Childminder in Sandwell

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, Patricia Webb, monitored your provision on 05/06/2014 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 24/03/2014, we sent you a notice to improve. If you were set actions at the inspection, or as a result of our subsequent monitoring or investigations, these are included at the end of this letter unless we have already verified that they have been completed.

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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 observed you interacting with the children and discussed the learning objectives of the activities with you. The inspector also spoke to a representative from the local authority prior to the visit. She looked at your safeguarding policies and procedures and the recently drafted complaints procedures. The inspector also looked at children's developmental records, initial information sought from parents when their child starts and did a visual safety check on the ground floor facilities.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that you have been willing and eager to address the actions set and improve the practice for the children. You have booked to attend further safeguarding training to update and refresh your knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. You admit that you had not given full consideration to the possible misuse of images of children and consequently, had not addressed the risk of visitors bringing active mobile phones, with cameras, into your setting. You are now much more alert and conscious of protecting children in the broadest sense. You explained the revised policies and procedures for safeguarding with parents. You have also discussed the older children's use of electronic, tablet-style equipment when playing suitable games on them, after school. This means that children are gaining an awareness of e-safety and parents are helping to reinforce the safety message at home. Parents are further reassured of their children's safety as you and

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Outcome of monitoring

your co-childminder have now registered with the Information Commissioner's Office.

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Outcome of monitoring

You explained that you have reviewed the learning and development requirements. You have gained a real insight into how individual children learn and gain the necessary skills for life, through the experiences you offer. You are much more aware of encouraging children to develop their own learning, as they have more opportunities to make choices for themselves and become engrossed in activities. You detailed how you can now identify that they are learning and gaining skills, through this level of activity, as well as when they engage in adult-led learning. You demonstrated how you are skilled in harnessing children's interest, such as their desire to spot the various birds in the garden. You encouraged the children to lower their voices and whisper, as they wait excitedly for the return of the familiar pigeon, to the bird table. Children easily access the 'noculars' to observe the birds from a safe distance. You demonstrated that you managed the group of children well, as

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Outcome of monitoring

they are of varying ages and stages of development. You expressed your pleasure at now observing how each child is learning and gaining knowledge and skills in many different ways and feel that this has rejuvenated the passion you have for the childminding role.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that parents are being encouraged to be more actively involved in their children's learning and development. You have reviewed the format for gaining background information about each child at the start of the placement. This now includes reference to children's development milestones, favourite activities and what level of support they may need with settling in. You now have written policies and procedures in place for addressing any complaints or concerns a parent may raise. This meets the requirements of the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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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.

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Next steps

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

Nick Hudson National Director, Early Education

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Action Due date Closed date

improve knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures relating to the use of mobile phones and cameras and ensure the Safeguarding policy reflects these procedures 31/03/2014 05/06/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

improve the planning and guiding of children's adult-led activities to ensure practice reflects the three characteristics of effective teaching and learning. 08/04/2014 05/06/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure there is a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (compulsory part of the Childcare Register) 31/03/2014 05/06/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure there is a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 31/03/2014 05/06/2014

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