Lawler, Karen Marie

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, Angela Rowley, monitored your provision on 19/06/2014 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 28/03/2014, 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 your interaction with the children and held discussions with you. The inspector made observations of the numbers of children present, the security of the premises and held a discussion with a parent. She looked at your action plan, records of children's attendance, records of accidents and confirmation that a Disclosure and Barring Service check is in the process of being carried out for a household member. The inspector asked to speak to a representative from the local authority but was unable to make contact during the monitoring visit.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector found that you have created an action plan which you indicate has been checked and supported by the local authority adviser. Your action plan demonstrates a clear plan of the steps to be taken to meet the requirements set out in the notice of action to improve. During the monitoring visit you clearly demonstrated how you have taken swift action to implement the plan. The inspector is satisfied that you understand the requirements and recognise the importance of maintaining the improvements made.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector conducted this monitoring visit at very short notice and observed that you were working within required ratios. She discussed with you the steps that you have taken to make sure that adult to child ratios are met at all times. You explained how you have organised children's patterns of attendance to make sure that you only care for the number of children allowed when you are working alone. You showed records of children's attendance and demonstrated through these that the numbers of children that you regularly care for meet legal requirements. You also explained that you have liaised with Ofsted to register your husband as an assistant. This means that on the days that children's patterns of attendance overlap, you have the support of another adult to meet required ratios and to meet children's needs.

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Outcome of monitoring

You showed the inspector the security system that you have installed since the last inspection as a part of your plan to improve security arrangements. The inspector observed you use this when a parent arrived, and you explained how it allows you to visually monitor and verbally identify a visitor to the premises before you allow them entry. The inspector observed you to secure the front door and you showed her how you make sure that keys can be easily accessed in an emergency. You also showed how you use the same key locking system at the back door when it is not in use. This means that you can now be sure that the house is fully secure and that unauthorised persons can no longer enter.

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Outcome of monitoring

The inspector discussed with you your understanding of the regulations in relation to providing notifications to Ofsted. You explained how you have increased your knowledge and understanding of the types of events that you are required to keep Ofsted informed about, by reading the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. You gave the inspector relevant examples of such situations, which demonstrated your improved awareness.

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Outcome of monitoring

Although it was not an issue at the previous inspection, this monitoring visit identified that the current system for keeping daily records of attendance does not include the names of the key persons who cares for each child. You showed the system that you use to identify when you need to use your assistant in order to meet ratios. However, this is insufficient to demonstrate which adults have actually been present and have been involved in caring for the children. This is a breach of a legal requirement.

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Outcome of monitoring

Following our investigation, we issued a notice to improve that asks the provider to:

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Outcome of monitoring

ensure that the daily record of the names of the children being cared for on the premises and their hours of attendance includes the names of each child's key person in order to demonstrate how required ratios have been consistently met.

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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

Nick Hudson National Director, Early Education

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure Ofsted are informed of any significant event which is likely to affect the suitability of any person caring for children on the premises (voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 15/04/2014 19/06/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure all reasonable steps are taken to prevent unauthorised persons entering the premises in order to maintain children's safety at all times. 15/04/2014 19/06/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure that no one can enter the premises without the knowledge of a person who is caring for children on the premises (compulsory part of the Childcare Register) 15/04/2014 19/06/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure that no one can enter the premises without the knowledge of a person who is caring for children on the premises (voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 15/04/2014 19/06/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure required adult to child ratios are met at all times, in order for children to be fully safeguarded and their emotional well-being to be supported 15/04/2014 19/06/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure Ofsted are informed of any significant event which is likely to affect the suitability of any person caring for children on the premises (compulsory part of the Childcare Register) 15/04/2014 19/06/2014

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Action Due date Closed date

ensure that the daily record of the names of the children being cared for on the premises and their hours of attendance includes the names of each child's key person in order to demonstrate how required adult to child ratios have been continually met. 03/07/2014

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