Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY412190 Inspection date 20/06/2012 Inspector Tina Garner

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 was registered in 2010. She lives in the Chilwell area of Nottingham with her family. Their home is within walking distance of the local school, shops and park. No pets are kept. Minded children use the ground floor of the house, with access to the toilet and hand washing facilities at this level.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time, of whom, three may be in the early years age group and of whom, one may be under one year. She is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis, three of whom are within the early years age range.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are settled with the childminder, who is attentive in her dealings with them and who provides a clean, welcoming and comfortable environment for their play. However, arrangements to evaluate the effectiveness of the provision are not in place and steps have not been fully implemented to ensure children's safety. This means that specific legal requirements are not being met and the childminder is in breach of regulations.

p.4

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.

p.4

further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

p.4

further?

 ensure all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that hazards to children are kept to a minimum with particular regard to all low-level glass and providing appropriate fire detection equipment (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 28/06/2012

p.4

further?

 ensure a record of the risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation). 28/06/2012

p.4

further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.4

further?

 develop the system of assessing and recording children's progress, clearly This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 prioritising next steps for them to work towards in each of the six areas of learning and use the information to plan some practical play activities to help each child reach their full potential  request written parental permission for children to take part in outings  develop systems for self-evaluation to identify strengths and weaknesses and implement plans, which bring about further improvement.

p.4

the early years provision

Basic arrangements to safeguard children from harm are generally implemented, in that most health and safety issues are considered. However, accessible low-level glass poses a potential hazard to children and concise records of risk assessments are not maintained to underpin safety precautions within or outside the home. This is a legal requirement. The childminder does, however, have an adequate awareness of child protection issues and of her reporting responsibilities and recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse.

p.5

the early years provision

Generally effective organisation of records ensures that children's health and general well-being is promoted. The childminder has attended appropriate first aid training and has written parental consent for emergency treatment, which ensures that children can be appropriately cared for in the event of an accident or emergency. Children are appropriately supervised both in the home and when on outings, although, written parental permission for them to take part in outings is not currently requested.

p.5

the early years provision

Children's individual needs are known and consistency of care assured because the childminder has sound relationships with their parents. Also she is aware of the need to liaise with others involved in their care and education. Through discussion and sharing documentation, the childminder ensures that parents are suitably aware of her policies and procedures. Children's learning and development records are readily available for parents to view.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder's home is appropriately organised, so that children can play in comfort and have independent access to toys, resources and activities. They have suitable opportunities to explore the outdoor environment through visits to the park. Children of all abilities are included in play activities. The daily routine helps children to feel settled and includes time for them to follow their own interests.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has not given full consideration to self-evaluation and reflective practice of systems to identify weaknesses within the provision. Consequently, children's safety is not fully assured as she is unable to adequately assess the quality and effectiveness of her current practice to drive or identify priorities for improvement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are generally settled and contented in the childminder's care. They happily participate in a mixture of adult- and child-led play, which allows them free choice. The childminder engages in their play and supports their growing independence skills. A range of appropriate resources are accessible and craft and messy activities are provided at the kitchen table for older children. The childminder is beginning to observe and record children's play. However, links between observations and play planning are not yet fully secure. Children are confident with the childminder and readily approach her for their needs to be met. For example, babies settle quickly as they smile and reach out to her for reassurance as they begin to explore their environment.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is skilled in her use of communication, which supports children's language development. Books are accessible and well used and simple pictures help link sounds to words and objects. Numbers are introduced through favourite songs and rhymes and during general play. Children make generally good progress through the range of activities they encounter. Older children explore and develop their creativity through arts and crafts, as they manipulate play dough and paint pictures. Resources, which positively promote diversity are accessible to children. This helps them to appreciate our similarities and differences.

p.6

and outcomes for children

They are beginning to learn about safety and adopting a healthy lifestyle through the repetition of routines, such as knowing their hands must be washed after using the toilet and before eating meals. Children are protected from the risk of germs and illness because the childminder maintains clean play areas and follows sound nappy changing routines. A clear policy is in place to manage the care of sick children. Parents provide children's meals. However, the childminder interacts with parents to ensure that items included in lunch boxes are healthy and nutritious. She gathers clear information from parents about children's dietary needs, including preferences and any allergies, so that they can eat in safety.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy the attention of the childminder. They show by their actions that they are beginning to understand the childminder's house rules and boundaries. Children behave well because the childminder has a consistent approach to managing unwanted behaviour and is a good role model. 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 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 4

p.7

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

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: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8