Childminder in DurhamOfsted inspection, 28 Jan 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 313686 Inspection date 28/01/2010 Inspector Julie Morrison

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and adult daughter, in Waterhouses. The family have a pet dog. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. There is a garden for outdoor play. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7am to 6pm, for 48 weeks of the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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 provides a friendly environment, where children are happy and settled. She implements appropriate procedures to gather information from parents, in order to meet children's individual care needs and create an inclusive environment. However, she does not have effective procedures in place to monitor and evaluate her provision. As a result, she has not kept up-to-date with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She has not implemented procedures to effectively promote children's progress towards the early learning goals and has breached some of the specific legal requirements.

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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, with particular reference to completing medication records and ensuring the complaints procedure is up-to-date and includes Ofsted's contact details (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 03/02/2010

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further?

 obtain evidence to show that a current first aid certificate is in place (Safeguarding and Welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 31/03/2010

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further?

 develop understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years 31/03/2010 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Foundation Stage, in order to undertake sensitive observational assessments, in order to plan to meet young children’s individual needs. (Organisation)

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop procedures to promote reflective practice, self-evaluation and identify priorities for development to improve outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, including procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child. This is supported by a written policy. She ensures that children are kept safe in the home and on outings, as she implements appropriate procedures, such as, maintaining close observation of children and daily checks of all areas within the home. A record of risk assessments further promotes children's safety. However, the childminder does not implement effective procedures to organise her documentation, as a result, her first aid certificate and medication records have been lost. This does not effectively safeguard children.

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the early years provision

Although the childminder has worked hard recently to try and address the requirements of the EYFS, she has not effectively identified all areas within her practice that require development in order to improve outcomes for children. For example, her limited understanding of the learning and development requirements of the EYFS means that effective procedures to observe, assess and plan for each child are not in place. Some of the recommendations raised at the previous inspection have been addressed, such as, displaying her certificate of registration and obtaining consent for emergency medical treatment. However, she has not obtained parental signatures for accidents and has not developed her understanding of the frameworks, which support young children's learning. This does not promote outcomes for children. Appropriate use has been made of the available space, to enable children to move around freely. The childminder rotates

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the early years provision

toys regularly, to ensure that children can freely access a suitable range of toys, which take into account their age and interests.

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the early years provision

Suitable procedures are in place to work with parents. The childminder shares all policies and procedures with parents prior to their child starting and has appropriate systems in place to gather relevant information about children's welfare needs. For example, diet and medical requirements. Important information, such as, the childminders registration certificate and public liability insurance is displayed, this helps to keep parents informed. The childminder has a written complaints policy, however, this is brief and does not include Ofsted's details, or the procedure to be followed in the event of a complaint. This means a parent may not be aware of how to contact Ofsted should they need to. Regular verbal feedback and access to children's individual files keeps parents up-to-date about their child's activities and daily care. The childminder has developed positive relationships with local nurseries, this ensures that she could share relevant

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the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 information with them about children's individual needs if required. No children with special educational needs and/or disabilities attend the setting, however, the childminder demonstrates an appropriate attitude towards ensuring that all children are fully included at the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the childminders care. She provides a suitable range of activities, which adequately cover all areas of learning. She has recently introduced individual files for the children, which include photos and examples of their work. However, her lack of understanding of the learning and development requirements of the EYFS means that observations are not linked to the areas of learning. The childminder has no procedures in place to plan for children's next steps in learning. This does not promote children's development towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder knows the children well and has a sound understanding of their interests. For example, she knows some children love cars, so uses them to introduce colours and counting. The children have some opportunities to develop early problem solving skills, for example, completing jigsaws and using building blocks. The childminder interacts appropriately with the children, she sits with them to read books and talks about the pictures in the story. Children are confident and secure in her care, they move around the setting independently and make choices about what they want to play with. They enjoy creative activities and practise basic mark making, as they paint, colour and draw with aqua pens. They clearly enjoy books, confidently remarking, 'I am going to read', as they talk about the story. The childminder is beginning to encourage children to develop their understanding of diversity, through discussion and trying food from different

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and outcomes for children

countries. Access to electronic tills, phones and walkie talkies help children to begin to develop skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children are secure and content at the setting, playing independently or engaging with the childminder. The childminder implements appropriate techniques to help children learn right from wrong. She uses regular praise and encouragement and is consistent with house rules. Children are beginning to learn about keeping safe, as they practise fire drills and discuss road safety. The childminder further supports this, as she reminds them to be careful on chairs, so they do not fall and hurt themselves. Children's good health is supported by the childminder. They have regular opportunities for physical exercise, including playing in the garden, going to the park and walking to the shops. The childminder provides all meals for the children and understands the importance of providing a healthy and balanced diet. Children do not attend if they are sick, this enables the childminder to protect others from illness and supports children's good health.

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and outcomes for children

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 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 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 on the early years section of the report (records to be kept) 03/02/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. (welfare of the children being cared for) 31/03/2010

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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 on the early years section of the report (records to be kept) 03/02/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. (welfare of the chidlren being cared for) 31/03/2010

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