Childminder in Medway

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY336698 Inspection date 25/01/2011 Inspector Jan White

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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and one school age child in Gillingham, Kent. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The bathroom is on the first floor level. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

p.4

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 caring for one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over eight years to 11 years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder understands each child's individual need and ensures their well- being is promoted. She supports some aspects of children's development in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Overall there are some policies and procedures to support children's welfare. Nevertheless, the fire control equipment is not easily accessible and risks for most outings are not recorded. Children learn through their play as they have a varied range of resources some of which reflects the world around them. They show signs of being at ease with the childminder. They seek comfort and appear secure in a homely environment. The childminder has a sound understanding of her capacity to develop and build upon her future continuous improvements through evaluating the service she provides. The childminder makes sure parents are informed of the daily activities and she values the partnership with them. She explains her procedure to build links with outside agencies.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 ensure the appropriate fire control equipment is suitably located. For example, make certain the fire blanket is properly secure to confirm it is in working order. (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 08/02/2011

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips  increase practitioner's knowledge and understanding of the early learning goals so that all children are supported to make the best possible progress towards them all  make ongoing observational assessments of each child's achievements and interests and use them to provide relevant and motivating learning experiences that meet children's individual needs  improve the written information and make sure the policies are up to date to improve the quality of information shared with parents.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a sufficient knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children including the signs and symptoms of abuse. She explains what action she would take in relation to child protection. The childminder conducts and has noted some basic details within the home environment on a risk assessment report. For example, keys to locked doors are within easy reach. However, she has not ensured that the fire blanket is properly secure to make certain it is in working order. This is a breach of a specific legal requirement. The childminder clearly describes the action relating to risks when on outings. However, she has not carried out a risk assessment for each specific outing. Consequently, there are insufficient details of how children are kept safe whilst on all outings and trips. The childminder has a current first aid certificate so that children receive appropriate treatment following an injury. A first aid box is available within the home and some

p.5

the early years provision

basic supplies are taken on outings together with the child's essential information. She now has a system to make certain that any accident records are maintained confidentially.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder works in partnership with the parents. They provide the required written permissions. She is aware of how to develop links with other settings. The childminder has a sound knowledge of her policies and procedures, such as lost or uncollected children. However, some of the written information and policies shared with parents do not have all the necessary information. Children who are ill do not attend which ensures the risk of cross infection is reduced. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of equal opportunities and has improved the variety of resources reflecting diversity. She supports children's understanding through the every day routines and differing cultures. This means that children are encouraged to develop good social and communication skills and a positive awareness of others. No child is disadvantaged and all are treated with equal concern. The childminder is developing her processes for self-evaluation. She explains areas for

p.5

the early years provision

her future continuous improvement. For example, extending her knowledge of observations, assessments and planning. The childminder gives positive examples of how she deals with a variety of different situations. For example, the different behaviour management strategies for individual children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are supported when making decisions. For example, as they choose between role play and the cars. The childminder continues to ensure there is a range of activities covering some aspects of the early learning goals. The childminder has gathered information about children's daily routines, their interests and key starting points. There is a basic record of the activities provided for the children. However, the childminder does not have a secure knowledge and understanding of some early learning goals so that all children are supported to make the best possible progress towards them. In addition, she has not yet developed a system to make ongoing observational assessments of each child's achievements and interests in order to provide relevant and motivating learning experiences to meet children's individual needs. Children have a written daily diary which is given to parents so they are kept informed of the daily activities. They

p.6

and outcomes for children

have many opportunities to play with a sufficient variety of play equipment. The childminder has developed and increased her range of resources reflecting equal opportunities. She provides support for children and is aware of their non verbal signs. For example, signs of hunger or seeking security. They look for comfort and reassurance from the childminder when strangers are present. She continually talks to them explaining what she is doing and asking them questions.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are able to easily select the toys they wish to play with, such as the stacking cubes and interactive talking toys. Nevertheless, resource boxes are not labelled with pictures and words to fully support younger children?s early recognition skills. The childminder supports children as they learn at their own pace. Activities are tailored to suit each child's individual need. Children reflect real life situations in their role play as they pretend to boil a kettle to make tea. The childminder offers regular opportunities for children to be active or take part in quieter activities. For example, playing in the local park or looking at picture books. The childminder has a weekly menu which considers healthy choices and drinks are regularly offered. She describes her routine for appropriate hygiene practices and how children use pump soap and individual towels after washing their hands. However, she does not always wash children's hands before eating finger food.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children learn about their boundaries as the childminder gently reminds them of the house rules, such as tidying the toys away so they are not a trip hazard. The childminder encourages skills to develop children?s future economic well-being, such as role play, counting and colour matching games. 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 3 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 3

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 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

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: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8