Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 252447 Inspection date 09/09/2011 Inspector Alison Putnar

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and teenage son on the outskirts of Nottingham. The childminder has a dog. The childminder works alongside her co-minder from the co-minders address. Minded children use the purpose-built chalet to the rear of the house, which is accessed via a low-level step. Within this area they have access to all applicable amenities such as toilet and hand-washing facilities. There is an enclosed garden which is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years when working alone, of whom three may be in the early years age range. When working together with a co-minder they may care for a maximum of 10 children under eight years, six may be in the early years age range. There are currently 22 children on roll with varying attendance patterns of whom eight are in the early years age range.

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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 lacks a secure awareness of the Early Years Foundation Stage and as a result, several requirements are not met. A commitment to protecting children's safety is evident, however, some requirements have been overlooked and as a result children's welfare may be compromised. The childminder verbally communicates with parents and other settings the children attend in an attempt to cater for individual's needs. The childminder is in the very early stages of developing systems to support children's progress and as a result children may not make as much progress as they are capable of. A suitable selection of activities are provided to capture children's interest. Methods for reviewing the service and highlighting areas for improvement are not yet fully established.

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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?

 develop a complaints procedure ensuring it can be available to parents on request (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 09/11/2011

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further?

 develop an effective safeguarding children policy and procedure which includes the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a childminder (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 09/11/2011

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further?

 carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing 09/11/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)  ensure a current first aid certificate is maintained (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 09/11/2011

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further?

 develop systems to undertake sensitive observational assessments in order to plan to meet young children's developmental needs (Organisation). 09/11/2011

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 review the risk assessments more frequently, ensuring they cover any changes such as the new pet rabbit and ensure the record includes when and by whom the risk assessment was checked  implement methods of self-evaluation to ensure the individual needs of all children are met and that all requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are fully in place.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of safeguarding procedures enabling her to seek relevant advice and support should she ever be concerned for children's welfare. However, her written procedure lacks the necessary details, potentially causing delay in the event that she needs to contact relevant authorities. Adults working with the children are appropriately vetted, ensuring they are suitable to be around children. Overall, children are generally kept safe as the childminder and her co-minder supervise them continuously. Visual checks are completed of the childminding setting to identify potential hazards, some records are maintained. However, the records lack required information and some potential hazards are not included, such as the pets. There are no written risk assessments for outings which is a breach of requirements and potentially means that hazards may be overlooked.

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the early years provision

Records relating to the care of the children are organised more effectively, enabling the childminder to cater for individual care needs, such as children's diets. The childminder ensures that details of any accidents or medication are recorded clearly to maintain children's health. The childminder's first aid certificate has recently expired, as a result she may not be aware of current first aid practices, compromising children's safety in the event of more serious accidents. The childminder communicates with parents verbally, keeping them informed about activities the children have taken part in. Brief daily diary sheets are also used to share information. Less information is shared about the childminders' procedures, for example, there is no written complaint procedure available for parents. The childminder is beginning to make links with some of the other settings the children attend, she ensures that relevant information is passed between the nursery that

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the early years provision

she collects from and parents, for example, sharing details of any accidents. Discussions focus less on children's development, somewhat missing opportunities to all work together to help children reach their full potential.

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the early years provision

Despite some weaknesses in the setting the children appear happy and settled and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 have good relationships with the childminder and her co-minder. The physical environment is well organised, with child-sized equipment and soft furnishings creating areas for children to rest, eat and play comfortably. Toys are positioned in accessible units to enable children to independently choose what they want to play with supporting their enjoyment. Toys and resources are clean and well- maintained. A child-friendly space is created with children's art work displayed, helping them feel a sense of belonging. An adequate range of activities are provided, which enable the children to make some progress in their development. The childminder has not yet established effective systems of assessing children's development or helping them to build on the skills they already have, as a result

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the early years provision

children may not make as much progress as possible. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to making improvements now she understands what is required. She has addressed recommendations made at the last inspection showing a commitment and some potential to improve. The childminder verbally seeks feedback from parents to ensure they are happy with the service provided, although a full review of the setting has not yet been completed, as a result some legal requirements are overlooked.

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged to make choices in play to support their enjoyment. The childminder engages in play with them to support their language skills and encourage some learning. For example, a young child shows developing counting skills as together they count the bricks stacked in a tower. Practical play activities such as sand and water are used less frequently to help children explore mathematical concepts, such as filling, emptying and comparing the size of cartons and tubs. The childminder is at in the very early stages of observing children in play and as such has not considered fully how she can support children to make further progress through the activities she provides. Although they do make some progress through the activities they encounter. Children have opportunities to play indoors and outdoors in the garden, and sometimes at community groups extending their experiences. Here children develop social skills as they mix with

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and outcomes for children

others of a similar age. Together they share books as a tool for future reading skills. Children take part in some craft activities and these encourage children to practise using single-handed tools such as crayons and paint brushes, developing control and confidence needed for future writing skills. Children begin to explore their imagination as they have opportunities to play with small world toys, such as, the cars and dolls. Young children pretend to make food for each other using the home corner toys. Singing and dancing activities are provided to further support children's creativity.

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and outcomes for children

The layout of the play area begins to support children to develop personal independence skills, they can visit the accessible bathroom to manage their own needs and are encouraged to develop suitable hygiene practices through reminders to wash their hands and use the individual hand towels provided. The childminder is aware of the importance of providing healthy meals and regular snacks and refreshments are provided with some healthy options. Children have suitable opportunities to benefit from fresh air and exercise during the walk to and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 from school, through the outdoor toys provided at the childminder's home and through trips to the local park. During these outdoor activities children are also helped to begin to consider safety issues, learning how to cross roads safely or how to use the slide carefully. The childminder describes appropriate methods for

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and outcomes for children

managing children's behaviour. Acting as a positive role model and talking to children about feelings. Young children develop a sense of responsibility as they are encouraged to help tidy away toys after play. The childminder's friendly nature ensures children are confident to voice their wishes. A young child shares their desire to visit the park, this request is accommodated showing that children's feelings are considered and taken into account. The childminder provides some toys and resources to begin to help children positively explore and celebrate the similarities and differences of our diverse society. Those who attend after school are able to make choices to play actively or relax and watch television to compliment the structure of a busy school day. 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 3 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

 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 relates to the voluntary register) 09/11/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 develop 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 relates to the voluntary register). 09/11/2011

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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 childcare section of report (Arrangements for safeguarding children, Procedures for dealing with complaints). 09/11/2011

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