Childminder in Windsor and Maidenhead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY318478 Inspection date 27/09/2010 Inspector Jennifer Devine

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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 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.

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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 registered in 2005 and lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 14 years in Datchet in the local authority of Windsor and Maidenhead. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom on the first floor is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of whom three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children 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.

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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 a poor understanding of the importance of ensuring her home is completely safe for children and this puts children's welfare and safety at significant risk. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides activities to support children's development and individual needs. The childminder has good relationships with parents and keeps them well informed about their child's day. She also develops links with other settings such as nursery and schools to share information and ensure consistency of care. The childminder has begun to look at evaluating her provision but does not recognise the significance of risk assessing the environment to promote children's overall safety. However, she does recognise the need to keep up-to-date with information to help with observations and assessment methods; and to ensure a full curriculum is provided.

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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?

 improve the risk assessment to ensure it identifies all aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis ( Safeguarding and welfare) 05/11/2010

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further?

 take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children, both indoors and outdoors are kept to a minimum (Safeguarding and welfare)(Also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 05/11/2010

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop the consistent use of positive language and behaviour management strategies so as to help children develop their understanding of right and wrong  improve methods for observation and assessment so that they clearly identify the next steps for learning  develop further knowledge of the early learning goals so that activties are planned for to enhance childrens experiences and learning outcomes.  improve the steps recorded in risk assessments to minimize hazards both indoors and outdoors, so as to reflect daily practice

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the early years provision

Children's overall welfare and safety is not protected sufficiently within the childminders home. There are a number of hazards in the environment which the childminder has not identified on her risk assessments to minimise the dangers to children. The childminder does not demonstrate a full appreciation of potential hazards on the premises. In the playroom the childminder has a large plant which has small pebbles in the base; and string has been positioned around the plant in order to train a branch to grow straight. Both of these are potential choking hazards to young children. There is an uncovered pond in an area of the garden which the childminder says is not used by children. Whilst the area does not form apart of the childminding play space, it is accessible. The childminder does have a cover and put it in place during the inspection, however she does not always ensure this is in place before children arrive each day.

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the early years provision

The childminder's arrangements to ensure that accidents are minimized when children are in the vicinity of the stairs, are not effective. Although a stairgate is available, it is not consistently used to ensure children remain safe. The arrangements for checking the welfare babies who have been placed upstairs for a nap, mean that with the inconsistent use of a stair gate, the safety of older children playing downstairs is compromised. Not all electrical sockets related to the risk assessment, are covered. This is contrary to the childminder's recorded information. This means that the risk assessment is not fully effective. The childminder has risk assessments in place for outings and is aware of car safety ensuring every child is securely harnessed into an appropriate car seat.

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the early years provision

The childminder does have a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is aware of the signs of child abuse and understands the procedures to follow if she was concerned about a child. All documentation, such as contracts, details of minded children, the attendance register and medication records are maintained, as required. Systems to record any accidents are also in place.

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the early years provision

There is sufficient space within the home to enable children to play and investigate the play materials. A selection of toys is stored in a toy crate in the playroom This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which enables children to make choices and promote their independence. The childminder has begun to self-evaluate her provision but it fails to identify significant issues regarding safety within the home. She does however; recognise the need to keep updated with the Early Years Foundation Stage and developing planning and observation methods. Overall, the childminder provides an inclusive service to children and parents, through strategies such as obtaining information about the child's individual needs before children start. This ensures she is aware of the children's likes, dislikes and enables her to follow routines similar to the routines followed at home. Parents are

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the early years provision

kept well informed about their child's day through the use of a daily diary and verbal feedback. Parents can see their child's records at any time and the childminder gathers parents' views by giving them questionnaires regularly so they can comment on the service provided.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning requirements. She has developed methods for observing children's development but these are not completed on a regular basis to give a clear picture of a child's progress and their next steps for learning. The childminder is not fully aware of the six areas of learning and therefore is unable to ensure her planning encompasses a full and varied range of experiences.

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and outcomes for children

Children are generally happy and settled with the childminder, and they are developing their confidence to investigate their surroundings. The childminder has built up good relationships with the children who approach her for reassurance and cuddles throughout the day. The childminder sits with the children to offer support and encourage their learning. She suggests activities for them to play with and children excitedly join in. They enjoy playing with plastic clip together bricks and older children begin to make intricate towers. They are aware of the colours and confidently count how many bricks they have. Young toddlers also enjoy this activity and are fascinated in pushing the bricks together and then pulling them apart. However, the childminder does not give children sufficient time to consolidate or extend their learning and moves them on to another activity too quickly.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder introduces the musical instruments to the children and they have fun exploring the sounds of the drum, xylophone and tambourine. She begins to sing their favourite songs whilst they play the instruments but the children lose interest and move on to other play. Children experience a range of outdoor activities as the childminder takes them out every morning to either the local parks or to various toddler groups. Children are able to experience activities such as messy play, painting activities or music sessions when out at these groups. They also develop an understanding of the world they live in as they meet people from various backgrounds and cultures. Children also have access to the childminders garden when at home where they can play with various push along toys or jump on the trampoline. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Overall children's behaviour is managed satisfactorily. The childminder's

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and outcomes for children

arrangements to fully safeguard and promote the welfare of children are not robust. Risk assessments are not fully effective, because they do not fully reflect current practice. Some safety aspects of the environment have not been given sufficient consideration, which means children's day to day safety is significantly compromised. For example, she used words such as 'no', 'stop that' or 'don't' during an episode between children. This negative use of language means that children are not effectively helped to develop their understanding of right and wrong, nor do they benefit from consistently positive messages regarding rules and boundaries. Children have satisfactory opportunities to develop their skills for the future as they enjoy exploring the press button toys to make music and enjoy listening to a story before they have lie down for an afternoon rest. The childminder takes reasonable steps to ensure children in her care remain

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and outcomes for children

healthy and free from cross infection. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to deal with any injuries. Some parents provide their children's meals and the childminder ensures these are stored and reheated appropriately to ensure they are fresh and consumable. The childminder also provides food and offers light meals such as spaghetti at lunch time, served with yoghurts for dessert. Drinks are available in children's individual beakers. Children learn about washing their hands before eating and use separate hand towels to dry their hands. Children take part in regular fire practices with the childminder which teaches them about evacuating the home quickly and calmly. However, the lack of effective use of risk assessment by the childminder to ensure her home is completely safe has a significant impact on children's overall safety within the home. 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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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

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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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 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

 ensure that the premises and equipment used for the purposes of the childcare are safe and suitable for that childcare (Suitabilityand safety of premises and equipment) 05/11/2010

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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 for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 05/11/2010

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