Childminder in HaltonOfsted inspection, 7 Feb 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY406982 Inspection date 07/02/2011 Inspector Vickie Halliwell

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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 was registered in 2010. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and 11 years in the Ditton area of Widnes. The premises are within easy reach of public transport, shops, parks, schools and community resources. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed outdoor play area to the rear of the property. There are contingency plans in place to call on another registered childminder in the event of an emergency or sickness.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of these no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers care to children over five years. The childminder is supported by the local authority and holds a nationally recognised qualification. The childminder is available to provide care each weekday, on a full time basis.

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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

Insufficient regard is given to the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, consequently a number of welfare requirements are not being met. Some aspects of children's health are compromised by poor practices and required records are not satisfactorily maintained. Children enjoy daily outings to a range of activities which help them make some progress in their learning and development. However, provision for children's learning is limited. Children are suitably occupied within the childminder's home but the childminder does not know enough about children's individual capabilities or their future learning needs. Systems to evaluate the effectiveness of the provision are not rigorous enough, consequently, self-evaluation is not effective and too little is done 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?

 ensure the good health of the children is promoted and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection, by ensuring appropriate hygiene practices in relation to nappy changing and ensuring meals, 23/02/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 snacks and drinks are healthy, balanced and nutritious (Promoting good health)  ensure the safeguarding procedure is consistent with Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 23/02/2011

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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, the risk assessment must identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, a record of when and by whom they have been checked must also be maintained (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 23/02/2011

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further?

 ensure records of accidents include details of first aid treatment (Promoting good health) 23/02/2011

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further?

 implement an effective policy on administering medication and keep a written record of all medicines administered (Promoting good health) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 23/02/2011

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further?

 gain knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements to ensure that all children are supported in their progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning (Early learning goals) 23/02/2011

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further?

 make systematic observations and use these to plan an enjoyable and challenging learning and development experience that is tailored to meet children's individual needs (Educational programme). 23/02/2011

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 update the record of risk assessments to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips  implement an effective system of self-evaluation that will improve the quality of the provision for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection issues, she is able to identify possible indicators of abuse and knows who to contact if she has concerns about a child in her care. A written procedure is available, but the childminder is unsure if her procedure for notifying parents about referrals to Social Services is consistent with her Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Risk assessments are conducted by the childminder and appropriate action is taken to minimise hazards, consequently children can move safely around the childminder's home. However, the childminder does not record her risk assessment; this is a breach of a specific legal requirement. A record of aspects that are regularly checked by the childminder is maintained. Appropriate This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures are in place to ensure children's safety on outings but a record of risk

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the early years provision

assessments for each type of outing is not maintained.

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the early years provision

The childminder has only recently commenced minding and does not have a secure knowledge of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Attention to written records is sometimes poor, although records of attendance, contracts and child detail forms are satisfactorily maintained. However, records relating to accidents do not consistently include details of any treatment given and records relating to the administration of medication are very poorly maintained. They do not include details of the dose required and there is no record to confirm that the medication has been administered, this is a breach of a specific legal requirement. The childminder has started to reflect on her practice but attempts at self-evaluation are not effective and do not provide an accurate appraisal of the setting. As a result, the strengths and weaknesses of the setting are not accurately identified and too little is done to secure improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder endeavours to provide an inclusive service and warmly welcomes all children and their families. However, children have few opportunities to learn about their own or the cultures and beliefs of others. Relaxed and informal relationships are encouraged by the childminder, who regularly exchanges information with parents and carers at arrival and collection times. Parents receive copies of the childminder's policies and procedures and are encouraged to complete detailed information about their child's needs and routines. Daily information sheets are completed for parents which provide an insight into how children have spent their day, although little information is exchanged in respect of children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled in the childminder's care. They behave well and are learning right from wrong, because the childminder provides simple explanations and encourages them to take turns and share. However, children are not encouraged to develop healthy eating habits. The childminder routinely provides meals and snacks in accordance with children's hours of attendance but does not ensure these are healthy, balanced and nutritious. A snack lunch is provided and this is often repetitive; for example, a typical weekly menu includes chicken nuggets and chips, sausage rolls and a fairy cake twice and a jam sandwich followed by a pot of banana custard. Typical snacks include 'a big smiley face biscuit' or a cheese dipper and a white chocolate bar. Records show children are very occasionally given fruit. Children's good health is further compromised by poor hygiene practices in relation to nappy changing; for example, nappies are changed on the

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and outcomes for children

Children have access to a small range of developmentally appropriate play materials and are generally occupied by the resources provided. They enjoy completing a large floor puzzle with the childminder, who gives praise and encouragement as children search for the next piece. The childminder supports the children as they learn to match colours and attempt to join two pieces together. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children show some interest in books, they sit beside the childminder to look at the baby animals. The childminder encourages the children to think about other experiences and talks about their trip to the zoo. Children spend relatively little time within the childminder's home and enjoy daily outings to groups and places on interest. Children squeal in delight at the mention of their favourite activity session, where they enjoy crafts and opportunities to be physically active using

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and outcomes for children

soft play equipment. Children also enjoy trips to the library, tumble tots sessions, musical minis and regular visits to local parks.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making some progress in their learning and development because they benefit from a varied range of activities and experiences. However, children's ability to achieve their potential is limited because the childminder does not have a secure knowledge of the learning and development requirements. She does not know enough about children's individual capabilities, and so is unable to securely plan for the next steps in children's learning. There is no system in place to identify children's staring points. Occasional observations are completed, but are not used to plan the next steps in children's learning and are not frequent enough to provide a clear picture of how children are progressing in each area of learning. Consequently, the childminder is unable to identify children's achievements and areas where they need additional support. 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 4 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 4 The extent to which children feel safe 4 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 4 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 4 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

 take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report (CR8). 23/02/2011

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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

 take action as specified in the Early Years section of the report (CR8). 23/02/2011

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