Mill View Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 141621 Inspection date 03/03/2011 Inspector Carolyn Hasler

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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 1993. She lives with her three adult children in Milton Keynes, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding, except the bedrooms. She has four dogs and keeps birds as pets.

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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, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local pre-school and regularly goes to several toddler groups.

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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 lacks understanding of the welfare requirements resulting in a number of breaches. She has limited knowledge of her responsibilities with regard to learning and development, which has an impact on overall outcomes for children. The childminder is not fully implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage, as required, in support of the welfare and learning and development of individual children. The childminder has not fully developed a self-evaluation process to underpin and secure her service to the children and their families.

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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?

 develop knowledge and understanding or the safeguarding procedure and its implementation. Including any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person living or looking after children at the premises (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 04/04/2011

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further?

 improve the record of risk assessments so that it includes information on who conducted it, date of 04/04/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 review and any action taken following a review or incident (Suitable premises, environment and equipment)  develop knowledge and understanding of anti- discriminatory practice (Organisation) 04/04/2011

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve further accessibility of resources in all areas of learning, pay attention to supporting children's awareness of differences in gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability and special educational needs  develop further skills in observing, assessing and planning development across the six areas of learning to extend children's progress.

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the early years provision

Regulations and duties to safeguard children are not robust. The childminder is unable to demonstrate a sound understanding of the different areas of abuse and their signs and symptoms. There are significant weaknesses in the childminders ability to record and report her concerns to the appropriate authorities. For example, she is unable to demonstrate that she knows what to do in the event that an allegation is made against a member of her household. There are significant weaknesses in the childminders understanding of her responsibilities to keep children safe. For example, although the childminder has a fire evacuation procedure, this is not displayed for all to see. The childminder informs that she checks fire safety equipment regularly and practices evacuation but there is no evidence of this. Children use the kitchen area for meals and for some activities and uses the door to the outside play space from this area. However, poisons and

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the early years provision

sharp tools are not sufficiently secured. Although the childminder has conducted and recorded a risk assessment, the recording does not provide room for additional safety aspects that arise which may need checking. There is no room for actioning identified risks. In addition risk assessments are not signed or dated at the time of the check by the person who carried out the assessment. The childminder has risk assessments for outings. However, again these lack information. There are significant breaches in regulation to safeguard and to keep risk assessments. This impacts on how the childminder keeps children safe.

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the early years provision

The childminder has maintained a programme of training on childcare issues since her last inspection. This includes training on developing and extending the Early Years Foundation Stage and different aspects of this, Safeguarding, risk assessments and food hygiene. The childminder continues to maintain her paediatric first aid. The childminder has not fully met all the recommendations from the last inspection. Although the childminder has improved her child protection procedure to include information about what she would do if an allegation is made against the childminder or her family she is unable to demonstrate that she can carry out her procedure effectively. The childminder was also asked to ensure that individual towels are used to prevent cross infection. Children now use paper towels in toileting areas. In addition the childminder was This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

asked to review her records of accidents and incidents to ensure they contain full details and also that records are managed to maintain confidentiality. The childminder has addressed all aspects of this issue. Although the childminder has maintained a programme of training, she is aware that she has limited knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and recognises that she needs to become more familiar with this document. The childminder finds keeping and maintaining documentation challenging and does not always understand the importance of maintaining clear and informative information. This impacts on the childminders ability to evaluate her practice and recognise areas for improvement in order to be of beneficial impact on children.

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the early years provision

The resources and equipment are fit for purpose and of sound quality. However, there is limited availability to resources which impacts on children's ability to make choices about what they would like to play with. The childminder is unable to demonstrate that she has the resources to build children's awareness of differences in gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability and special educational needs. Children have access to the lounge, conservatory and kitchen area to play, and these areas are comfortable. They make use of the small garden in the summer months. The childminder provides children with garden activities such as the paddling pool, home ball pool and bubbles. Children are learning about the natural world though trips to parks within the local area. Although resources are limited the childminder uses them to satisfactory effect to support the learning and development of children. Activities are guided by the childminder who sets things

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the early years provision

out for them. She has a sound understanding of children's development, is making observations and identifying next steps. However, the childminder is not familiar with the learning and development requirements and has little understanding of the different areas of learning, planning is limited and does not sufficiently challenge or extend what children already know. The childminders ability to support learning and development comes from many years experience and does not take account of the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance. This means that the childminder is not fully aware of children's full potential to achieve in all areas of their development. As a result children are making satisfactory progress.

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the early years provision

The practice of the childminder is not sufficiently inclusive. The needs of some children are not fully supported and integrated. For example, toys and play resources do not always reflect children's home lives. Children are encouraged to speak only in English although their home languages are not discouraged they are not actively encouraged. Although the childminder knows a lot about individual children she is unaware of subtle differences such as home languages and traditions. The childminder does not actively promote children's understanding of diversity; she sees this as the responsibility of parents and other settings.

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the early years provision

Parents receive information about the service including information about policies and procedures. They have a notice board where the childminder displays information about her service and leaflets from community activities. The childminder talks to parents each day to keep them informed about what children have been doing and children take home creative work. There is limited information provided on children's achievements. Parents are not sufficiently encouraged to be involved or make decisions about children's well-being while at the setting. The childminder has been associated with other settings children use This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 for some time. She facilitates the sharing of information between parents and the setting by passing on the home to nursery diary which she can use to record information where necessary. There is a sound understanding about the

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the early years provision

importance of building links in order to support individual needs of children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development. They enjoy their time at the setting and spend time effectively engaging in play and learning. They are motivated and interested in the limited range of activities but take little responsibility for choosing what they do. Routines are organised and help children to feel confident and learn new skills as they independently manage through their day.

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and outcomes for children

Children separate well from parents and build secure relationships with the childminder. They feel secure but lack independence in some areas of their development. They take pride in their work and want to show their work to their parents and carers. Children show caring attitudes towards others; they play independently but generally engage in joint games with their peers. They are successfully learning about turn taking and sharing equipment, show kindness and tolerance of others. The childminder reports that children are firm friends. Children play safely and are learning about keeping safe through routine activities such as washing hands. They are well behaved. Despite this, insufficient attention has been given to ensure children are not exposed to dangers through the use of effective documentation and good practice issues.

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and outcomes for children

Children are building independence and confidence in practising personal hygiene tasks as routines. This includes hand washing. They are developing awareness of their different senses and enjoy meals and snack times. At these times children are independently feeding themselves. The childminder offers them a suitable range of healthy choices. Children have access to a range of physical play opportunities such as hula-hoops, tricycles and scooters. They make use of local facilities such as the park to enhance activities within the setting such as walking, running and climbing. Documentation underpins the childminders practices to keep children healthy.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel listened to because the childminder provides them with time to share their thoughts and responds to their conversation. There are lots of open ended questions and descriptive suggestions to help children develop their vocabulary. Children are using language confidently because they have access to a small a range of books, music and stories. They see written word and are inquisitive to know what it says. Children are able to recognise key letters that are important to them and play simple games of eye spy. They are encouraged to experiment with writing through art and craft and mark-making activities. Children enjoy putting together the railway track and are able to successfully complete a circuit. They like playing with beads and make patterns on boards. There is additional evidence to suggest that children have access to other problem solving equipment such as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

construction resources and puzzles. There is some mathematical language used around them, to support their understanding of numbers, counting, colours and shapes and on the whole children recognise these concepts. Children engage in a range of activities that nurtures their understanding of the world around them. This includes first-hand experiences of the natural world and of information, communication and technology. There are some interactive toys and play resources which they can program through the use of switches and buttons but these are not easily accessible. Children are involved in practical applications of their knowledge and skills which promotes their self-esteem and supports future learning and development. 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: 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

 develop knowledge and understanding of the implementation of procedures for the protection of children (Safeguarding children) (also applies to the VCR) 04/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment)( also applies to the VCR) 04/04/2011

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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 for the compulsory Childcare Register (Safeguarding children) 04/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as for the compulsory Childcare Register (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 04/04/2011

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