Childminder in Gloucestershire

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD Telephone: 0300 123 1231 Fax: 0300 123 3159 Minicom: 0161 618 8524 Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk Web: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Monitoring for provision judged as inadequate

An Ofsted inspector, Charlotte Jenkin, monitored your provision on 11/02/2014 following your inspection where the provision was judged to be inadequate.

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Outcome of monitoring

As a result of our inspection on 13/11/2013, we sent you a notice to improve.

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Outcome of monitoring

During the monitoring visit the inspector discussed with you the steps you have taken to address the actions raised in the notice to improve. She viewed risk assessments, registers of children's attendance, your action plan, wall displays and parents' contributions. The inspector also observed your interactions with the children.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that you have welcomed support from your local authority representative. You are currently undertaking an improvement course and have implemented an action plan to quickly address the issues raised at your last inspection.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that you have reviewed your risk assessments and practice regarding sleeping children. You have reflected on the possible consequences of what might happen if children are not in sight or hearing and demonstrate that you have taken quick action to make sure that children are never left alone in the car. This includes when children are asleep and when picking up older children from school. In addition, you have re-organised your routine so that you do not have to buy petrol when you are caring for children so they are not left unattended in the car at petrol stations. This demonstrates you now prioritise children's safety and welfare by making sure they are well supervised and always within sight and/or hearing. The inspector viewed your risk assessments for the home and garden and found that you have put additional measures in place to promote children's safety. The front door is

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Outcome of monitoring

now locked at all times; you have also installed a safety chain and put a notice on the wall reminding family members to shut the door. You have put a safety gate between the kitchen and front door to make sure children are not able to access this area. The inspector found that you have reviewed the use of the trampoline and now make sure only one child is able to use this at any one time. The inspector found that you have put other safety measures in place, such as making sure the enclosure is zipped up and that children are under your close supervision when using the trampoline. This means risks to children when using the trampoline are minimised. The inspector found that you carry out daily checks of the premises and garden to make sure any potential risks to children are identified and removed. As a result, the environment is safe for children to play and explore.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that you have updated your knowledge of the guidance regarding how many children you are able to care for at any one time and any exceptions to these ratios. As a result you have organised your childcare so that you maintain the correct adult to child ratios most of the time. However, due to taking on another minded child, there has been an occasion where care has overlapped and you exceeded the required ratios. Nevertheless, you have applied for your partner to become your assistant to ensure that you are able to offer a more flexible service for this child and offer continuity of care. This demonstrates you have due regard for the requirements and take action to ensure they are met and that you are able to meet the needs of the children you care for.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that you have developed your practice with regard to celebrating the languages and cultures of all the children who attend your setting. You have gained key words in children's home languages and displayed these alongside pictures to help children communicate more easily with you. Through displaying these words and pictures you have also promoted the children's understanding of the world through talking about other cultures, looking at countries on the map, tasting foods from around the world and listening to different kinds of music. You have developed you partnerships with parents as a result and are more aware of their home cultures and traditions. You have invited them into your setting to share their customs, such as the different foods they eat, with all the children. As a result you are valuing children's home backgrounds and helping all children value and respect diversity. The inspector found that while developing this aspect of your

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Outcome of monitoring

practice you have identified other areas you wish to improve, such as promoting all children's communication and language skills further. You have introduced some new ideas into your practice, such as reducing background noise and using more visual aids. This demonstrates you are continually developing your service to the benefit of the children attending.

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Outcome of monitoring

Having considered all the evidence, the inspector is of the opinion that the childminder has taken prompt and effective action to address the points for improvement.

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Next steps

The next step will be a full inspection. I hope that you have found the visit helpful in promoting improvement in your childminding service. If you have any further queries please contact us on the number at the top of this letter.

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Next steps

Lorna Fitzjohn National Director, Childminding

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