Childminder in East Sussex

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 17/04/2013 30/04/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 4 Previous inspection: 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 4 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 4

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This provision is inadequate

 The childminder does not have sufficient knowledge of safeguarding procedures and legal requirements to ensure that children are adequately protected; particularly with regards to outings.  Use of childminding assistants does not fully meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.  Recording systems are not sufficiently detailed, accurate or confidential.  Self-evaluation processes are not effective in identifying weaknesses and areas for future improvement.

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It has the following strengths

 Children make good progress as the childminder understands their individual abilities well and plans effectively to promote their learning.  The childminder provides a good range of resources, which effectively extend children's enjoyment.  The warm, friendly environment helps children to develop positive self-esteem and good behaviour.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are:  scheduled at least once in every inspection cycle – the current cycle ends on 31 July

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed all areas of the premises used for childminding.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder, her assistants, children and a parent at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed a selection of documents including children's progress records, incident records and registers of attendance.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed a selection of activities and the interaction between the childminder and children.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and three school aged children. They live in a house in Eastbourne, East Sussex near to shops, schools, parks and a railway station. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant.

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Information about the setting

The whole of the ground floor, two bedrooms and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. Part of the fully enclosed garden is available for outside play. The childminder has three dogs that stay outdoors in a separate area away from the children.

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Information about the setting

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently six children under eight years on roll. Of these, four are in the early years age group. The childminder also provides care to children over eight years. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She is able to provide overnight care for children.

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enforcement action:

We will issue a Welfare Requirements Notice requiring the provider to:

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enforcement action:

- ensure that people who are unknown or whose suitability has not been checked do not have unsupervised contact with children being cared for.

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must:

 increase knowledge of safeguarding policy and procedures and make sure all assistants also have up-to-date knowledge in order to safeguard children

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must:

 maintain an accurate daily record of the names of the children being cared for on the premises and their hours of attendance

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must:

 establish effective systems to evaluate the provision so that areas for development are picked up accurately and drive continuous improvement well

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must:

 ensure that information relating to children is handled in a way that ensures confidentiality

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who attend

Children make good progress in their learning as the childminder provides a broad range of interesting and imaginative experiences. The childminder has a good understanding of the way that children learn. Children respond well to her good humour and playful manner. This promotes their self-esteem and motivates them to take part in activities. The childminder speaks with parents and observes children during a settling in period in order to determine their levels of ability. She plans skilfully to reflect their interests and to provide a good level of challenge. The childminder writes regular summaries of children's progress for parents and encourages them to contribute observations from home. She uses the information they provide to help plan for children's future learning. Appropriate arrangements are in place to complete the progress checks for two-year-old children.

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who attend

The childminder promotes children's language well. She uses her good knowledge of their personalities and home lives to ask them questions, which encourage them to think. The childminder effectively build on children's interests to extend their language and their understanding. For example, she engages a young child in a game to make animal noises. She praises the child for successfully naming some of the animals and clearly states the names of the others. Older children express themselves clearly and are confident to share their views. They instigate conversations on a range of interesting topics, from the use of oven gloves to the dates of their family member's birthdays.

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who attend

Children benefit from many opportunities to make choices and decisions. They have a lot of freedom to explore their environment and choose the games they want to play. This helps them to become independent learners. The childminder also provides a good balance of more structured activities. She recognises the importance of giving children a sense of routine, for example taking time each morning to discuss the day, date and weather. These experiences, along with activities such as planting and growing, promote children's knowledge of the world.

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who attend

The childminder reads to children every day and sings nursery rhymes and other songs. Children learn to love books and have their favourite stories and characters as a result. Pens, pencils and paper are constantly available for children to practise their drawing and writing skills. They create individual and expressive pictures, which they proudly show the childminder. The praise and encouragement they receive gives them the confidence to try new things.

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who attend

Children enjoy playing physical games in the childminder's home and garden. They use ride on toys in the playroom and develop good coordination as they practise steering around obstacles. They use the garden to run around, play ball games and jump on the trampoline. The childminder also takes children to local facilities such as soft play centres. This allows them explore a greater range of physically challenging activities which promote their physical skills still further.

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who attend

The childminder has a lot of experience of successfully supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She has attended a number of relevant training courses such as how to use sign language, how to manage challenging behaviour and issues related to autism.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children are friendly, sociable and behave well. They play happily together and receive appropriate support to learn how to share and take turns. The childminder understands how to encourage children's good behaviour through praise and encouragement. She describes appropriate strategies, including discussion and distraction, to deal with unacceptable behaviour. The childminder recognises the importance of promoting children's independence. She teaches children some skills to help them to learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, she tells them step-by-step about how to get down from climbing equipment rather than just lifting them off. However, the childminder has previously failed to ensure children understand the potential risks of going off with people that they do not know. This does not help them to make appropriate decisions about their own welfare. On an outing to a local attraction, she allowed early years children to choose

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

to leave her supervision and go on a walk with other adults. They were parents of children who attend the same nursery. However, they were not appropriately checked and were not known to the childminder.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder. They approach her regularly to join in their play or for a reassuring cuddle. They also respond well to her husband and neighbour both of whom work with her, on occasion, as assistants. The childminder takes sole responsibility for planning educational programmes for the children. The assistants are both fully checked. They hold valid first aid certificates. However, the childminder does not have an adequate understanding of the requirements relating to the use of assistants. She does not provide parents with clear information about the roles and responsibilities of each adult involved in caring for their children. The childminder's husband sometimes drives minded children to school. To date this has only involved children over eight years of age. However, the childminder has not obtained parental permission to leave children in the sole care of an assistant. As a result, she is in breach of the requirements of the

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder cares for children in a clean, well maintained environment. She appropriately supports them to understand the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles. Children are aware to wash their hands before eating. Nappy changing and toileting arrangements are sufficiently hygienic. Older children are becoming more independent in meeting their own toileting needs. The childminder promotes healthy eating by talking to children about which foods are good for them and which should be eaten in moderation.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminding environment is attractive and inviting. Space is organised effectively to allow a number of different activities to take place at the same time. Children play with a good range of resources that effectively enhance their learning and enjoyment. They confidently select the items they wish to use and take an active role in tidying away when their games are over. The childminder prepares children sensitively for their move to school. She provides resources and routines to mirror those in schools such, as giving children individual coat pegs and laminated name cards. In addition, as they near school age she more directly targets support to promote their numeracy and literacy where necessary.

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provision

This inspection was brought forward following concerns received by Ofsted. Previously, the childminder had notified Ofsted of an accident where a child sustained an injury. At the inspection, the childminder was able to demonstrate that she takes appropriate action in case of accidents. She was also able to show evidence of a current first aid certificate. The childminder has reviewed the accident and taken appropriate action. In addition, concerns were raised about the childminder's procedures for transporting children and about the numbers of children she cares for. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the number of children that she may care for at any one time and procedures for transporting children are adequate. However, while she verbally outlines her daily routines, indicating that she maintains the required ratios at all times, she does not maintain an accurate record of children's attendance. She does not have the required

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provision

records to show the names of all children being cared for and their hours of attendance. Nor does she clearly indicate the times when assistants are working with the children. These are both legal requirements. She had also left an assistant in sole charge of an older child without written permission from the child's parents, which is a breach of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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provision

The effectiveness of the childminder's systems and working practices has significant inconsistencies. She monitors the success of her educational programmes well to make sure children make good progress in their learning. The childminder understands her responsibility to meet the learning requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and does this well. However, her understanding of the welfare requirements is not secure and, as a result, she does not meet these in full. Arrangements to safeguard children are not effective. The childminder has previously failed to protect children by allowing them to be taken for a walk by unchecked adults who were not known to her. This is a breach of the specific legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and puts children at risk. In addition the childminder failed to notify Ofsted of the concerns that a parent raised about this incident, which she is legally required to do as it a significant event that

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provision

questions her suitability. The childminder's lack of understanding of these requirements means that she is unable to provide appropriate support, advice and guidance to her assistants on safeguarding issues.

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provision

The childminder's summary record of the incident is comprehensive. It includes a statement acknowledging that her actions were inappropriate and will not be repeated. However, the record, which is available for all parents to view, is not sufficiently confidential. It includes the names of children involved and a transcript of all of the communication between their parents. The childminder has booked on to a course to refresh her knowledge and understanding of child protection. Appropriate safety precautions are in place within the childminder's home. The childminder checks toys and equipment regularly and has clear arrangements in place to protect children in case of a fire.

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provision

The childminder completes a process of self-evaluation. This accurately identifies her strengths but is less effective in identifying areas for improvement. It did not support her to recognise the breaches of welfare requirements.

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provision

Parents receive a friendly greeting when they arrive to collect their children. Although they are not adequately informed about the adults involved in their child's care, they do receive regular updates on their child's progress. The childminder has a collection of recent 'thank you' cards and letters of appreciation from parents. One parent spoken to describes the childminder as 'fantastic' and says 'the things she does with children are amazing'. The childminder works effectively with other early years professionals and health practitioners to share information about children to help provide consistency of care.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are

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actions)

The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are

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To meet the requirements of the Childcare Register the provider must:

 ensure that parental consent is obtained to leave children in the sole care of an assistant, including for very short periods of time. (voluntary part of the Childcare Register)  ensure that the safeguarding policy is implemented in order to safeguard children being cared for (compulsory part of Childcare Register)  ensure that the safeguarding policy is implemented in order to safeguard children being cared for (voluntary part of Childcare Register)  keep and maintain for a period of two years; an accurate daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance (compulsory part of the Childcare Register)  keep and maintain for a period of two years; a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance (voluntary part of Childcare Register)

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY316412 Local authority East Sussex Inspection number 913249 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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