Childminder in South Tyneside

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 EY383369 Inspection date 12/02/2009 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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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 was registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and son aged four years in the residential area of Jarrow in South Tyneside. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. She has a fish as a pet. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 07.00 to 18.00 for 50 weeks of the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends the local parent and toddler group on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder's warm and friendly nature provides a welcoming atmosphere for all children and their families. The reasonable variety of toys gives children the opportunity to make some progress. Certain areas of the childcare and education provided are being developed and all documentation has not yet been completed. This has resulted in a breach of the requirements. The childminder has experience of caring for people with learning difficulties and disabilities. She demonstrates a positive attitude to caring for all children, including being willing to liaise with other professionals to ensure children meet their full potential. The childminder is attending different training courses and is linking with a childcare development worker from the local authority to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop systems to ensure continuity and coherence by sharing relevant information with other practitioners where a child receives education and care in more than one setting  further develop the planning of activities and systems for making systematic observations and assessments of each child's achievements, interests and learning styles.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for recording each risk assessment undertaken, clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation) 19/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder evaluates the service she provides reasonably well. Parents spontaneously give feedback on the care and education she provides, which enables her to see the wider picture, in order to make improvements. The childminder recognises her strengths as being her ability to be a good listener, her caring nature and her flexible approach to childminding. She also demonstrates a realistic attitude, in that she has just started caring for children, and although she is generally well organised with her paperwork there are still some areas for development. The childminder also highlights her intention to increase the range of resources for children to access.

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provision

The childminder is building appropriate partnerships with parents. She talks to them daily about activities their children have participated in and ensures they receive any messages from school. This enables parents to continue children's learning at home, for instance when sharing books. The childminder is starting to establish contacts within the school where she takes and collects children from. However, she does not exchange information on the activities they enjoy with her or the experiences they have had within school. This does not foster continuity and cohesion.

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provision

The childminder has covered safeguarding issues on her initial childminding training course. She demonstrates a suitable understanding of related matters and has a written procedure which includes contact numbers should she need to make a referral. Consequently, children are protected appropriately. Visual risk assessments take place daily, which have a positive impact on reducing the risk of accidental injury. However, although written risk assessment forms are in place, these records have not been completed, which is a breach of requirements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a reasonable understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The adequate selection of resources ensures each of the areas of learning is covered appropriately. These are complemented by some of the children attending school and a parent and toddler group. The childminder spontaneously promotes children's language skills as she encourages them to rhyme words and use descriptive language. A selection of creative activities are provided, such as constructing robots out of tin foil, mark making at the easel and going to drama classes. These promote children's self-expression whilst having fun. Trips to the beach nurture children's understanding of the natural world. The provision of dressing up clothes, small world figures and vehicles give children the opportunity to use their imagination. They count and use mathematical language and thinking during everyday play. An example of this is where they count the trains and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

carriages, describe the length and shape of the track and solve the problem of how the engines will pass each other. Children are learning to share and take turns through the childminder’s appropriate support. Her positive attitude to equal This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 opportunities ensures children have a growing awareness of the wider community. This is supplemented with a small selection of resources reflecting positive images of the world they live in. Some basic planning takes place, which follows children's interests and sometimes their capabilities. The childminder explains how she watches the children and sometimes identifies areas for development. An example of this is where she notices that children are not proficient in using scissors, so she provides more opportunities for them to practise this skill. However, these observations are not systematic and planning is not always informed by them. This

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

results in missed opportunities for children to make progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a well-maintained environment, where toys and equipment are cleaned regularly. They are encouraged to be generally healthy, for instance by being provided with individual flannels and hand towels, as well as having gentle reminders from the childminder to use paper tissues to blow their noses. Visits to the park which has large climbing equipment and outings to various soft play activity centres provide opportunities for healthy exercise to encourage their physical development. Children are usually provided with generally healthy meals and snacks, including chopped cucumber and raw carrot, chicken and vegetables, and pizza. They also visit a burger restaurant once a week, with their parents consent. Children confidently ask for drinks when they are thirsty, as well as having water, juice and tea regularly provided. The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of how children are appropriately

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

safeguarded, as her home and back yard are secure. This is supplemented with satisfactory procedures for adults collecting children. Suitable safety equipment is in place to reduce the risk of accidental injury. This includes smoke detectors, safety catches on cupboards and a fire blanket. The childminder also provides children with fluorescent jackets and flashing arm bands to wear on walks in the winter. This further reduces the risk of accidents occurring. Relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being. 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? 3

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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? 3 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 registration.

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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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