Childminder in DoncasterOfsted inspection, 25 Jan 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 318018 Inspection date 25/01/2011 Inspector Helen Blackburn

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 2000. She lives with her husband in the Armthorpe area of Doncaster, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder has two dogs as pets.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. The childminder is also registered to work with an assistant. When they are working together, they may care for a maximum of 10 children under eight years at any one time, no more than six of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding nine children in the early years age range. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes and collects children from local schools and nurseries.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has good relationships with the children, parents and others involved in their learning and care. The children are happy and independent, their behaviour is good and they learn about diversity and difference. Overall, most documentation, policies and procedures contribute to promoting the safe and appropriate management of the setting. Children make good progress in their learning as they access an extensive range of activities and experiences. The childminder works extremely well with her assistant. The childminder's commitment to promoting continuous improvement is good and she uses self- evaluation to support her in developing her service.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 make a record of risk assessments clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation). 15/02/2011

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  obtain up-to-date information of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and procedures  improve how observations are matched to the expectations of the early learning goals.

p.4

the early years provision

Overall, the childminder's arrangements for safeguarding and promoting children's welfare are good. She understands her responsibilities in protecting children from harm. For example, she knows the possible signs of abuse and neglect and is aware of the procedures for reporting and monitoring concerns. However, she does not have the most recent information on the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She supervises all visitors to the home, and all adults living or working on the premises complete appropriate checks. This contributes to keeping children safe and protected from harm. The childminder provides a safe and clean learning environment for children to play. She manages this through adopting good cleaning routines and by carrying out regular risk assessments and safety checks. This means she identifies potential hazards and puts in place appropriate precautions to minimise accidents. However, the childminder does not maintain a

p.5

the early years provision

record of these risk assessments, which is a breach of a specific legal requirement. In addition, because she does not record her risk assessments, any outings are not included. Overall, the childminder maintains a good range of documentation, policies and procedures. These contribute to promoting the safe and appropriate management of the setting. For example, she records detailed information on individual children and her policies include how she manages children's behaviour and promotes equality. The childminder makes excellent use of her time and resources to promote children's welfare. She works extremely well with her assistant to ensure children's individual needs are incorporated into the day. The childminder makes very good use of resources within the local community to extend children's experiences. For example, children go on walks, access the local park and visit the library on a regular basis. The conservatory is a child-orientated

p.5

the early years provision

environment with resources organised so that children can make safe and independent choices in their play. The childminder's resources are robust and of good quality, which effectively contribute to promoting a sustainable environment.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder's commitment to developing her practice and service is good. Through reflecting on her day, children's progress and self-evaluation, she has a realistic view of the service she offers. The childminder has successfully addressed the recommendations made at the last inspection. This demonstrates that she is proactive in promoting positive outcomes for children. For example, by improving information regarding medications and emergency first aid, she promotes children's health and well-being. The childminder ensures self-evaluation is an inclusive process by seeking the views of her assistant, parents, children and other professionals. Through accessing further training and seeking advice from other professionals, the childminder is exploring different ways to enhance her skills and knowledge. For example, she has completed a Level 3 qualification in childminding. This demonstrates her commitment to promoting her professional development.

p.5

the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has good relationships with the parents. Through effective communication and information sharing, the childminder knows children well. Therefore, she effectively meets their individual needs. Written policies and procedures provide parents with good quality information about the service children receive. The childminder encourages parents to be involved in their child's learning. She regularly shares her observations with them and they have free access to their child's progress records. The childminder has good relationships with others involved in children's learning and care, such as school and nursery. This promotes continuity and coherence in children's learning. In addition, the childminder understands the necessity to work with external agencies if children need additional support or help. This ensures children receive the best learning

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's welfare and learning well. She has good systems in place for managing illness, infection and hygiene. For example, children develop a good understanding of effective hygiene procedures through everyday routines, such as hand washing. The childminder helps children to learn about making healthy choices through providing nutritious snacks and meals, which include home-cooked roast dinners. The children have good and regular opportunities to be active and access fresh air. This supports children's physical development and encourages them to lead a healthy lifestyle. For example, children go on regular walks and outings, play in the garden and dance and actively move their bodies to music and fun rhymes. These activities encourage children to move in different ways, such as, running, jumping, climbing, stretching, rolling and balancing. Through activities such as mark making, completing jigsaws,

p.6

and outcomes for children

threading and manipulating objects, children are developing their coordination and dexterity skills well.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder and her assistant have good relationships with the children. These relationships, alongside established routines and continuity, ensure children feel safe and secure in their care. The children have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. For example, they know that jumping on the furniture is dangerous and they practise road safety on outings. The children's behaviour is good and they have positive relationships with their peers. This promotes their personal and social development. Through play and discussions, children learn about right and wrong, such as sharing and taking turns. The childminder makes good use of praise to celebrate children's achievements, which means they have good self-esteem and confidence. The children's work is valued and displayed around the home and this provides children with a sense of belonging. The childminder provides a good range of resources, activities and experiences that

p.6

and outcomes for children

help children to learn about diversity and difference. This supports children in developing a respect towards all people in society.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Overall, through observation, planning for children's individual needs and knowing the children well, the childminder supports them in making good progress in their learning. However, systems for linking her observations to the expectations of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 early learning goals are not fully developed or systematic in their approach. The children access an extensive range of activities and experiences and this variety contributes to children being happy, inquisitive and enthusiastic learners. For example, children positively interact with the childminder, engage in role play activities and enjoy looking at books, all of which support their communication, language and literacy development. The children solve simple problems when completing jigsaws or stacking the rings on the tower. They count in everyday situations, such as the sheep on their puzzle, and, through baking activities, they

p.6

and outcomes for children

learn about weight and measure. In addition, through walks and making use of the garden, the children explore the natural environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 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

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.8

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

p.8

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.8

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.9

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.9

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.9

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.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 devise a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (CR7.1 Procedures for dealing with complaints). 15/02/2011

p.9

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.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified above (CR7.1 Procedures for dealing with complaints). 15/02/2011

p.9