Childminder in Blackburn with DarwenOfsted inspection, 31 Mar 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 500914 Inspection date 31/03/2011 Inspector Carys Millican

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and adult child in Blackburn, Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom of the childminder's home are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. There are currently five children on roll, of whom four are in the early years age group. The childminder takes children to several parent and toddler groups and has use of a car to transport children on outings and school runs.

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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.

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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

Children are looked after by a kind and caring childminder. However, insufficient regard is paid to the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and in particular, the procedures for safeguarding children and for promoting their safety, care and welfare. Consequently, a number of the specific legal requirements are not met. The effectiveness of leaderships and management is poor and several systems and procedures compromise children's safety and wellbeing. Children engage in a number of morning play group and toddler sessions in the local community and their learning and development is sufficiently supported through the provision of suitable resources and support by the childminder. Positive relationships are established with parents and links with other settings children attend are made to ensure continuity of learning and care. Systems to evaluate the effectiveness of the provision are not in place and not all

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

the previous recommendations made at the last inspection have been completed. Consequently, 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?

 obtain information from parents about who has legal contact and parental responsibility for the child 14/04/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)  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 (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 14/04/2011

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further?

 conduct a risk assessment to identify aspects of the environment that needs to be checked on a regular basis; and keep a record of risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and action taken following a review or incident (Suitable premises, environment and equipment)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 14/04/2011

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further?

 take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children both indoors and outdoors are kept to a minimum (Suitable premises, environment and equipment)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 14/04/2011

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further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 14/04/2011

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve hygiene practices to prevent the risk of cross infection  improve the process of risk assessment for each type of outing in order to demonstrate that all aspects of the outing have been considered  improve the confidentiality of accident and incident records  devise and implement an effective system of reflective self-evaluation to help promote continuous and sustained improvement in outcomes for all children.  obtain written permission from parents where children are to be picked up by another adult

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the early years provision

Children are not sufficiently safeguarded because procedures are not thorough enough and there are several breaches in the specific legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. This also includes non compliance with regard to the childminder not notifying Ofsted of a serious accident to a child in her care that required her to seek emergency medical treatment. This is an offence unless the childminder gives a reasonable excuse. On this occasion the childminder did so and Ofsted does not intend to take further action. The childminder has attended safeguarding training and demonstrates a satisfactory understanding about her role and responsibility if she had a concern about a child in her care. She also holds a current first aid certificate and her first aid box is accessible in the kitchen. The childminder explains her policies and procedures to parents when registering children, this includes the safeguarding and complaint procedure. A

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the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 system for recording any complaints is maintained.

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the early years provision

Children's safety is further compromised and specific legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework are not met. This is due to the risk assessment for all aspects of the environment not being effective enough to ensure potential hazards are identified and made not accessible to children. The childminder completes visual safety checks before children arrive. However insufficient action is taken to eliminate risks. For example, a motorised adult treadmill is folded upright in the corner of the playroom conservatory where children play and sit and eat their snack; the two glass fronted cabinets in the playroom are not safe and are accessible to children, and the electrical sockets in the extension cable where children play are also exposed to them. Although the childminder does not keep written risk assessments for each type of outing, she can describe what precautions she takes when taking children to school and the

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the early years provision

various playgroups, parks and other community facilities locally. She ensures that children are supervised while on outings to other childcare groups and never left unsupervised with un-vetted persons. Most required documents are maintained. The attendance of children is recorded daily by the childminder in her daily diary; visitors to the premises have their identity checked and details recorded; and record keeping systems are in place to detail any accidents and incidents. However the recording methods used for accidents and incidents does not maintain confidentiality.

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the early years provision

The childminder does not have access to the information provided by the Statutory Framework and the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has limited documentation to support her childminding practice and records are not sufficiently maintained. The childminder does not reflect on her practice to identify her strengths or areas for improvement. Therefore, she has failed to identify significant weaknesses within her childcare provision. Her limited knowledge and understanding of the statutory framework restricts her ability to fully assess the effectiveness of the provision. Consequently, she has failed to identify that a number of specific legal requirements are not met. The childminder has completed two out of the three recommendations made at her last inspection to improve her practice. For example, she keeps a record of fire evacuation practices and has attended safeguarding training to update her knowledge and

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the early years provision

understanding of the procedures to follow. She has not obtained written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment from parents. This is a breach of a specific legal requirement of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

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the early years provision

Children have access to a sufficient selection of toys and play opportunities that meet their interest and help promote their learning and development. This includes resources that help them develop an understanding of the similarities and difference of the world around them. The childminder endeavours to provide an inclusive service and ensures that parents, carers and children are warmly welcomed into her home. She encourages a relaxed, warm and positive relationship with parents, who express a high regard for the care and service she provides. Discussions are held with parents to ensure adequate information is gathered and regularly shared in relation to children's care and welfare needs. Record of information forms are maintained which contain most of the required This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 information to ensure children's safety and welfare. However, details are missing

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the early years provision

regarding the named person allowed to collect children and the details of who has legal contact and parental responsibility. The childminder has devised a medication sheet that is used to record the administering of medicine, however, she does not obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before medication is given. These are all breaches in specific legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The childminder discusses the children's day with parents on collection and she has made an attempt in obtaining information about what activities children undertake at other settings they attend so she can complement the learning taking place.

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and outcomes for children

Children play in a relaxed atmosphere and feel at ease in the childminder home. They know their way around and are confident to ask for alternative toys or ask to go to the toilet. Children's social skills and physical development is promoted daily as they attend a number of playgroups with the childminder. They enjoy suitable opportunities to be physically active both indoors and outside in the fresh air, which contributes towards a healthy lifestyle. Children enjoy both child-initiated play and the opportunity to join in adult-led group activities at playgroup sessions. Children are adequately nourished with meals provided by the childminder and appropriate measures are implemented to ensure individual health and dietary needs are met. However, hygiene routines are not consistently implemented. Not all the children's hands are washed before eating their snack. Children also place their fruit snack directly on the child sized table which had not been wiped since

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and outcomes for children

breakfast. Consequently, children are not fully protected from the potential risk of infection.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has an adequate understanding of children development and how children learn best. She is aware of children's interests and makes sure resources are provided to support this, for example, dolls, small world toys, dressing up, and materials to make dens. The childminder can explain how children are progressing and what she is helping children to achieve next. A satisfactory balance of adult- led and child-initiated learning experiences is provided and during such activities the childminder generally supports and challenges children as they play. Parents are informed of the activities their children undertake during the day. An example plan of the week is available to show the routine of the week and the provision of resources and activities for children. Children comfortably lie on the settee watching a selection of children's television programmes. They generally demonstrate a sense of belonging and make some meaningful choices about how

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and outcomes for children

they spend their time when playing in the home. For example, children help themselves to an assortment of toys stored in the wooden toy box. They play with dolls and prams and use their imagination to act out personal life experiences, such as going to the hairdressers. Children's language and communication skills are supported and their personal and social development is promoted.

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and outcomes for children

Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe in the home and when outside. They competently tidy away toys so that they do not fall over them and so This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they can have alternative resources out. Children's behaviour is managed suitably by the childminder using explanation, distraction and time away from others thus giving them time to reflect on what they have done. Children begin to learn about road safety and they practice the fire evacuation procedures so that they understand what to do in an emergency. 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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) (also applies to the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 14/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 implement and make available to parents 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 (also applies to the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 14/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 implement and make available 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 (also applies to the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 14/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure Ofsted is informed of any serious accident or injury to, or death to any child while receiving childcare (Matters affecting the welfare of children) (also applies to the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 14/04/2011

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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 specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 14/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as detailed in the Childcare Register section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 14/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as detailed in the Childcare Register section of the report (Procedures for dealing with complaints). 14/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as detailed in the Childcare Register 14/04/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 section of the report (Matters affecting the welfare of children).

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