Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY392067 Inspection date 05/10/2010 Inspector Sarah Measures

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 assesses 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.

p.1

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

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 registered in 2009. She lives with her husband and two adult daughters in a suburb of the town of Kettering, Northamptonshire. Minded children use all of the downstairs, which includes a toilet. There is a small step to the front and back doors. There is a secure garden used for outdoor play. The family has a pet cat, rabbit and a guinea pig.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for six children at any one time. She currently cares for three children. The childminder has links with local schools and pre-school groups. She receives support from the Local Authority.

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

Policies and procedures do not effectively promote the Early Years Foundation Stage, and there are breaches to the welfare requirements. Since her last inspection the childminder has established a system to reflect upon her practice, however this does not identify key weaknesses in order to ensure improvement in the provision for children. Children enjoy being with the childminder and take part in some interesting and valuable learning opportunities. Children are not sufficiently safeguarded by the childminder's risk assessments. The policy on equality of opportunity is not implemented effectively.

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?

 implement an effective policy about ensuring equality of opportunities that shows how the individual needs of the children are met (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 11/10/2010

p.4

further?

 keep a record of all medicines administered to children and obtain prior written consent from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register) 06/10/2010

p.4

further?

 take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children, both indoors and outdoors, are kept to a minimum (Suitable premises, environment and 06/10/2010 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 equipment)  make sure that smoke detectors are in working order (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 06/10/2010

p.4

further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.5

further?

 make sure that procedures for providing meals and snacks meet with requirements of the Local Authority Environmental Health Departments  develop staff's knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, and make effective use of this framework to plan to ensure children's individual progress towards the early learning goals.

p.5

the early years provision

Although the childminder's discussions and interactions help children to be responsible and to keep themselves safe, overall, children are insufficiently protected by her policies and procedures. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and she knows how to refer any concerns she may have in-line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The childminder completes risk assessments of indoor and outdoor areas that show how hazards to children will be minimised. However, she does not make sure that this risk assessment is effectively implemented which means there can be hazards to children accessible within the home and garden. The childminder carries out fire drills in order to ensure children are able to safely escape in the event of a fire. However, she does not make sure smoke detectors are always in full working order, which compromises the safety of the children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder keeps a policy that promotes equality of opportunity, but she does not effectively implement this. This is because she has inappropriate understanding of children's home-life and does not check with parents in case children have any religious or cultural requirements that she needs to consider. The childminder regularly communicates with parents and shares children's development records. However, she does not share key information to make sure routines respect and value children, and meet their individual needs. The childminder is devising methods to communicate with other settings that children attend that also deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. This is to help all involved to plan cohesively to promote children's development.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder organises her home so that children feel welcome and can choose their toys and activities easily. She makes use of local facilities by taking children to the park and by attending a local toddler group. Policies and procedures do not effectively promote children's health. This is because the childminder does not gain written permission from parents to administer medicines to children. Neither does she keep a record when medicines are given. The childminder provides meals that are agreed with parents, but she has not checked that policies and procedures are in-line with the requirements of the Local Authority Health Department. For example, she has not checked that her routines for feeding the pet cat comply with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriate food safety regulations.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are settled in the setting. They choose freely from toys and activities and make themselves at home. Some aspects of the provision help children to feel valued. For example, the childminder's discussions and interactions involve the children in routines and activities, so that they feel part of the setting. Discussions also help children to question and to think for themselves, which starts to build up key skills for their future learning. The childminder keeps development records that show activities children have enjoyed. Her observations sometimes show how she covers different areas of learning and how she is supporting children in their next steps. However, she is not making effective use of Early Years Foundation Stage guidance documents in order to clearly show children's progress towards the early learning goals. Children enjoy some good activities planned by the childminder. For example, they grow vegetables in her garden to take home or use within the

p.6

and outcomes for children

setting. This is an opportunity for children to be outside, for them to use different equipment and to learn about the natural world. They are currently growing pumpkins ready for Halloween, and watch excitedly for them to change colour. Children's experiences are varied and they enjoy messy and creative play as they visit a local pre-school group. This also gives them important opportunities for them to learn to socialise and communicate with others.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are protected because the childminder's home and garden are secure. However, their safety is compromised because they have access to cleaning materials in the kitchen cupboard that is not fitted with a lock and because there is a long, thick hose in the garden that is not securely stored. Children's individual needs are not met because the childminder has an insufficient understanding of the welfare requirements and she does not obtain important information from parents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

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

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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 4 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 4 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.7

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.7

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.8

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.8

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.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 make sure that the premises used for the purposes of the childcare are safe and suitable for that childcare (Suitability of premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 06/10/2010

p.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified within the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 06/10/2010

p.8