Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 23/12/2013 07/07/2010

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early years provision

This inspection: 4 Previous inspection: 3 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

 Children are insufficiently safeguarded. This is because the childminder, his co- childminder and assistants do not fully understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to child protection. They do not respond to safeguarding concerns in a timely or appropriate way and so fail to protect the children in their care.  Assistants are not deployed effectively, and parents are not specifically told who will be looking after their children at any particular time. Consequently, parents are not adequately informed and children's welfare is compromised.  Self-evaluation is not robust enough to effectively review and monitor practice, target areas for improvement and ensure all legal requirements are met.  Children's welfare is not sufficiently supported. This is because the childminder does not have robust systems to identify and support the induction, training and development needs of all assistants and to ensure that they understand and follow

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It has the following strengths

 Children make steady progress in most areas of learning and development, and are happy and settled in the childminder's care.

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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 the childminder engage in a range of learning activities, play and daily care routines with the children.  The inspector held conversations with the childminder, assistants and children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector conducted a tour of the childminding premises and garden during the inspection.  The inspector looked at a selection of policies, procedures and children's records.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of suitability for the childminder and all adults living and working on the premises.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector asked the childminder about his self-evaluation methods and viewed his training records.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and viewed some written feedback obtained from parents.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2010 and is on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. He childminds from his daughter's home in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes. The childminder works alongside another registered childminder and has six assistants. No more than three adults care for children at any one time.

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Information about the setting

There are currently 13 children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. Wrap-around and holiday care is also provided for older children who attend local schools. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language and holds a recognised early years qualification at level 3.

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enforcement action:

We will issue a Welfare Requirement Notice with a completion date of 31 January 2014 requiring the provider to:

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enforcement action:

ensure signs of possible abuse and neglect are responded to appropriately; this specifically refers to notifying agencies with statutory safeguarding responsibilities about any concerns about children's safety or welfare without delay

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enforcement action:

ensure all staff are aware of Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and procedures and are appropriately trained to identify signs of possible abuse and neglect at the earliest opportunity and to respond in a timely and appropriate way

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enforcement action:

put in place appropriate arrangements for the supervision of staff; this specifically refers to having appropriate arrangements for monitoring and reviewing staff performance, practice and training needs and to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

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enforcement action:

It is an offence not to comply with a welfare requirements notice.

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must:

 ensure that all persons caring for children are fully competent in the areas of work they undertake; this specifically refers to ensuring that all staff understand their individual and collective roles and responsibilities and are aware of policies and procedures

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must:

 ensure you implement your behaviour management policy and that all staff are aware of it and able to effectively manage children's behaviour in a positive and appropriate manner

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must:

 ensure staff are deployed effectively to meet children's needs and that parents and/or carers are fully informed with regards to who is looking after their children at any particular time

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must:

 ensure that a record is kept of every occasion where physical intervention is used and make sure parents are informed of any such occasion on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable

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must:

 obtain written permission from all parents before their children are taken on outings.

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who attend

Despite weaknesses in the provision regarding the safety and welfare of children, the quality of teaching is often good and children are making steady progress in relation to their starting points. The childminder and his co-workers regularly observe and assess children during play and record some of what they see and hear. Furthermore, they ask parents and others involved in their care and education to share what they know about children's personalities, needs and achievements. Subsequently, this information is used to inform children's learning and development records and the planning of experiences. The childminder understands that children develop at different rates and in different ways and plans experiences accordingly. For example, children engage in regular cookery activities and the childminder ensures that there are opportunities for children of all ages to take part and learn. Older children develop mathematical skills and coordination as they

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who attend

carefully weigh out and mix the different ingredients. The younger ones explore and experiment with texture and adults introduce descriptive language and support children's play. All children enjoy regular opportunities for physical play both indoors and outside. For example, they sometimes go on outings to soft play centres, and indoors, children dance and join in with action rhymes. Consequently, their physical skills, including their balance and coordination, are enhanced. Children's challenging behaviour is not well managed at times, which results in children not learning how to appropriate manage their own behaviour. As a result, their personal, social and emotional development is not fostered successfully.

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who attend

The childminder has a very cheerful nature and children readily go to him for guidance and support. He interacts well with the children, and they enthusiastically share their news and talk to him about things that interest them. They happily recall experiences at home and school, and the childminder listens and responds appropriately. He regularly asks children open-ended questions that invite them to think and expand on their conversations. Furthermore, the childminder introduces new words, supports verbal communication with gestures and reinforces the correct pronunciation of words. This approach successfully supports children's communication and language skills, including those of the younger children and those who speak English as an additional language.

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who attend

Children demonstrate many of the skills they will need for school and future life. For example, five-year-olds solve problems as they complete a jigsaw puzzle using a mixture of trial and error, and careful examination of shapes and colours. They notice words and a picture on the jigsaw box and explain that the words are the title of the story the picture relates to. They read the words out loud and show excellent memory skills as they recall the plot of this story. Children of all ages enjoy looking at books, both independently and with adults, and they treat them with care and respect. The childminder and his co- workers thoughtfully encourage children's efforts and concentration through offering them praise and ensuring that they have plenty of time and space to play. Furthermore, the childminder recognises the important part parents have to play in their children's learning. He suggests some learning activities that parents can do with their children and regularly

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who attend

talks to parents about their children's progress and achievements.

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

On the whole, children show by their words and actions that they feel safe and secure. They happily go to familiar adults for comfort, reassurance and support and show a good sense of belonging. The flexible settling-in sessions offered to 'new' children help them to settle and adjust at a pace that suits their needs and those of their families. Prior to children being left in the childminder's care, a wealth of information is gained from their parents. For example, the childminder obtains information about children's home routines and their individual preferences and needs. This two-way exchange of information offers valuable support for children's welfare and happiness. However, the childminder and his co-workers lack sufficient knowledge and understanding of their legal responsibilities in relation to safeguarding. Consequently, children's well-being is compromised.

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

On the whole, children behave well. They display good manners, and older children set a good example for the younger ones to follow. For example, they share and take turns in their play and treat other adults and children with respect. The childminder and his co- workers use a range of positive methods to promote children's good behaviour. For instance, they praise and reward children's efforts and achievements and provide them with clear messages about their expectations. However, methods for managing children's challenging behaviour are not always appropriate or consistent. Consequently, not all children successfully learn to manage their own behaviour or to consider the implications of their actions. Furthermore, parents are not always informed of occasions when physical intervention is used, and a record of these occasions is not kept. This compromises children's safety and well-being.

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

The childminder offers children a comfortable, inviting and child-friendly environment. Children's independence and freedom of choice are effectively supported because a good selection of quality resources is stored within their easy reach. Children demonstrate personal care skills appropriate for their age and stage of development. They know that they must wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet, and older children show independence in this respect. The childminder provides a good range of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. For example, children are offered plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and their dietary needs and preferences are carefully considered. Social skills and table manners are actively encouraged and discussions during mealtimes promote positive attitudes towards a healthy diet. Frequent outings in the local neighbourhood contribute to children's good health. For instance, during visits to local parks children

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

experience fresh air and the changing seasons, and have lots of opportunities to run around and expend energy. Furthermore, they gain confidence and coordination as they play on large equipment and learn about risk and the need to act safely and sensibly.

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provision

This inspection was carried out following concerns relating to the experiences provided for children, the suitability of persons caring for children, record keeping and children's all- round safety and welfare. The inspection found that the provider is not meeting a number of the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and both parts of the Childcare Register. Also, there is inadequate focus on what is needed to protect children and keep them safe.

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provision

The childminder has a safeguarding policy that meets requirements and has attended safeguarding training. Despite this, the childminder and his co-workers demonstrate insufficient knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities with regards to child protection. Consequently, the correct procedures and legal requirements are not followed in relation to child protection concerns. This compromises children's well-being.

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provision

The childminder works with a co-childminder and several assistants and they share the care of children at two homes a short distance apart. However, information is not maintained to confirm which adults are caring for children at any particular time or the premises they are working at. As a result, there is no accurate information to confirm that required adult-to-child ratios are met or that assistants are deployed effectively. In addition, there is no clear information for parents about these arrangements. Despite this, in some respects, children's safety is appropriately protected. For example, emergency evacuation procedures are regularly practised, and both properties are safe and secure. Public liability insurance is maintained, and all adults working with children and living at the childminding premises have had their suitability checked by Ofsted.

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provision

The childminder routinely assesses the quality and appropriateness of the experiences he provides for children. However, the processes used for evaluating his provision as a whole and for setting carefully considered priorities for improvement are weak. As a result, the childminder has not noticed that parental permission for outings has not been obtained from all parents. Also, the childminder has failed to ensure that his assistants are suitably trained and informed to appropriately carry out their duties. Although the childminder and his co-workers maintain regular informal communication, there is no clear system in place for them to meet, exchange views and share important information. Robust induction procedures are not in place for new assistants, and the childminder does not ensure that they read and understand his policies and procedures. The childminder has achieved a recognised early years qualification and expresses a desire for further professional

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provision

development. However, he does not use the information and knowledge gained through training to best effect. For example, behaviour management training attended by the childminder has not been effectively cascaded to his co-workers. Also, it has not been used to agree positive, effective and consistent behaviour management strategies. Consequently, consistency of care for children is not assured and their well-being is compromised.

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provision

Partnerships with parents and other professionals are suitably established. The childminder has gathered a selection of letters from parents praising the service he and his co-workers provide. These letters include comments about the warm and welcoming environment and the effective support provided for children and their families. Furthermore, several parents interviewed during the inspection comment on the good relationships that exist between adults and children and the wide range of experiences provided. The childminder provides wrap-around care for local schools and has forged satisfactory links with the staff at the schools children in his care attend. They exchange some information about planned activities and children's welfare. Also, they discuss any areas where children may need additional support or challenge. This level of communication suitably supports consistency of care for children and their progress.

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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 children receiving childcare are kept safe from harm; this specifically refers to ensuring all adults are fully aware of their safeguarding role and responsibilities and understand and follow Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and procedures (compulsory part of the Childcare Register)  ensure that any person caring for children has skills and experience suitable for the work; this specifically refers to ensuring assistants are fully aware of and understand the policies and procedures of the setting (compulsory part of the Childcare Register)  ensure that Ofsted is informed of any allegations of serious harm or abuse of a child committed by any person, where the allegation relates to harm or abuse occurring on those premises (compulsory part of the Childcare Register).  ensure that children receiving childcare are kept safe from harm; this specifically refers to ensuring all adults are fully aware of their safeguarding role and

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

responsibilities and understand and follow Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and procedures (voluntary part of the Childcare Register)  ensure that any person caring for children has skills and experience suitable for the work; this specifically refers to ensuring assistants are fully aware of and understand the policies and procedures of the setting (voluntary part of the Childcare Register)  ensure that children's behaviour is managed in a suitable manner; this specifically refers to ensuring that all persons caring for children adopt a positive, effective and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour (compulsory part of the Childcare Register)  ensure that children's behaviour is managed in a suitable manner; this specifically refers to ensuring that all persons caring for children adopt a positive, effective and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour (voluntary part of the

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

Childcare Register)  ensure that Ofsted is informed of any allegations of serious harm or abuse of a child committed by any person, where the allegation relates to harm or abuse occurring on those premises (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 EY400994 Local authority Warwickshire Inspection number 948632 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 9 Number of children on roll 13

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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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