Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 11/11/2013 17/01/2013

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early years provision

This inspection: 3 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 3 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 3

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This provision requires improvement

 Babies and children enjoy learning. The childminder plans and organises rewarding activities and resources, which capture their interest and effectively promote their skills and understanding.  The childminder and her assistant interact well with babies and children. They ably promote their concentration, encourage their lively conversations and foster their exploration and creativity.  The childminder and her assistant are approachable, reassuring and encouraging, so that babies and children settle quickly, develop confidence and have a strong sense of belonging.  The childminder and her assistant have positive relationships with parents. They feel welcomed and well-informed about their children's care, learning and development.

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It is not yet good because

 There are breaches to safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. There have been delays in obtaining an assistant's suitability checks, there are gaps in some record keeping and food preparation areas are not always kept clean and tidy.  The effectiveness of the childminder's organisation and monitoring of her provision varies. She does not always promptly identify and address weaknesses, which impact on children's welfare, safety and well-being.

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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 observed activities in the lounge/dining room.  The inspector looked at all areas of the premises used for childminding.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke to the childminder, her assistant and children throughout the inspection.  The inspector discussed the childminder's assessment and planning procedures.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of suitability and training of the childminder and her assistants.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector discussed the childminder's monitoring and evaluation procedures and plans for improvement.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at a sample of records and policies relating to children's welfare, health and safety.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2012 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her partner, who is also her assistant and her two-year-old child in Droitwich. The childminder uses all of the ground floor, a first floor bedroom and an enclosed rear garden for childminding. The childminder employs another assistant, who regularly works with her.

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Information about the setting

There are currently 11 children on roll, nine of whom are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round from 6.30am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. The childminder meets with other childminders and takes children on local walks and outings. She is able to take children to and collect them from the local school and pre-schools. The childminder has a level 3 early years qualification.

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must:

 develop more rigorous systems to ensure the timely completion of all suitability checks for anyone working with children or on the premises where childminding takes place

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must:

 ensure all areas of the kitchen are consistently kept clean and fit for purpose for the safe storage and preparation of children's food and drinks

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must:

 improve children's safety and record keeping by ensuring every parent gives their written permission to their child taking part in outings.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 improve the consistency and rigour of monitoring and evaluation of procedures and record keeping relating to the safeguarding and welfare requirements.

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who attend

Babies and children enjoy learning and make good progress. They eagerly make choices from a stimulating selection of resources and soon settle to rewarding activities. The childminder has a sound understanding of children's starting points and ongoing developmental needs, as a result of her observations, assessments and regular discussions with parents. She confidently plans and organises rewarding activities, toys and resources, which cater for children's differing abilities, interests and learning priorities. The childminder enhances the educational programme by including topics and themes, such as a current focus on autumn. Children have enjoyed collecting different items, such as leaves to use for printing and are proud of their colourful collage of birds and animals. The childminder gives parents regular feedback about their children's development and next steps, including completing suitable progress checks for two-year-olds. She works

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who attend

effectively with parents to follow up their child's learning at home. The childminder's knowledge of each child's progress helps her to promptly identify any gaps in a child's learning or possible developmental delay. She is particularly successful in helping children, who speak English as an additional language to improve their understanding and use of English.

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who attend

The childminder and her assistant interact well with babies and children. They enthuse and encourage them, so that they are keen to join in and often concentrate well. As a result, children develop the skills and attitudes needed for their future learning, including going to school. For example, a baby relishes exploratory play. The baby shows great delight and concentration while they eagerly make sounds using a selection of pots and pans. Children of all ages confidently choose resources. They use these imaginatively, responding to the childminder's and assistant's involvement and developing their ideas, for instance, as they pretend to be doctors and nurses. There is often a buzz of lively conversation as children talk about what they need and what they are making, for instance, during a fun playdough activity. They comment on what they see and readily ask and answer questions. Children are also interested in books and stories. They talk about

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who attend

the book they have chosen and carefully turn the pages.

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who attend

The childminder's improvements to her home and garden have given children ready access to outdoor and physical play. She effectively supports all children to become confident and controlled in their balancing, climbing and movement. This includes helping babies to become more mobile. For instance, regularly placing a baby on thier tummy and providing them with a selection of interesting toys just within reach, stimulated their now expert crawling. Children enjoy exploring their local community, for instance, going on regular walks along the canal and feeding the ducks.

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

While children's play areas are inviting, well-organised and clean, the childminder does not always ensure her kitchen is fit for purpose in time for children's arrival. On the day of the inspection, kitchen work surfaces were cluttered and untidy with dirty dishes, pans and food remains from the previous day. This compromises babies' and children's well-being because some food and drinks were prepared in there before the childminder's cleaner arrived to tidy and clean the area. In other respects, the childminder and her assistant promote children's good hygiene and health. Parents are encouraged to give detailed information about their children's care routines and their health and dietary needs which the childminder follows. Babies and toddlers are comfortable and relaxed during calmly, well-managed feeds, nappy changes and sleep routines. The childminder's encouragement and easy access to well-equipped

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

child-friendly toilet facilities encourages young children to become increasingly independent in managing their toileting and hand washing. The childminder and parents agree the timing and strategies to mutually support young children, who are learning to use the potty or toilet. The childminder also works with parents to support babies' and children's healthy eating. For example, babies and children eat a selection of fruit at snack time. If children are asleep at a usual mealtime the childminder encourages them to have something to eat when they wake up. She regularly talks to parents about their children's appetites and dietary needs.

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

The childminder and her assistant effectively promote babies' and children's social and emotional skills, so they are confident about new situations, including starting school. They create a happy, relaxed atmosphere where babies and children feel emotionally secure and included. For example, the childminder and her assistant are approachable, reassuring and encouraging, so babies and children settle quickly, know what is happening next and are keen to do well. Babies and children also have a sense of belonging because their backgrounds and interests are an important influence on the selection of toys, games and books. They easily help themselves to these because since the last inspection the childminder has reorganised the storage and presentation of resources and equipment in to clearly labelled, low-level units. In addition, babies' and children's efforts and achievements are consistently praised and their work is displayed for everyone to

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

appreciate. The childminder and her assistant promote babies' and children's good behaviour and positive relationships. They enjoy socialising at mealtimes and usually play cooperatively. Children are also encouraged to behave safely and sensibly. For instance, when sitting at the table toddlers understand that the strap on their booster seat must be securely fastened and that they need to sit still. They readily help to keep play areas clear when they enthusiastically assist with tidying away toys.

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provision

Some aspects of the childminder's provision are not as well managed or monitored as her provision for children's learning and development. As a result, there are some inconsistencies in her procedures, agreements with parents and aspects of her day-to-day running of her childminding. This has led to breaches in safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and to requirements of both parts of the Childcare register not being met. For example, a new assistant started in September. However, despite discussions between the childminder and Ofsted, including reminders from the regulator, the application for the assistant's required Disclosure and Barring Service check was only submitted a few days before the inspection. Delays in completion of such checks pose a risk to children because Ofsted has not been able to make a prompt decision about the assistant's overall suitability to work with them. In this case the risk to

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provision

children is reduced because the childminder had seen another recent clear Disclosure and Barring Service check for her assistant. In addition, she has implemented appropriate induction and mentoring arrangements, which ensure the assistant competently carries out her duties under the childminder's supervision and is not left in sole charge of children.

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provision

There are some gaps in the childminder's otherwise quite detailed record keeping about children and their families. During the inspection, she was not initially able to promptly locate some required information, although eventually, in most cases, relevant details were provided. However, some parents have not been asked to complete required written consents for their children to take part in outings, which is a breach of regulation.

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provision

Although, some aspects of hygiene are well-managed, children's good health is at times compromised because the childminder does not consistently maintain her kitchen and food preparation areas in a clean and tidy condition. In other respects, the childminder and her assistant work together to ensure play areas are inviting and well-equipped. They successfully ensure babies and children have fun and learn effectively and that their personal care routines are calmly managed. The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding procedures and expertise in working with vulnerable children and families. She and her assistant follow her clear child protection procedures and local safeguarding guidance. This includes monitoring, discussing and recording children's existing injuries and informing parents of any accidents or incidents which occur while children are with her. The childminder ensures parents understand how she is registered and are familiar

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provision

with her policies and procedures. The childminder has satisfactory arrangements for ensuring her home is safe and free from hazards and to ensure children's safety on walks and local visits. Babies and children use good quality toys and equipment and are encouraged to play with these correctly and safely.

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provision

The childminder's positive relationships with parents, carers and others help her to meet children's needs. Parents feel well-informed by her about their child's day, through discussions and information in their child's diary. They feel the childminder prepares their children well for moving on to school and they appreciate her advice and reassurance, for instance, about their children's behaviour or other aspects of their development. The childminder is proactive about complementing the learning of children who are at school. For instance, from discussions with parents and her observations she identifies effective ways to promote these older children's positive relationships and their communication skills.

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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:

 develop more rigorous systems to ensure that anyone in regular contact with children is suitable to work with them, including obtaining a Disclosure and Barring Service check (compulsory part of the Childcare Register).  develop more rigorous systems to ensure that anyone in regular contact with children is suitable to work with them, including obtaining a Disclosure and Barring Service check (voluntary part of the 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 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected within twelve months of the date of this inspection. 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

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Grade Judgement Description

the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. 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 EY448042 Local authority Worcestershire Inspection number 938393 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 11

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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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