current first aid certificate. However, times and dosages of non-prescription medication is not recorded. The childminder initially discusses individual health and care needs of all children to promote an inclusive environment for each child, however, she does not always act upon new information. The childminder makes effective use of space and resources, supplementing this with daily walks or outings for the children as part of their overall learning and development. Children are able to make their own decisions about what they do and play with, including playing in the garden, which

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the early years provision

contributes to their healthy lifestyle. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is taking positive steps towards improvement through her system of self-evaluation, including asking parents for their feedback and by assessing her own strengths and weaknesses. This demonstrates her commitment to developing her practice to promote outcomes for children effectively. The childminder has a range of written policies and procedures that are shared with parents and offers daily feedback about their children's care and learning achievements, encouraging a two-way flow of information. She understands the need to work collaboratively with other settings where any children may attend in order to fully support their learning and developmental needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making satisfactory progress in their overall development towards the early learning goals of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder guides their day-to-day play and they are beginning to develop their independence as they make their own choices. The childminder is beginning to observe children during their play, but lacks understanding of how assessments of each child’s achievements and interests can identify learning priorities. Informal flexible planning systems are in place, although these currently offer limited challenging activities and are not always set at varying levels to ensure children of all ages can participate. The childminder has some records of children’s achievements in the form of a book with photos and examples of work, which she shares with parents, although these records are not yet consistent and do not yet show children’s next steps towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children make choices in their play and show enjoyment in their achievements, with positive praise from the childminder for their efforts, which encourages their developing self-esteem and confidence. They appear content, make friendships and are sufficiently confident to initiate their own games. They are actively learning to share resources and are beginning to cooperate with the childminder and each other, developing language skills through their interactions with her. Children enjoy looking at books and story time. They have regular opportunities for exercise and fresh air as they have routine trips to and from school and other outings to parks. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe through gentle reminders, such as, playing carefully.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to develop an understanding of the wider world around them, however, the childminder provides a limited range of resources and activities that promote positive images and diversity. The childminder helps children learn about making a positive contribution and building helpful relationships, which is reflected in how well the children behave and learn important messages about right and wrong.

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and outcomes for children

The premises are adequately maintained and children learn about hygiene practices, such as appropriate hand washing; this helps them remain healthy and reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder has attended relevant training to ensure she holds a current first aid certificate. This means she is able to administer appropriate care should children sustain a minor injury while at the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 setting. She understands the importance of healthy eating, although snacks are not always healthy options. She ensures, where necessary, she records details of children's dietary needs and allergies. Behaviour strategies are discussed with parents and she ensures all methods are appropriate to the ages of the children and their levels of understanding. Children are encouraged to respect one another, to be kind and to share. The childminder promotes appropriate behaviour in a calm

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and outcomes for children

manner and consequently children 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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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 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

 make available to parents copies of written statements of safeguarding procedures (Providing information to parents) 06/11/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Providing information to Ofsted) 06/11/2009

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