Childminder in LancashireOfsted inspection, 18 Apr 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY239859 Inspection date 18/04/2011 Inspector Lesley Sharples

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since June 2003. She lives with her partner and two sons age 14 and 25 years. The family home is in Penwortham near Preston. It is close to two parks and a library and next to a primary school. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, apart from the kitchen, and comprises of the lounge, playroom, conservatory, which is also used as a playroom, and toilet facilities. The family has a pet rabbit.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Registration is for a total of six children at any one time. Currently there are 10 children attending, six of whom are within the Early Years Foundation Stage age range. The childminder is also able to offer care for older children over five years and occasionally works with an assistant. Membership of the National Childminding Association is retained.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children play within an inclusive, vibrant and stimulating learning environment and enjoy themselves. However, the childminder does not have the Early Years Foundation Stage pack; therefore, aspects of learning and development are not implemented, as well as certain specific legal requirements. The childminder promotes most aspects of the children's welfare but they are not safeguarded. Not all persons over 16 years in the household are known to Ofsted and checked. Risk assessments for outings and for the premises are not effective, as not all hazards are minimised, nor are they recorded. Partnership with parents is based on sound communication. The childminder reflects on and strives to develop her practice, but training is not updated, especially in relation to safeguarding and child protection.

p.4

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.

p.4

further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

p.4

further?

 conduct a risk assessment identifying aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, with specific reference to the broken window in the porch area (Premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to the both parts of the Childcare Register) 18/04/2011

p.4

further?

 carry out a risk assessment for each type of outing 18/04/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  notify Ofsted of persons aged 16 years or over living on the premises. 18/04/2011

p.4

further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.5

further?

 undertake assessment of learning for individual children so that next steps are identified and used to influence future planning in line with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  increase resources to support children's understanding of disability  seek training to update knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children issues.

p.5

the early years provision

Children are generally safeguarded in relation to child protection concerns as the childminder is clear about the procedures to follow. However, training is not up-to- date to keep abreast of knowledge and documentation. Not all persons living in the household over 16 years have been notified in order for appropriate checks to be carried out. This is a specific legal requirement. Children play in a mostly secure and safe environment, but there is a hazard relating to a broken window in the porch area. This compromises children's safety. The childminder has not undertaken the specific legal requirements to ensure a safe and secure environment that is checked regularly in order to minimise or remove hazards. In addition, no risk assessment is completed for each type of outing undertaken. Documentation and consents regarding children's health and personal details are all in place.

p.5

the early years provision

Effective engagement with parents is achieved through written and verbal means. The childminder uses a daily diary to record routine aspects of the younger children's day and always takes the time to chat with parents. The childminder shares her policies and procedures, and information is displayed about aspects of development for parents to read. The childminder understands the need to work with other settings children also attend who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as any other agencies and professionals working with the children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder undertakes self-evaluation of her practice. All recommendations made at the last inspection have been met, which improves her practice and impacts positively on children. For example, the childminder gained more resources to reflect other cultures in role play and in many books, but positive images of disabilities are still lacking. The deployment of resources is good. This means that children play and learn within a stimulating environment which offers continuous opportunities for all areas of learning. They can reach these to make choices and decisions in their play, promoting self-confidence and independence extremely well. This reflects the time and attention the childminder gives to this aspect of her practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress in their inclusive learning and development, due to the childminder's enthusiasm and use of some reference materials relating to the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are very happy and content and thoroughly enjoy the vast range of learning opportunities provided within the playrooms. Children are confident in their learning environment and freely choose what they wish to do, easily accessing resources within a very well-organised space. The childminder knows what children's interests are, gained from information gathered from parents about their starting points. The childminder understands how children learn and questions their thinking and understanding. Many written observations are recorded within children's individual files and illustrated by a wealth of photographs. However, no assessment of learning is carried out in order to plan for their next steps in supporting children's progress.

p.6

and outcomes for children

This is a requirement within the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children engage in early mark making encouraged through drawing on the chalk board, playing in the sand and painting. Artwork is displayed to show it is valued, for example, Easter cards. Children have a wealth of simple programmable toys to support early learning with technology, including remote controlled vehicles. Children learn about the natural world when out on walks and doing a project about the rabbit. They do indoor gardening and like to water the seeds they have planted. The childminder provides different kinds of treasure baskets, such as, items of one colour and a shiny and sparkly one. Children have reference to letter, number and shape and know the colours of cars. They enjoy looking at books and sometimes role play is a library. Opportunities for action rhymes, movement and dance are enjoyed, which promotes children's physical development.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is committed to the children in her care. She meets their welfare needs to ensure they learn about a healthy lifestyle through hygienic routines, plenty of walks for fresh air and exercise and healthy meals and snacks. The childminder implements innovative ideas, such as, making a sectioned wooden container to hold individual children's drinks. Children recognise their own cups, as the childminder uses labels and photographs to encourage independence in helping themselves. Children are learning about keeping themselves safe as they practise the emergency evacuation procedures to ensure they know what to do. Young children benefit from established routines and secure relationships with the childminder. They enjoy cuddles and receive plenty of praise and encouragement which promotes their self-esteem, laying down firm foundations for the future. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 4 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

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.

p.8

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:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment). 18/04/2011

p.8

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:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment). 18/04/2011

p.8