Progress Schools - Gorton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 148542 Inspection date 23/03/2010 Inspector Margaret Davie

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult sons in Wokingham, Berkshire. She uses the ground floor of her home for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding three children in the early years age group for a variety of sessions. She also cares for four older children for a variety of sessions after school. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She 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 does not adequately meet the needs of children. Some of the arrangements for children's welfare and safety are inadequate and she is in breach of a number of regulations. She is missing some mandatory documentation and fails to carry out some essential risk assessments. Nevertheless, children are happy and they make satisfactory progress in their learning and development. The childminder promotes equality of opportunity and she is knowledgeable about children's individual interests and abilities. She shows an appropriate understanding of her provision and is aware of the areas which need to be developed. She, therefore, demonstrates a satisfactory capacity for 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?

 conduct and keep a written record of the risk assessment of the premises and review it at least once a year or more frequently where the need arises (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 16/04/2010

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further?

 ensure a current paediatric first aid certificate is in place (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 15/05/2010

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further?

 request written parental permission at the time children are admitted to the seeking of any necessary 16/04/2010 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop the assessment procedures further to ensure observations are used to identify children's next steps and to plan for their future learning  update the record of the risk assessment to include all types of outings  obtain written parental permission for children to take part in outings

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the early years provision

The childminder does not take effective steps to safeguard the welfare of children. She does not hold a current first aid certificate and she has not asked parents to give her their written permission to seek emergency medical care for their child if needed. She does a visual check of her premises to identify any immediate hazards but does not conduct a risk assessment, nor record and review it regularly. These are breaches of regulations which place children at risk. Nevertheless, she makes sure all adults in her household are checked to ensure their suitability. She conducts risk assessments for the outings she takes children on, however she does not keep a record of when these were done nor ask parents for their written permission to take children out. She demonstrates an understanding of child protection procedures, including possible symptoms of abuse and how to make any necessary referrals.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a realistic view of her strengths and the areas which require further development. She acknowledges that there are shortcomings in her paperwork and is committed to take action to make improvements. Most of the recommendations made at the time of the last inspection have been addressed, for example she has updated her knowledge of child protection procedures. However, she has not made all the necessary changes to her documentation. The childminder organises her home well, providing children with comfortable areas to play, rest and have their routine needs seen to. She ensures her resources are effectively used to promote children's learning and development, making a suitable range of toys easily accessible to them. This encourages them to make choices and follow their own interests as they play. She has an understanding of her role in promoting equality and diversity and ensures children have access to a range of

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the early years provision

resources and activities to help them learn about the wider world.

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the early years provision

The childminder works in partnership with other early years settings attended by children to promote continuity in their care and learning. She establishes positive relationships with parents, initially providing them with the required information about her setting, policies and procedures and with daily verbal feedback about their child's care and development. However, some of the arrangements she makes with parents are too informal, for example she asks them for verbal rather than written permissions for their child. Correspondence received from parents indicates they are happy with the care provided for their children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a welcoming and caring environment for children. Children demonstrate they are confident and very happy in her care and enjoy the activities she arranges for them. She is knowledgeable about their interests and joins in their play to promote their learning. For example, children enjoy imaginative play with the large wooden train, developing their problem solving skills as they slot the pieces of the track together. The childminder ensures all children are included in this game as she demonstrates to a younger child how to put the pieces flat onto the floor to make fitting them together easier. As a result, the child is quickly more successful and happy with their achievement. The childminder enhances children's learning as she encourages them to think about how they are going to make the pieces meet up to form a closed track. Children are introduced to information technology as they play with the toy laptop. They

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and outcomes for children

practise their counting skills as they count the number of shapes they have made on the Megasketch and their learning is extended as the childminder asks if they can remember what they are called. They have access to a range of books, puzzles, games and art materials. They gain an understanding of the world around them as they go on outings in the locality and enjoy opportunities to socialise with other children. The range of experiences provided prepares them appropriately for the future.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has started to record some details about children's activities. She supports her observations with photographs of children involved in play and examples of their work. Whilst she has started to link their activities to the six areas of learning, she is not yet analysing the information to identify children's next steps and to plan for their future learning. As a result, children may not make as much progress as they can. Children are comfortable and show they feel safe with the childminder. They approach her regularly for hugs and cuddle up near to her when they are tired and want to have a rest. They develop good levels of self- esteem because the childminder praises them and acknowledges their achievements. Children behave well and form firm friendships with each other. They gain an understanding of the needs of others through discussion, for example as the childminder reminds older children of the need to be tolerant with the

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and outcomes for children

Children gain some understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle. The childminder encourages them to wash their hands regularly and demonstrates sound hygiene routines. This helps to minimise the spread of germs. They enjoy daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school, visit local parks or go on outings. This gives them the opportunity to develop their physical skills. Children demonstrate an understanding of safe play, and listen carefully when the childminder asks them to wait at the gate whilst she locks up when they go out. However, the lack of some required documentation and the fact that the childminder allowed her first aid certificate to lapse in 2009 compromises their safety and well-being. 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 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 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 (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 16/04/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 15/05/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard them from abuse or neglect and make the information available to parents (Arrangements for safeguarding children) (also refers to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 30/04/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep a written statement of the procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email and make the information available to parents (Procedures for dealing with complaints) (also refers to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 30/04/2010

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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 (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 16/04/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 15/05/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 30/04/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Procedures for dealing with complaints) 30/04/2010 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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