Childminder in Northumberland

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 402995 Inspection date 18/12/2008 Inspector Julie Larner

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered for approximately 13 years. She lives with her husband in Blyth, Northumberland.

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Description of the childminding

She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. The childminder is also registered on both the compulsory and voluntary Childcare Register. There are currently six children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age range and all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The areas of the house that continue to be used for childminding purposes are the whole of the ground floor and the bathroom, accessed by stairs, on the first floor. An enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for by a childminder that knows about their individual likes and needs due to effectively liaising with parents and acting as a link between home and school. However, this is not as successful for sharing information about learning and development.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

A fair understanding of the welfare requirements means that children are adequately protected and some enjoy close relationships with the childminder. However, an understanding of learning and development is less clear and impacts on ensuring that children’s progress in all areas of learning is sufficiently promoted.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are adequately included in the setting to ensure their needs are met through routines and play opportunities but at times the organisation of the setting impacts on the children’s safety.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure the organisation of the premises provides a safe and stimulating environment for the children  ensure plans for children's play promote their development in all areas of learning  ensure effective links are developed with other providers that care for the children to ensure relevant information about children can be shared to provide continuity and coherence.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 complete a detailed written risk assessment which covers the areas used for childminding (Safeguarding and welfare). 02/01/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Paperwork and documentation is sufficient which ensures the childminder knows about children’s individual needs, therefore she is able to meet these adequately. A strong emphasis is placed on taking steps to ensure children are safe because of this children remain free from harm through the childminder’s vigilance. However, organisation of the main play spaces does, at times, impact on the children’s safety, through a lack of clear floor space.

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provision

The childminder shows a sound understanding of her role and responsibility in relation to child protection, which means that children are cared for by an adult who can sufficiently safeguard their welfare. Attendance at further training means that the childminder's practice is up to date with current guidance, which in turn, benefits the children.

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provision

Partnerships with parents are friendly to ensure they feel comfortable and are able to approach the childminder with any concerns. Parents are very complimentary about the care their children receive. The childminder has begun to develop relationships with others who care for the children. These communications focus primarily on children's welfare, but not sufficiently around children's learning to enable the childminder to link in and extend upon what children are learning elsewhere.

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provision

Although their have been some improvements in the setting since the previous inspection, such as further steps to maintain the confidentiality of documentation, these have focused solely on the previous recommendations rather than the childminder’s ability to assess her own provision and look at areas to improve the service that is provided.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are taught by the childminder how to keep themselves safe both indoors and outside as she encourages them to tidy toys away before getting more out and helps them learn about good road safety. She sensitively reminds them about how they should safely use equipment and follows consistent procedures to help minimise risks to children, for example, by cutting grapes into small pieces, checking sleeping children regularly and providing toys that are appropriate for their ages. However, a written risk assessment covering the areas that are used for childminding is not in place, meaning that a requirement has not been fully met.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a clean, hygienic environment where they make choices from a wide range of sufficiently well maintained toys. However, organisation of the main play space on occasions limits their independence. The childminder promotes healthy eating adequately to ensure children can learn about the benefits of a healthy diet and support’s children to ensure they are hydrated, for example, by offering them their drinks. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder helps children to begin to learn about how to share and distracts them successfully to encourage good behaviour. Some children enjoy exploring materials and equipment as they are supported to cut out pictures from catalogues and stick them on to paper. Children are proud of their achievements and keen to talk about what they have done and show their finished collage to others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Photographs of children who attend the setting are displayed which provides a useful focal point for children as they point to the photographs and talk about what they were doing. This also helps to encourage children’s self esteem by showing they are valued.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Some children share very positive relationships with the childminder as they enjoy conversations, recall what they have done and tell her spontaneously that they love her. All children are comfortable in the childminder’s care as they approach her for support, and she provides them with suggestions and activities to help keep them motivated in their play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder shows some understanding of observing and assessing children by completing basic charts about their progress, however, a lack of planning and understanding in some areas of learning, means that equal emphasis on promoting all areas of children’s development is unclear. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 3 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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