Childminder in Cheshire West and Chester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY362946 Inspection date 17/02/2010 Inspector Judith Anne Kerr

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and son aged seven years in Northwich, Cheshire close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder's house except for the small front bedroom is used for childminding. There is an enclosed paved rear yard for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children on the Early Years Register. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to and from local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local adult and toddler groups on a regular basis.

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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 has failed to develop a sound understanding of the welfare requirements relating to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. As a result, she is not aware of some key issues which are paramount to the EYFS and a number of requirements are not being met. Nonetheless, she provides a welcoming, caring environment with age-appropriate activities and individual children's needs are recognised. A strong emphasis is placed on positive working relationships with parents and others to ensure consistency of care and learning for all children. The childminder has started to monitor her provision in order to identify areas 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?

 implement an effective safeguarding children policy and procedure which includes what to do in the event of an allegation being made against adults in the household (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 17/03/2010

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further?

 maintain a written record of all complaints made and the action which was taken as a result of each complaint (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare 17/03/2010 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Register)  obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given to children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 17/02/2010

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 use observations to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for individual children and match these observations to the expectations of the early learning goals.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a limited understanding of the current legal requirements relating to the procedures to protect children from harm. She does not maintain a record of complaints and the subsequent action taken and does not consistently request parental permission to administer each and every medication. These are requirements in regulations. However, children are continually supervised and the necessary safety features are in place to ensure that hazards are minimised. For example, the childminder has smoke alarms and safety gates fitted on each level of her home and all entrances to the premises are secure. Children's safety is further considered as the childminder has risk assessments in place for the indoor and outdoor play environments in which children play and learn.

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the early years provision

Self-assessment systems to monitor the quality of the provision are implemented. These identify the improvements made since the last inspection and recognise the wide range of activities which children enjoy and the childminder's close relationships with parents and children. Although the childminder acknowledges planning and observation is an area for future improvement she has not identified other requirements raised at this inspection. The childminder has attended some short courses, such as speech and language since her last inspection in order to further improve her practice.

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the early years provision

The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet children's individual needs. She encourages them to be involved in supporting their child’s learning and development by identifying their starting points and contributing to their ongoing learning. She is aware of where to seek support and advice if she were to care for children with disabilities, or who speak English as an additional language to ensure that they would be fully integrated and included. Partnerships with other providers of the EYFS are well established to promote consistency and continuity. Feedback from parents identifies that the childminder treats children as 'part of the family'; they are happy with the service provided, levels of care and activities afforded. 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 considers the children's interests when organising activities and incorporates these in her planning. Systems to monitor children's progress are satisfactory. The childminder makes observations of the children while they play and links these to the areas of learning. The next steps are identified but the childminder does not use this information to identify future learning priorities for children and as a result planning is activity based. Assessments are not linked to the elements of the framework to help track children's progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

A relaxed and welcoming environment is provided with space being agreeably organised to accommodate children's needs. Children benefit from choosing their own resources which are organised accessibly in the dedicated playroom. This enables them to engage in independent learning, promotes independence and helps them develop skills for the future. The childminder observes and listens closely to what children say and do and then responds accordingly. She gives smiles, praise and encouragement as children seek her approval. Communication skills are enhanced as children enjoy visits to the library, read stories, such as 'Where's the Dragon' and learn how to handle books in the correct manner.

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and outcomes for children

Young children are starting to count the number of pieces in the puzzle and recognise different shapes and colours. Beneficial use is made of both the indoor and outdoor environment to stimulate children's development. Outings to the park enable them to enjoy the roundabout, swings and slide. They manoeuvre the wheeled toys and handle small tools, such as brushes, rolling pins and dough cutters with confidence. Children feed the ducks and relish going in the hide to watch the different birds. They eagerly anticipate seeing the animal man with his tarantula, scorpion and snake. Such opportunities help children to understand the needs of other living things. Resources, such as dolls, play figures and books promote diversity. Celebrations of cultural festivals, such as Nigerian Independence Day, Hanukah and Diwali help children to value and respect people's differences and become aware of the wider world in which they live. They discuss how people

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and outcomes for children

in other countries live and dress and make menorahs and sweet baskets.

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and outcomes for children

Regular discussions and posters in the bathroom help children to learn about the importance of washing hands at appropriate times. Children have individual hand towels to minimise the risks of cross infection. Consequently they understand the underlying concepts of appropriate hygiene practices. The children enjoy a variety of home cooked meals using fresh ingredients and have free access to drinking water throughout the day to enable them to quench their thirst. They learn about safety through discussion and everyday routines. For example, they talk about road safety and know they must be securely strapped in the buggy on outings. The childminder has a written emergency evacuation plan which is practised with the children to ensure they understand what to do in the event of a fire. 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 2 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 2 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 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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 (Procedures to be followed for the protection of children; Procedures for dealing with complaints). 17/03/2010

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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 in the early years section of the report (Procedures to be followed for the protection of children; Procedures for dealing with complaints). 17/03/2010

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