Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY318273 Inspection date 19/07/2012 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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children on the outskirts of a village in Leicester. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, this includes access to bathroom facilities. First floor rooms are not used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Schools, shops, parks and places of interest are within easy walking or driving distance.

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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 four children at any one time. There are currently nine children on roll, one of whom is in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

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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, a number of legal requirements are not met. A commitment to protecting children's safety is evident, however some requirements have been overlooked, as a result children's welfare may be compromised. The childminder verbally communicates with parents, but records lack some necessary details compromising children's health. The childminder has developed some systems to support children's progress, but these are not yet fully robust in helping children reach their full potential. Methods for reviewing the service and highlighting areas for improvement are not yet established, impacting on the childminder's ability to maintain continuous improvement.

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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 that necessary information is obtained from parents in advance of a child being admitted to the provision, including: emergency contact numbers, written parental permission to the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment and any health requirements such as details of children's 09/08/2012 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 allergies and details of their GP (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)  keep a written record of complaints and their outcome (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 09/08/2012

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further?

 review risk assessments and take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children are kept to a minimum with regard to stored refuse bags and overhanging rose bushes in the garden (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 09/08/2012

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop more robust methods for tracking and recording children's progress; use the information to ensure that activities are appropriate to each child's stage of development thus helping them to reach their full potential across all areas of learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a suitable understanding of safeguarding procedures relating to protecting children from abuse and neglect. Household members are appropriately vetted, ensuring they are suitable to be around children. Overall, children are generally kept safe as the childminder supervises them continuously. She checks her home for safety issues and records these risk assessments daily, however, a number of potential hazards are overlooked in the garden, posing a risk to children. This is a breach of legal requirements. The childminder has some written policies and procedures to guide her practice; these are shared with parents, giving them an insight into her responsibilities. However, her insecure understanding of the early years framework means that records required for the safe and efficient running of the setting are not all in place which is a breach of legal requirements. This compromises children's health and safety as permission

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the early years provision

for seeking medical attention in an emergency, individuals' doctor's details and information about dietary needs, including allergies, is not recorded. As a result, children may not receive the appropriate care in the event of a more serious accident. The organisation of settling-in visits is not effective in ensuring all relevant information is shared or obtained, adversely impacting on the childminder's ability to provide for children's diverse needs. The childminder communicates with parents verbally, keeping them informed about activities the children have taken part in. She is aware of the importance of liaising with other settings the children may attend in future to ensure all work together to support children's learning and describes adequate systems for this.

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the early years provision

The home is organised to offer a suitable amount of free space for children to play, rest and eat in comfort. Toys and resources are stored in accessible boxes and storage cupboards, enabling children to choose from the range available to promote their enjoyment. The childminder knows the children well and provides This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activities that she feels they will enjoy, such as drawing and musical instruments. The childminder has made some progress since the last inspection with regard to planning and provision of activities. Observation and assessment is not yet used effectively to ensure that children achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and capabilities. The childminder has attended the required first aid training course. She periodically seeks support and advice during visits to a local childminding support group. Although, she has not yet established effective

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the early years provision

systems to review her service to ensure that all requirements are maintained or to bring about continuous improvements to benefit the children.

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and outcomes for children

Despite weaknesses in the setting children generally appear settled and content. They are encouraged to make some choices in play to support their enjoyment. Opportunities are provided for them to play indoors and outdoors, extending their choice. The childminder has positive relationships with the children and provides activities that she feels they enjoy; these are beginning to help children learn whilst they play and explore. For example, children develop their large physical skills through using larger equipment during trips to the local park and soft play centres. The childminder describes how she supports children's language skills through sharing books and using singing rhymes with the younger children. Some show their developing communication skills as they use simple sign language and gesture. For example, giving the sign for 'please' and 'thank you' at snack time. Some craft activities are provided; these encourage children to practise using

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and outcomes for children

single-handed tools such as crayons and paint brushes, developing control and confidence needed for future writing skills. However, some drawing activities are not appropriate for the youngest children, complex pre-drawn colouring sheets fail to support their creative skills or capture their interest and as a result younger ones lose interest, resulting in less positive behaviour. Children's imagination is appropriately supported as they have opportunities to play with small world toys, such as cars and dolls. They explore aspects of early technology when playing with toy phones, pressing the buttons and holding them to their ear. The childminder observes children in play and records aspects of their progress, but the system is not yet robust in ensuring children reach the next steps or progress in all areas of learning to the best of their abilities.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder encourages children to develop good hygiene practices, taking time to help them to wash and dry their hands thoroughly. The childminder is aware of the importance of providing healthy, balanced meals and children enjoy a range of fresh fruit for their mid-morning snack. However, methods for recording details of children's allergies are less secure potentially affecting children's health. Children have suitable opportunities to benefit from fresh air and exercise during outdoor play in the garden and trips out. During these outdoor activities children are also helped to begin to consider safety issues, learning how to cross roads safely with the childminder. She reinforces safe practices in the home, for example, talking to children about the importance of not playing in the blinds to prevent injuries. However, the hazards in the garden impact on children's ability to keep themselves safe. The childminder displays appropriate methods for managing

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's behaviour; acting as a positive role model, reminding children to share and take turns and offers praise and encouragement as children use good manners. She provides some activities to help children positively explore and celebrate similarities and differences in each other's lives. 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 4 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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Procedures for dealing with complaints) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 09/08/2012

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 09/08/2012

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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 early years section of the report (Procedures for dealing with complaints) (also applies to the compulsory part of the Childcare Register) 09/08/2012

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report(Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) (also applies to the compulsory part of the Childcare Register). 09/08/2012

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