Childminder in Merton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY287426 Inspection date 18/05/2011 Inspector Sandra Jeffrey

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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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged 17, 14 and seven years. The family live in house on a residential road in the London borough of Merton. Children have access to the ground floor and supervised access to bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years, three of whom can be in the early years age range. There are currently three children in the early year's age range on roll, all of whom attend on a part 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

The childminder provides a welcoming environment for the children and they are happy in her care. However, the childminder's knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS) is weak and she is unable to effectively support the welfare or learning and development of the children in her care. The childminder's insecure understanding of regulatory matters including safeguarding means that children's safety and well-being are compromised. In addition, a lack of effective self-evaluation by the childminder, and her inability to keep up to date with changes in the early years profession, means that key areas for development to maintain the quality of the provision are not identified. The childminder has not heeded recommendations made at the last inspection. Partnerships with parents are friendly and daily communication systems are in place,however, partnerships with other professionals involved in the care of the children, have yet to be

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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 suitability checks are completed in the respect of all those aged 16 years or over living on the premises (Suitable People)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 23/06/2011

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further?

 gain knowledge and understanding of the Early Years 01/09/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Foundation Stage learning and development requirements, in order to ensure that children are provided with an educational programme that enables them to make progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning (Organisation)  implement systems to ensure effective planning and assessment methods are in place in order to monitor children's progress and highlight any development issues at an early stage; therefore ensuring that every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning and development experience that is tailored to meet their individual needs (Organisation) 01/09/2011

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further?

 develop effective systems to ensure that the individual needs of all children are met with particular regard to systems of self-evaluation to identify strengths in the provision and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children (Organisation) 01/07/2011

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve fire safety precautions by practising regular evacuation drills and record details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved in a fire log book  maintain a regular two-way flow of information with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to children, to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care.

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the early years provision

The childminder fails to safeguard children's welfare fully. She demonstrates a basic awareness of what to do if she has concerns about a child's welfare and understands her role in child protection. The childminder fails to ensure that suitability checks are carried out for all members of the household aged 16 years or over, as legally required. The childminder minimises potential hazards in the home by conducting regular risk assessments. Risk assessments are also carried out before embarking on outings. Fire equipment is in place, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket and the childminder has a written fire evacuation procedure. However, emergency evacuation drills are not practised with the children to enable them to become familiar with what to do in the event of a real emergency. The childminder keeps relevant documentation that promotes children's health and well-being; including written consent from all parents to seek medical advice or

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the early years provision

treatment for children in an emergency. The childminder also holds a valid paediatric first aid certificate. These measures promote children's health and welfare.

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the early years provision

The childminder's home is welcoming and well organised, enabling the children to independently access a good range of toys and resources. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 regularly checks toys and equipment to make sure that they are safe. The childminder creates a homely environment and has formed close bonds with the children, which ensures they all feel welcome. The childminder endeavours to work closely with parents to meet children's individual needs, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with some success. Parents are not effectively encouraged to become involved in the children's learning and development in order to help the childminder to ascertain if children are developing towards the early learning goals. Parents have access to a selection of policies and procedures, so that they have information about the provision. Relationships with other

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the early years provision

professionals involved in the care of the children are also yet to develop sufficiently to ensure that an effective two-way flow of information is in place.

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the early years provision

The childminder has not attended any training since her last inspection three years ago, with the exception of first aid training. She has not kept up to date with current issues and does not have effective systems in place to monitor and evaluate her provision. She has not addressed recommendations made at the last inspection. The childminder is unable to identify the strengths and weaknesses in her provision or to target areas for improvement effectively. Therefore, the childminder is not working to continuously enhance the welfare, learning and development opportunities for children in her care.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's lack of knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, results in ineffective systems to ensure children are being offered suitable experiences to ensure they are making appropriate progress towards the early learning goals. Whilst children clearly enjoy their time in the setting and are kept occupied during the day, the lack of clear planning, observation and assessment does not ensure that children are offered a balanced curriculum that reflects all of the six areas of learning. As a result children are making insufficient progress in their learning and development, given their various starting points and abilities. The childminder recognises that some children may require additional support to help them progress but is not proactive in planning for this.

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and outcomes for children

Children show they feel safe in the care of the childminder as they respond to her care and attention. The childminder evidently cares about the children and provides them with a varied range of well maintained toys that they can easily access and enjoy. Children's safety is however potentially compromised by the lack of suitability checks for all household members.The childminder is on hand to offer the children some support and guidance whilst playing with the toys and they are beginning to develop skills for the future in communication, literacy and numeracy. They have access to a suitable selection of books and materials to practise drawing and writing skills. The childminder talks to the children as they play but has not explored ways of supporting the language development of children who find it hard to communicate verbally. Children are encouraged to develop skills such as sharing and taking turns and consequently begin to learn how their behaviour affects

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and outcomes for children

others. They are encouraged to make a positive contribution in the setting by This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 showing consideration to others and by being kind and patient with each other. Children also enjoy regular creative and messy activities.

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and outcomes for children

The children enjoy a selection of outdoor activities. The childminder is aware of the benefits of having regular opportunities for fresh air and to develop physical skills such as climbing, running and catching. Children learn about the world around them as they regularly visit local parks and toddler groups and play in the garden.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home where suitable hygiene routines mean that children are protected from the risk of cross-infection, such as, washing hands prior to eating. Children are encouraged to develop healthy lifestyles and to enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet, in close consultation with parents. 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 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 3 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

 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 (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children)(also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 23/06/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 produce a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (Procedures for dealing with complaints)(also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 23/06/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability of persons to care for, or be in regular contact with children) 23/06/2011

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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 (Suitability of persons to care for, or be in regular contact with children) 23/06/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children, Procedures for dealing with complaints) 23/06/2011

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