Childminder in Hounslow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY397437 Inspection date 25/01/2011 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 2010. She lives with her husband, two children aged four and eight years; and an adult lodger, in Brentford, in the London borough of Hounslow. The childminder uses only the ground floor of her premises for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The lodger lives in the summer house situated in the garden.The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children, of whom two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two 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 welfare requirements and this puts children's welfare at risk. She lacks awareness of the importance of ensuring her home is completely safe for children as she has not assessed the risks within the home or for when on outings. In addition some documentation is not completed, as required. Although children are happy in the childminders care and are progressing steadily in their development, the childminder has not begun to observe and assess each child's development. Therefore she is unable to plan relevant learning experiences. The childminder does however, have an awareness of her weaknesses and has taken steps to make improvements to her provision by attending further training.

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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?

 ensure prior written permission for each and every medicine is obtained from parents; and keep a written record of all medicines administered (Safeguarding and welfare) 22/02/2011

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further?

 improve the record of risk assessment to ensure it identifies all aspects of the environment; and includes risk assessments for every type of outing ( Safeguarding and welfare) 22/02/2011

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further?

 ensure there is sufficient, safe and suitable equipment in place to support each child's individual needs ( 22/02/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Premises, environment and equipment)  ensure all documentation is available, particularly in relation to the record for risk assessment and car insurance (Documentation) 22/02/2011

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop methods for observation and assessment that they clearly identify the next steps for learning  develop knowledge of the early learning goals so that activties are planned for to enhance childrens experiences and learning outcomes  conduct regular fire evacuation drills are carried out and details recorded in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  obtain written parental permission for children to take part in outings.

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the early years provision

Children's overall welfare and safety is not protected sufficiently within the childminders home. There are some hazards in the environment which the childminder has not identified on her risk assessment to minimize the dangers to children. There are two glass coffee tables situated in the lounge which are hazardous and there is plastic sheeting covering furniture, some of which is accessible for young children to pull over themselves. Although the childminder has a stair gate in place this has been placed on the third stair, leaving the first two stairs exposed to young children. The childminder has no risk assessments for outings, as required and has not obtained parents written permission for children to take part in outings.

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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 and the attendance register are maintained. The childminder has an accident book to record any accidents but to date, no accidents have occurred. However, the childminder has not obtained parents written permission for all types of medication required and has not kept clear records when medicines have been administered. Documentation in relation to the childminder's motor vehicle insurance is out of date.

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the early years provision

There is sufficient space within the home; however large pieces of furniture restrict the actual space available for children to move freely and safely around the room. A selection of age appropriate toys is stored at floor level which enables children to make choices and so promote their independence. The childminder does not have sufficient and suitable equipment to meet the needs of the children attending. She has no suitable seating for children when they are eating and does not have an appropriate pushchair to enable her to go out with more than one young child.

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the early years provision

The childminder has begun to self-evaluate her provision and she recognizes she This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 needs more support in how to observe and plan for individual children's needs. She has taken steps to address this and is currently attending further training in this area. However, she is not aware of identifying significant issues regarding the safety within the home.

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the early years provision

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. The childminder provides verbal feedback daily to parents on how their child has been. Parental comments indicate they are happy with the service the childminder provides. Although the childminder has not worked with any other agencies as yet, she is aware of developing relationships and working together to support children's development, when required.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled with the childminder, who provides a caring and loving environment. The childminder has built up sound relationships with the children who approach her for reassurance and cuddles through-out the day. Although the childminder provides a sound learning environment for the children and there are adequate resources to enable children to make choices about their play she has not as yet started to keep any written observations and assessments on the children's development. Therefore she doesn't have a clear picture of the next steps for learning for each child and is unable to plan fully for their individual needs and interests.

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and outcomes for children

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 are beginning to build with the blocks and enjoy the press button musical toys. As the music starts to play the children show wonder and begin to dance at the same time. The childminder has a selection of age appropriate books and children are beginning to seek out their favourite books to share together. The childminder is aware of ensuring children benefit from outdoor experiences but is unable to go out on walks presently due to not having suitable equipment for the age group being cared for. She does have a garden for outdoor play and uses this often. Overall children's behaviour is managed satisfactorily. Any difficulties are handled sensitively and calmly by the childminder. Children are beginning to show kindness and adopt caring attitudes with each other.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder takes reasonable steps to ensure children in her care remain healthy and free from cross infection. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to deal with any injuries. She provides home cooked meals which are nutritionally balanced and meet the children's individual needs. Children are offered a plain biscuit for a snack and their drinks are accessible for them. However, they are not encouraged to sit down whilst eating their snack and this compromises their well-being. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are developing their confidence to explore their surroundings and are happy to leave the childminders side to investigate the toys and play for short times by themselves. However, the lack of effective use of risk assessment by the childminder to ensure her home is completely safe has an impact on children's

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and outcomes for children

overall safety within the home. Additionally, risk assessments have not been conducted for outings and no fire evacuation practices have been carried out to ensure children learn about leaving the home quickly and safely. 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 4 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: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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