Kelly, Sharon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY100526 Inspection date 01/12/2011 Inspector Elizabeth Mackey

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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 2002. She lives with her husband, adult child and school age child in a house in Bickley, near Bromley, in Kent. The premises are close to local shops, park and a main line station. The downstairs of the property is mainly used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Year Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. Currently, there are five children under eight years on roll, of whom four are in the early years age group.

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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 has insufficient knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Consequently, some statutory welfare requirements and some learning and development requirements are not met. These relate to safeguarding children, the suitability and safety of the premises, the organisation of the childminder's practice and her knowledge of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Although children take part in some enjoyable experiences and activities, their individual learning needs are not routinely taken into consideration or planned for. There are satisfactory systems are in place to promote partnership with parents and other settings that children attend; however, there are insufficient resources and activities to promote children's learning and understanding of diversity and equality. The childminder has started a process of evaluation; however, her lack of knowledge about the framework impacts on her

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

ability to identify and address areas for improvement and change; therefore, this limits her capacity to improve.

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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?

 devise and implement an effective safeguarding children policy and procedure which complies with the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board and share this information with parents (Safeguarding and welfare) 19/12/2011

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further?

 conduct a risk assessment and record when it was 19/12/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 carried out and by whom. Regularly review the risk assessment, at least once a year and include in the record the date of the review and any action taken following a review or incident (Premises, environment and equipment)  develop knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements so that children are provided with a suitable educational programme that will enable them to make progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning (Organisation) 19/12/2011

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further?

 undertake sensitive observational assessment in order to plan to meet children's individual needs (Organisation) 19/12/2011

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve resources and activities to provide an anti-discriminatory play environment, which promotes children's learning and understanding of diversity and equality  develop effective systems of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development, in partnership with parent's and children's involvement that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

Overall, the childminder does not meet the legal requirements to safeguard children and therefore children are put at risk. Measures in place to safeguard children are inadequate as the childminder has weak knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of a safeguarding concern. The childminder has up-to-date information about the Local Children Safeguarding Board (LCSB) procedures. However, she has not updated her procedure to reflect the latest guidance. Also, the childminder does not have sufficient knowledge about the procedure to follow in the event of an allegation being made against her. The childminder obtains the required information from parents, including information about children's interests, although there is little information about the starting points in their development. Regulatory records, for example medication and accident records are maintained accurately. The premises are well maintained and there are some safety measures

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the early years provision

in place to promote children's safety. For example, safety gates restrict children's access to the stairs and the kitchen. However, the childminder has not completed a risk assessment for the premises, which means potential hazards may remain undetected and pose a risk to children's safety. This is a breach of a specific legal requirement and compromises children's overall safety.

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the early years provision

Nonetheless, the childminder maintains standard agreements with parents and gathers necessary essential information, agreements and consents regarding children's care and their overall welfare. For example, she has requested consent This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 from parents to seek emergency medical treatment and has emergency arrangements in place, which are agreed with parents. There are satisfactory arrangements to promote children's good health. The childminder holds an up-to- date first aid certificate and provides children with healthy home cooked meals. Outings to the park are part of the weekly routine and provide opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. The childminder organises space well for babies attempting to crawl and stand, encouraging their movement, choice and in turn, their independence.

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the early years provision

The childminder forms appropriate partnerships with other settings the children attend, for example, the local school. Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates an appropriate understanding of meeting the general needs of children. She obtains essential information regarding children's backgrounds and communicates daily with parents about the children's day. This means children's individual welfare needs are known. The childminder shares information with parents by having a brief catch up with them at the end of the day. She provides parents with a written daily account of the children's day, including feeding and sleep routines. The childminder responds to matters as they arise and focuses on any pertinent development issues. However, because the childminder has limited knowledge of the six areas of learning and the early learning goals, children do not experience a sufficiently sound curriculum of activities to promote their learning

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the early years provision

and development in all areas. Furthermore, a lack of sensitive observation and planning means that there is no overview or identified next steps for children's development across the six areas of learning. In addition, the childminder is unable to accurately identify children's progress towards the early learning goals as she does not document children's achievements for reference or track their progress.

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the early years provision

In the main, the drive for improvement and self-evaluation is unsatisfactory. The childminder has taken some steps to maintain continuous improvement. For example, she has updated her paediatric first aid certificate. However, the childminder has not undertaken any other training to develop her knowledge and skills in order to improve the outcomes for children. The childminder made a start to evaluating her setting, just prior to the inspection and identifies that her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework is limited. The childminder demonstrates a willingness to work with the local early years department, which is likely to bring about improvement. She is now aware of the need to address the breaches in requirements as a matter of priority to promote the wellbeing and development of the children in her care.

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and outcomes for children

Children access a fair selection of resources and activities in the setting. However, a recommendation set at the last inspection asked the childminder to improve the resources to provide an anti-discriminatory play environment. This has not been achieved and there are few resources to positively reflect cultural and religious diversity and none to reflect any images of disability. The childminder interacts in a friendly and caring manner with children and responds to them appropriately. She This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 balances their daily needs effectively and spends time with them, joining in their play. Children settle well, because there is a planned settling in process, where children can gradually get to know their new environment and carer. Children relate well to the childminder and she communicates consistently with them and meets their evident needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and generally settled. The childminder sits on the floor with the children and supports them in their play. Babies have the space they need to explore their environment and develop their physical independence. The childminder responds to their growing independence by providing suitable resources to encourage them and ensure they have access to sufficient furniture to safely pull themselves up. Children's communication skills are encouraged because the childminder talks to them continually. Babies respond to this by smiling and showing interest in the books the childminder is sharing.

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and outcomes for children

Children have opportunities to explore, investigate and develop their knowledge and understanding of the world through visiting the local park and occasionally the library. During outings to the park, the children collect leaves and conkers and the childminder encourages them to be aware of their environment. Children also learn about plants and wildlife. They plant bulbs, which they look after and water and as they learn about the life-cycle. Children enjoy looking out the window, communicating with the childminder as they watch the birds in the bird bath and feeder together. Although children make some progress in their development, this is likely to be incidental and as a result, children are unable to develop to their full potential.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is positively promoted. There are some measures to promote children's health, for example, there is a sickness policy in place and children participate in everyday good hygiene routines. Children are developing a suitable understanding of their own safety when they practise road safety guidelines and are comfortably familiar with the house rules. Children are encouraged to develop habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners through appropriate strategies. For example, they are encouraged to share and be kind to one another. Children's self-help skills are promoted and they develop a sense of responsibility when the childminder encourages them to put on their own shoes and coats and to take care of the resources. 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 4 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 3 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

 undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment at least once in each calendar year, and immediately, where the need for an assessment arises. Ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 19/12/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep and implement a written statement of the 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) 19/12/2011

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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 compulsory requirements of the Childcare Register (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 19/12/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory requirements of the Childcare Register (Arrangements for safeguarding children). 19/12/2011

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