Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY392537 Inspection date 20/11/2009 Inspector Sharon Waterfall

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 was registered in 2009. She co-childminds in the village of Manby, Lincolnshire. All areas of the house are used for childminding. Children are cared for in the ground floor area of the house, separated from the stairs by a lockable door. There are toilet and sleeping facilities provided on this level. The property is accessed via a step to the front door. A bedroom on the first floor is used for children who are staying overnight under the care of a co-childminder. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The local school and village amenities are within walking distance. The co-childminder has a cat and some fish as pets.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. When working with other co-minders this increases to 12 children under 8 years, of which 6 may be in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she receives support from the local authority. She holds a level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has not completed a specific childminding course within six months of registration which is a requirement of the registration process. This affects her suitability as she does not currently have appropriate qualifications for childminding. Although she is developing her knowledge of the learning and development requirements, self-evaluation processes are not effective in identifying areas for improvement and therefore not all of the welfare requirements have been met. Partnerships with parents and other providers are sufficient to provide some consistency of care and children are making appropriate progress towards the early learning goals.

p.4

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.

p.4

further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

p.4

further?

 ensure a specific childminders training course is attended without delay (Qualifications, training, knowledge and skills) 08/12/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  obtain information from parents about who has legal contact with the child; and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and welfare) 08/12/2009

p.4

further?

 improve risk assessments to identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis and maintain a record of these and when and by whom they have been checked; with particular reference to the large outdoor area of the premises (Suitable premises, environmet and equipment) 08/12/2009

p.5

further?

 assign each child a key person; ensuring the system is effective in meeting the individual needs of all children (organisation) 08/12/2009

p.5

further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.5

further?

 develop further the use of observations and assessments for each child in order to build on what children can do and identify the next steps in their learning, including parents in the process  use self evaluation processes to identify strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder does not meet all the legal requirements of the EYFS. The childminder has appropriate knowledge to identify children at risk of abuse or neglect ensuring children are safeguarded. Updated contact numbers and guidance is in place for concerns to be reported to the relevant agencies. All persons who come into direct contact with children on the premises have been suitably vetted. Within the home hazards have been identified and minimised to protect children, however the grounds of the premises are large and include specific risks such as animals and large play equipment. The standardised form used to complete the risk assessments does not sufficiently individualise the possible hazards and consequently the effectiveness of the procedure is limited. Permissions for outings are gained from parents and all outings are risk assessed before the children set out.

p.5

the early years provision

Warm and secure relationships between the childminder and the children have been formed. The positive interactions raise children's self-esteem and ensure they are all keen to be included in the activities. However, as there is no effective key person system in place so that none of the four childminders that work together (not more than three at one time) has detailed knowledge of children's individual development, to inform the observation, assessment and planning systems and to overview their unique progression. The childminder has used the resources well to explain the similarities and differences in the skin colour and lifestyles of different races and people in different countries. Positive images are promoted through a range of resources including books, which help children to develop respect and understanding of diversity. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

the early years provision

Self evaluation systems are ineffective in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each of the individual childminders. This has limited the implementation of positive changes or improvements identified through a previous inspection and the advice and guidance of a local advisory worker. Consequently, some of the welfare requirements are not being met. Parents are provided with relevant information about their children's daily care needs through a written record shared with them each day. In addition regular discussions enable them to give information about the children which provides some consistency in their care. They are informed about significant events through newsletters and settling in visits support children's transition into the setting. An overview of children's activities are gained from other providers that some of the children attend though information about children's specific progression through next steps are not shared with parents or

p.6

the early years provision

other providers. Most of the required documentation is in place, though not all childminders take consistent responsibility in implementing or signing all procedures such as contracts or risk assessments. Specific information regarding who has parental responsibility and who has legal contact with children has not been obtained.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children play and learn in a bright, child-friendly environment, where they have opportunities to develop their independence. They access a range of equipment and resources which provide opportunities to develop across all areas of learning. They confidently make their preferences and needs known and language skills are actively encouraged as lively conversations take place throughout all aspects of the daily routine and during play. The children enjoy looking at books both factual and fiction, learning about different cultures and wild animals. They ask questions and the childminder enlists their help in looking through the books for the answers. Imaginative skills are developed as they role-play with food items and share resources well with the other children present. The children make and ice biscuits for special occasions which supports a range of learning opportunities such as weighing and measuring, physical skills and fine hand eye co-ordination.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has only just begun to record observations of children's learning and these are few in number. They demonstrate a developing awareness of the six areas of learning and how activities support children's learning but do not link to the expectations of the early learning goals. There is not sufficient information to fully to build on what children can do and identify the next steps in their learning. General care information is gained from parents at the onset of the placement and a daily record is used to record specific care needs such as sleep times, meals and toileting habits. Currently, the information sharing systems do not fully enable parents to regularly review their child's progress or contribute fully to their child's learning and development.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The children enjoy their time in the setting and achieve sound progress in their learning and development. They move around the premises with confidence, though an effective key person system would make children more secure in their relationships with the childminder. Routines within the home and direct supervision This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 make the children feel safe, though the gaps in the risk assessments impact on their ability to be safe. Children are seen to understand personal hygiene routines, particularly before eating or after toileting, which protect them from cross- infection. The gardens are used to ensure children have a balance of indoor and outdoor play activities, including feeding the ducks and chickens, planting flowers and use of large play equipment. This also provides them with physical exercise and supports their awareness of how to be healthy. This is further developed as

p.6

and outcomes for children

the children have helped to grow tomatoes and when in season pick apples and pears from the garden. Young children are able to take an active part in all activities and develop necessary skills for the future, such as playing together, sharing resources and making their needs and feelings known. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 4

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 4 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 4 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.8

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.8

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.9

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.9

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.9

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.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) 08/12/2009

p.9

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.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 implement a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements and which a parent makes in writing or be email (Procedures for dealing with complaints) 08/12/2009

p.9