Childminder in North Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY290337 Inspection date 15/03/2011 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 years and 11 years old in the rural village of Brompton, North Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with the exception of the dining room. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7.30am to 6.30pm for 47 weeks of the year. The family has pet gerbils.

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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 whom no more than three may be in the early years range. She currently has three children on roll who are in the early years range. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years and currently there are five children on roll in this age group. Children attend on a part- time basis. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She escorts children to and from the local school and attends several community 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 demonstrates a very warm and friendly nature which is conducive to welcoming all children and their families into an inclusive environment. She seeks suitable information from parents to ensure she meets their individual needs. However, her lack of understanding of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage means she is not meeting several of the legal requirements, and systems to safeguard children are not sufficiently robust in order to fully promote the welfare of children. The childminder provides a satisfactory range of activities covering all areas of learning and, as a result, children are making suitable progress in their learning and development. Systems for observations and assessments are developing and procedures for self-evaluation are currently in the very early stages and, as yet, are not sufficiently robust to promote reflective practice and identify priorities for development.

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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?

 request written parental permission, at the time of the child's admission to the provision, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future 31/03/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  ensure an effective safeguarding policy and procedure is implemented in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board, including the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder or members of the household. 31/03/2011

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 further develop the systems to involve parents as part of the ongoing observation and assessment process, and for them to contribute to children's learning and development records  further develop the procedures to promote reflective practice and self- evaluation and identify priorities for development to improve outcomes for children and promote continuous improvement  develop observations and assessments to record children's achievements and clearly identify learning priorities for each child and match the observations to the expectations of the early learning goals  Carry out regular evacuation drills with details recorded in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  Make sure adequate insurance cover is in place for all vehicles in which children are transported and is available for inspection.

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the early years provision

The childminder has some understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and this generally supports children's learning and care. Detailed written risk assessments for all areas of the premises and outings are completed which ensure that potential hazards to children are minimised. The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children, and all adults living on the premises are vetted. Some suitable procedures for safeguarding children are in place. For example, prior written consent from parents is sought before administering medication and all accidents are recorded and signed by parents. However, written consent from parents for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment for children is not in place. This is a breach of a specific legal requirement. The childminder has also failed to comply with the requirement to notify Ofsted of a serious incident involving a child in her care. This is an offence unless the provider gives a

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the early years provision

reasonable excuse. However, in this instance the childminder followed the correct procedures to safeguard the child and every other aspect of this incident was managed appropriately. As a result, the impact on children's well-being is minimal. The childminder has an adequate understanding of the indicators and signs of child abuse. She is not, however, aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. This lack of understanding impacts on her ability to fully safeguard children. Most of the required documentation is in place, however, the childminder does not maintain records relating to a fire evacuation log and does not have suitable business use insurance for her vehicle.

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the early years provision

The childminder has satisfactorily addressed most of the recommendations raised at the previous inspection. For example, she has developed effective procedures This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 for hand washing for the children and reviewed her documentation in relation to effective partnerships with parents. This helps to promote outcomes for children. The childminder has some understanding of areas for improvement as a result of discussing practice with other childminders and parents. She is also beginning to use the Ofsted self-evaluation form to help her reflect on the service she provides and also attends regular training. However, she has not developed effective procedures to further monitor and evaluate her provision to ensure continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

Positive relationships are in place with parents. They report that 'the childminder is responsible and conscientious and provides a stimulating environment which is home from home'. The childminder shares information verbally about the care of their child and also completes written daily diaries. However, information about how children are progressing in their learning and development is more limited and parents are not fully involved in contributing to the learning and development records in order to plan effectively for children's progress. The childminder is fully aware of the benefits of partnerships with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage and the importance of developing links when this is appropriate.

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and outcomes for children

Children are content and confident in familiar surroundings, as the childminder is sensitive to their needs and interests. The childminder has formed strong, loving relationships with children and they interact positively with adults. She offers clear praise consistently, which encourages children's positive behaviour. As a result, children are at ease in the setting and clearly enjoy their time with the childminder. The children are able to progress satisfactorily with their development, stimulated by a varied range of colourful resources. There is plenty to choose from and so children remain active and engaged in play. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides a suitable range of activities, which are developmentally appropriate and contribute towards children's future economic well-being. She has started to complete some written observations of children's

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and outcomes for children

development, but the information gained is not fully used to assess their progress towards the early learning goals or to plan for children's next steps. Children enjoy books and are regular visitors to the library, where they join in with story and rhyme sessions. They listen with pleasure to their favourite story and this helps to promote their communication skills. Attendance at community groups extends children's learning opportunities and provides opportunities to socialise with other children.

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and outcomes for children

Children gain an awareness of shape and their problem-solving and reasoning skills are nurtured as they explore different shape-sorting, matching and sequencing activities. Their understanding of the living world is promoted when they visit local nature trails and enjoy planting and nurturing bulbs and seedlings in the garden. Children use information and communication technology to support their learning; for example, they use interactive resources that have lights and sound. This helps This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 them to develop skills for the future. The childminder is beginning to incorporate the celebration of a range of religious festivals which promotes children's understanding of other cultures. For example, children very recently explored the Chinese New Year, when they had fun using chopsticks and tasting various Chinese dishes and fruit desserts. Activity planning also incorporates opportunities

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and outcomes for children

for children to explore and learn about flags from different nations. Children's creativity is nurtured as they play with a range of small world toys and particularly enjoy playing with their favourite dolls, pretending to feed and change them. Children have opportunities to explore a range of different media, including paint, collage, clay and model making.

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and outcomes for children

Children are welcomed into clean and well-kept premises where they have ample space to play. Ongoing explanations from the childminder about safety issues, along with regular fire drills, help children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe. This is also complemented with trips to the local fire station to reinforce fire safety within the home. Regular use of the garden and outings to the park and leisure facilities provide suitable opportunities for healthy exercise to encourage children's physical development. Children are active or restful through choice and sleep in line with their individual needs and parents' wishes. They are encouraged to enjoy healthy snacks, including fresh fruit. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms, is in place and up-to-date. However, weaknesses in safeguarding impact on how safe children actually are. The childminder's good relationship with parents

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and outcomes for children

and her effective procedures ensure children are cared for appropriately when ill. This reduces the risk of the spread of infection. 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 31/03/2011

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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 31/03/2011

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