Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY318149 Inspection date 13/01/2011 Inspector Veronica Sharpe

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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 lives in Oakington, Cambridgeshire with her husband and two children aged ten and four years. She has been registered since 2006 and is able to care for up to five children under eight years. There are currently two children on roll in the early years age group. The childminder also offers out-of-school care to three older children. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

Minded children use the ground floor for play and there is an upstairs bedroom for sleeping. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder lives within walking distance of a primary school and pre-school groups. The family has a cat and some guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds a Level 3 qualification in childcare.

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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

Children's welfare needs are not promoted adequately because the childminder has not implemented an effective safeguarding policy and procedure. In addition she has insufficient knowledge and understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. This is a breach of regulations and means children are not effectively safeguarded. The childminder provides a suitable range of activities to help children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development. She has developed sound partnerships with parents. Lack of a suitable system for self- evaluation means significant issues are not identified and consequently not enough action is taken to secure 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?

 take necessary steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of children by implementing an effective safeguarding policy and procedure. This must include the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against adults in the setting (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 04/02/2011

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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 an up-to-date understanding of safeguarding children issues, in order to implement the safeguarding policy and procedure appropriately. Policies should be in line with Local Safeguarding Board procedures  improve the request for written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment, so it takes into account other forms of advice or treatment as well as hospital advice or treatment  develop an effective system to reflect on and monitor the quality of provision and identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the outcomes for all children.

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the early years provision

Arrangements for safeguarding children are inadequate. Key policies and procedures for safeguarding children have not been implemented. The childminder has a general understanding of the signs and signs and symptoms of child abuse, but has insufficient knowledge and understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board Guidance. Consequently children are at risk. Written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is requested from parents at the time of admission, but is specifically about taking children to hospital therefore does not take into account other kinds of advice that may be necessary, such as speaking to a doctor or pharmacist. Records of accidents and medication are suitably kept and shared with parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder carries out daily risk assessments and keeps appropriate records that enable her to review and identify hazards; she assesses any outings, such as trips on the bus, which enables her to keep children safe. The childminder has informed Ofsted of any changes to her household and understands her role in keeping children safe from unvetted adults.

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the early years provision

The childminder has sound relationships with parents; she gathers good information from them so that she knows about children's individual interests and needs and can provide consistency of care. Parents receive verbal feedback each day, along with a written daily diary so they have a good understanding of their children's activities and achievements. A range of policies and procedures inform parents about the provision and most appropriate consents are in place. The childminder promotes inclusion as she makes sure the activities and resources on offer suitably meet children's individual needs. She has appropriate systems in place to care for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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the early years provision

The childminder is able to talk about the strengths of the provision, such as the relationships with parents and providing a fun learning environment. She has made some improvements, for example, meeting most of the recommendations from the last inspection. However, lack of systems to monitor and evaluate the quality of the provision mean she has not kept up-to-date with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. 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 knows the children well and understands their individual interests. Children settle to their play and are confident and secure in the childminder's care. They enjoy interacting with her and benefit from a broad range of activities that help them to learn and develop. Children's behaviour is good, they follow simple house rules, such as being kind to each other and they play together well. The childminder has sound systems in place to monitor children's progress towards the early learning goals. Her clear knowledge of child development enables her to effectively support and extend each child's learning. Flexible routines give time for spontaneous activities, such as going for a walk, or making a collage with different materials.

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and outcomes for children

Children gain awareness of the wider community as they visit local amenities, such as the park or the local toddler and activity groups. They have opportunities to explore further afield, for example, riding on the bus to town, or visiting a soft play area. Children develop language skills because the childminder engages them in conversations and talks to them about what she is doing. They readily access a good range of books and enjoy making marks to represent their ideas in pictures and paintings. Children learn problem solving skills as they build with blocks or use stacking cups. They explore different media, such as pasta and crispy cereal. Resources, such as paints, crayons and dough help children learn about colour and develop their creativity. They show a clear understanding of primary colours, for example, identifying blue plates ready for snack time. The childminder helps children learn about diversity through practical activities, such as trying different

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and outcomes for children

foods. Resources, such as books, puzzles and a world globe help children develop their understanding of the wider world. Using simple technology, such as a radio, musical toys and shape sorters ensures children lay firm foundations to support their future learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder ensures she is able to respond appropriately if children have an accident, as she has completed an appropriate first aid qualification. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they talk about how to cross the road safely. Food is healthy and nutritious and the childminder liaises with parents to ensure she meets any special dietary needs. Meals are taken together, with children seated at the table. This promotes good eating habits and makes mealtimes relaxed and sociable. 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 4

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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 3

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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

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 04/02/2011

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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

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect (Arrangements for safeguarding children). 04/02/2011

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