Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY435435 Inspection date 17/05/2012 Inspector Angela Howard

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2011 and lives in Aston on the outskirts of Rotherham. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and three years. Local shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. The children are allowed free access to all downstairs rooms, plus access to the first floor to bathroom facilities and one bedroom. There is a secure outdoor area to the rear of the property for outdoor play. The premises are accessible via a small step to the front door. Children are escorted to and from local schools.

p.4

Description of the childminding

Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round, including bank holidays. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding six children in the early years age range. She also offers care to 10 children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder promotes an ethos whereby children are valued and an inclusive and welcoming service is provided. She has good relationships with parents and organises her day to focus on the needs of each child. Children confidently initiate their own play and are making satisfactory progress in their learning. However, opportunities to explore diversity and outdoor play are limited. Most policies and procedures are in place to keep children safe, although there is a breach of regulation with regards to obtaining medication consent. The childminder demonstrates some knowledge of her strengths and areas for development and is committed to make the necessary improvements, although self-evaluation is in its infancy.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to the both parts of the Childcare Register) 01/06/2012

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.4

further?

 enhance the process of self-evaluation to provide a clear direction for the future development of the service  make more effective use of the outdoors to explore the six areas of learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to extend children's individual learning  extend resources that promote positive images of diversity  build upon the links established with other settings providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure that the education provided compliments the education received at other settings.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of how to safeguard children, ensuring their good health and welfare is a primary concern. She knows the appropriate action to take if concerns are raised about a child's welfare because she has attended safeguarding training to develop her knowledge and understanding. Comprehensive policies and procedures effectively support her practice and are all reviewed on an annual basis. Appropriate risk assessments are in place to ensure that hazards are identified and minimised to ensure children's safety. However, documentation to support the administration of medication does not contain all the required information because the childminder has omitted to obtain written consent to administer medication. This is a breach of requirements. The childminder has suitable systems in place to ensure people who have regular contact with children are suitable to do so. All visitors to the setting are asked to

p.5

the early years provision

record details including the purpose of their visit.

p.5

the early years provision

The children move freely and independently within the childminder's home. They have space to play and they enjoy choosing from a selection of activities that are put out each day. The childminder knows the children well and provides a range of appropriate activities, encouraging them with suggestions and allowing them to make choices about their play. This gives children the confidence to explore and learn in an environment that is like a second home. However, although the outdoor activities offer children the freedom to explore and be physically active, it is not used fully to give them opportunities to explore the six areas of learning in different ways from indoors. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of promoting equality and diversity. She greets children warmly, as she welcomes them into her home. Children's progress, relative to their starting points, is monitored suitably to ensure there is no under achievement and that any sign of

p.5

the early years provision

difficulty receives appropriate action. However, although she has plans in place for older children to learn about celebrations from around the world, the range of resources for younger children that reflect positive images of diversity are very basic.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are one of the childminder's key strengths. Daily routines are organised after holding discussions with parents and she is keen to build links between the children's home-life and the childminding environment. Parents actively welcome the opportunity to contribute to their children's learning as they share information frequently adding to the children's records. The childminder shares with parents her aims and objectives for each child's learning for the following month so they can extend this learning at home. The childminder recognises the value of forming firm partnerships with professionals and other providers. However, this is in its infancy and she recognises more can be done to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure they work together to ensure continuity in the children's learning and care. The childminder is beginning to identify some areas which require development

p.5

the early years provision

with support from a local authority early years development worker. However, these plans are in their infancy and she has yet to develop the system to rigorously monitor and evaluate her practice. Therefore, at this stage there is little evidence to show the impact on children's development.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the activities and experiences required to promote learning and development. She ensures that children enjoy a suitable range of activities across most areas of learning which take account of their interests and needs. The childminder has appropriate records in place that help to show what children can do and these are evolving. The documents show children are making satisfactory progress relative to their starting points, and their next steps are accurately identified and used to inform planning. This ensures children succeed and that activities are appropriately matched to children's individual needs, encouraging them to become active learners. Children are developing suitable independence skills as they help themselves to toys and are encouraged to learn about sharing. They are beginning to differentiate right from wrong and conform to the boundaries that are in place. Warm relationships are

p.6

and outcomes for children

evident and the children are settled and confident. They freely approach the childminder and enjoy close contact through activities. Children enjoy a wide range of books, songs and rhymes and access to craft materials. They experiment drawing and painting pictures to represent their thoughts. The childminder is skilful in supporting children to become self-assured and confident to communicate. For example, as the children play, conversations flow freely. This is supporting children's learning in communicating, language and literacy appropriately. Children take part in a suitable range of activities to raise their awareness of problem solving as they participate in number games and counting every day objects. When the children build towers they are encouraged to count and take time to consider how to solve problems, such as how to balance bricks to ensure the tower does not fall over before they have finished building it. Children dance and move with

p.6

and outcomes for children

gusto to the musical instruments they play and they sing along to favourite songs. Overall, children are appropriately supported to develop the skills they require in order to progress in their learning and development.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's individual dietary needs are met by the childminder providing healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. Their health is further promoted because the childminder encourages the children to adopt good personal hygiene practices and she follows clear procedures to minimise the risk of cross infection. The childminder is beginning to help children understand how to keep themselves safe appropriately. Their awareness of risk and safety is raised in everyday activities. For example, they learn to stay beside the childminder when they are out walking and regularly talk about road safety issues when they are walking to and from school. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 3 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

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.

p.8

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:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 01/06/2012

p.8

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:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory Childcare Register section of the report (Records to be kept) 01/06/2012

p.8