Dagnall,Kym

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY252984 Inspection date 26/03/2012 Inspector Jan Linsdell

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Bebington, Wirral. The ground floor of the property and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. Family pets include two dogs, two chinchillas, a cat and a bird.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. She is currently minding 11 children, six of whom are within the early years age group. Children attend on a full and part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 3.

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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 is not meeting a number of requirements. Organisation of the premises and equipment is poor and systems for monitoring children's progress towards the early learning goals are ineffective. The childminder's arrangements for self-evaluation are weak, which impacts on her ability to drive and maintain improvements. She does promote equality and diversity appropriately and makes sure children's welfare needs are suitably addressed. She offers an adequate range of activities and outings for children to enjoy, and establishes positive partnerships with parents, carers and other providers. As a result, outcomes for children are satisfactory.

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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 appropriate fire detection is available and maintained in working order (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 26/03/2012

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further?

 ensure the premises and equipment is organised in a way that meets children's needs, for example by creating space in the lounge for well-spread activities and space in the kitchen for the preparation and storage of food and drinks (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 02/04/2012 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  ensure written parental permission is requested for all children, for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 02/04/2012

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further?

 undertake sensitive observational assessments in order to plan experiences that meet children's individual needs and supports their progress towards the early learning goals (Organisation). 02/04/2012

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop and make use of the outdoor environment to support all aspects of children's learning and development  improve systems for self-evaluation, to identify the strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended safeguarding training and she clearly understands the procedures for reporting any concerns about children's welfare. Children are generally kept safe on the premises and on outings, with adequate risk assessments in place to minimise hazards. However, the smoke alarm upstairs has not been replaced and this compromises children's safety. Most of the required records to promote the safe management of the setting are available and appropriately maintained, but written parental consent for seeking emergency medical treatment is not in place for all children. This means the childminder is not fully meeting requirements.

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the early years provision

The arrangements for self-evaluation are weak, which limits the childminder's ability to reflect on her practice and identify priorities for development. She has made little progress in addressing the recommendation from the last inspection, which impacts on her capacity to maintain improvement. She does attend a good level of training, however she does not always implement this knowledge in practice. Equality and inclusion are suitably promoted and the childminder helps children to learn about other cultures and traditions. She develops partnerships with other settings by liaising appropriately with key staff and providing some activities that complement children's learning. Engagement with parents and carers is positive, which benefits the children's care. Thank you cards and questionnaires indicate parents' satisfaction with the standard of care provided.

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the early years provision

Some requirements relating to the premises are not being met, which has a negative impact on how the setting is organised and managed. For example, the premises are cluttered, with limited clear space in the kitchen to prepare food and drinks. Play materials are restricted to one end of the lounge, with limited space for free movement and well-spread activities. Books are suitably arranged on the low-level book stand, but other resources are not well organised or easily accessible. This makes it difficult for children to see what is available and make independent choices in their play. Also, best use is not always made of the garden, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 so that children can enjoy learning opportunities outside.

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and outcomes for children

Overall, the childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of the learning and development requirements. She engages positively with the children; guiding their play and asking appropriate questions to support their learning. She offers some activities and outings that she knows children will benefit from. This enables children to enjoy their learning and make some progress. However, the childminder does not observe children frequently enough or gather sufficient evidence about their ongoing development. This makes it difficult for her to effectively monitor their progress towards the early learning goals and to plan for their next steps. As a result, planning for children's learning is not focussed enough to ensure their individual needs and interests are fully addressed.

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and outcomes for children

Children are content and settled because the childminder is caring, supportive and responsive to their needs. This enables positive relationships to develop and gives children a sense of security. Children follow appropriate hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before lunch. They benefit from walks and outings in the local area, which promotes their physical health and well-being. Parents supply all food for their children and the childminder provides healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit. Children have access to their own water bottles to stay refreshed.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing skills for the future. For example, they behave well and they learn to play cooperatively together. Their problem-solving and numeracy skills are encouraged when they help each other to complete puzzles and count how many sheep they can see. They recognise different shapes and enjoy playing with the shape sorter. Children select books to look at and they also benefit from visiting the library, which encourages their enjoyment of reading. They sit at the table to colour and the childminder helps them to recognise letters and sounds, such as 'F for fish'.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from various outings in the local area, such as to the woods, park, farm and indoor play areas. They learn about planting and growing, and take part in some interesting activities to support their awareness of diversity, such as learning Swahili dancing. This positively promotes their understanding of the wider world. Children make various craft items when celebrating special events throughout the year. They have use of a puppet theatre to encourage imaginatively play and older children enjoy putting on shows for the younger children to enjoy. 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 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

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard children from abuse and neglect (Arrangements for safeguarding children) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 02/04/2012

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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 part of the Childcare Register (Arrangements for safeguarding children). 02/04/2012

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