Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY249212 Inspection date 01/03/2011 Inspector Sue Riley

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and daughter, in the Audenshaw area of Tameside. There are a number of shops, libraries, parks and parent/toddler groups in walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for four children in the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She holds a recognised early years qualification.

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Description of the childminding

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed rear yard for outside play. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. The family has a dog as a pet. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 specific legal requirements are not being met. Organisation is poor and some systems within the practice are not effective, which compromises children's safety and wellbeing. Provision for children's learning and development is limited, however, children are suitably occupied and enjoy the range of resources provided. Systems to evaluate the effectiveness of the provision are not rigorous enough, as a result 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?

 raise awareness and understanding of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirements and the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage (Organisation) 28/03/2011

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further?

 devise and implement an effective safeguarding children policy, to include a procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a yourself or another household member (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 28/03/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  ensure there is information about who has legal contact with the child and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 28/03/2011

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further?

 ensure a written record of all medicines administered to children is maintained and obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 02/03/2011

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further?

 ensure a record of accidents and first aid treatment is maintained (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 02/03/2011

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further?

 ensure written parental permission is requested 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 (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 28/03/2011

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further?

 plan and organise the systems to ensure that every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning and development experience that is tailored to meet their individual needs (Organisation) 28/03/2011

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further?

 ensure a record of the risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident is maintained (Documentation). 28/03/2011

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 implement a system of self-evaluation, in order to evaluate the care provided to children and to ensure continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

Children are not fully safeguarded as the childminder does not fully understand her role to protect them from harm. Although, the childminder has an adequate knowledge of safeguarding issues she does not have a written statement of the procedures to follow if she was concerned about a child. She has made her home safe for children. However, she does not maintain a record of her risk assessment of the home and all things that children come into contact with. Parents are reassured because the childminder provides some information about how she is registered, about vetting arrangements for herself and other household members over 16 and about her experience and training. The childminder has not started to self-evaluate or reflect on her practice. This is evident from the number of weaknesses raised during this inspection. The childminder demonstrates through discussion that she is ambitious and wants to develop the provision further, she is

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the early years provision

unsure of how to do this as she does not fully understand what is required from This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 her. She has attended some training to improve her knowledge and understanding around caring for children. The childminder is caring for more children than their conditions of registration allow. This is an offence unless the provider gives a reasonable excuse. On this occasion the provider did so and Ofsted does not intend to take further action.

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains some of her records to ensure the safety and well-being of children. However, the medication and accident recording system are not effective. For example, medication administered to children has not been recorded and written consent for the medication administered has not been gained from parents. This potentially comprises children's well-being. The childminder does have a few policies and procedures to cover her practice. However, she does not have the required written policies and procedures. This is with particular reference to safeguarding children. Parents are not fully aware of her practice and this potentially places children at risk as the childminder is not able to follow the relevant guidance. The childminder has sufficient resources and equipment in place to meet the needs of all children. Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of how they would be deployed around the

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the early years provision

home to ensure that children could freely access them, in order to promote their independence.

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the early years provision

The childminder does not have any systems in place to monitor children's progress in relation to their starting points. She allows children to play and observes them in a manner to ensure they are happy and safe. However, observations and assessments are not being used to plan effectively for children's next steps taking into account their abilities, likes and dislikes. The childminder develops relationships with parents and children and this contributes to inclusion, meeting their needs and providing continuity of care. She is aware of the importance of working in partnership with other providers that would be involved in the care of the children. At the start of the placement the parents are provided with some information, which includes the childminder's very limited policies and procedures. This ensures parents are made aware of the childminder's practice. Parents are kept informed about their child's activities through daily verbal discussions. The

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the early years provision

childminder treats all children equally and is aware of their individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates that she has no knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the welfare and learning requirements that she is now required to meet. This has a significant impact on the care and well-being of the children that she cares for. The childminder gathers verbal information about children's starting points, individual needs and preferences and she regularly exchanges information with parents. However, this information is not yet used effectively to identify children's next steps in their learning or to inform the planning of their experiences in all areas of learning. The childminder does not gather sufficient information from parents to fully safeguard children, with particular reference to who has legal contact with the children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder provides a variety of resources that encourage children's curiosity

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and outcomes for children

and help them to become inquisitive learners. They are able to make some independent choices as a selection of toys is placed around the play areas within their reach. She is starting to plan a few activities that engage children and help them to gain the skills that they will need in future life. For example, she sits with the children and encourages them to make marks and appropriately praises them, so they gain a sense of self-worth.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and safety is not fully promoted. This is due to the childminder not fully meeting the legal requirements. Parents currently provide all main meals for their children. The childminder does provide snacks and some of these are healthy and nutritious. Children learn simple hygiene routines as they have their hands and faces wiped after eating. They help themselves to a drink when they become thirsty, which promotes their independence.

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and outcomes for children

Children have established routines and this helps them to feel at ease and protected. They are happy and settled with the childminder and the atmosphere within her home is relaxed. Children are happy to play by themselves knowing that the childminder is nearby for reassurance or support. Their good behaviour, efforts and achievements are acknowledged by the childminder who responds appropriately with praise. Therefore, they develop confidence and self-esteem. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of the wider world through playing with appropriate toys and being taken out and about in the local community. As children play with the interactive or reward toys they are learning the basic skills around the exploration of technology. Younger children who are not yet talking demonstrate that they understand what is being said to them, demonstrating that their listening skills are developing. 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 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 3 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 (Arrangements for safeguarding children and Records to be kept). 28/03/2011

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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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children and Records to be kept). 28/03/2011

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