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 EY371383 Inspection date 06/04/2009 Inspector Jacqueline West

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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 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 two grandchildren aged 12 years in Hebburn, South Tyneside. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and computer room on the first floor of the childminder’s home are used for childminding. She has a parrot as a pet. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 07.30 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 six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children 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.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a friendly environment. Children enjoy a range of purposeful activities and make satisfactory progress in all areas of learning. Systems for observing and assessing children are developing well. The childminder has experience of caring for children with English as an additional language. She obtains relevant information from parents in order to suitably meet children's needs and provide an inclusive environment. All required documentation is in place however, the procedures to complete these are not always followed. Self-evaluation systems are being developed to help promote 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 the risk assessment to cover anything with which a child may come into contact  lead and encourage a culture of reflective practice, self-evaluation and informed discussion to identify strengths and priorities for development  continue to develop systems for recording children's progress, including matching observations to the expectations of the early learning goals and identifying learning priorities.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain prior written permission for each child and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 15/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder carries out a basic mental evaluation. She highlights the main strengths of the service as communicating well with the children and their parents. She has identified relevant training to further support her practices, such as learning and development. The childminder has adequately addressed the majority of the actions and recommendations raised at the previous inspection. Examples of this are where she has completed a relevant first aid course, implemented basic systems to self-evaluate and assess children's learning. Consequently, children's welfare is suitably promoted.

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provision

Parents benefit from written information about the setting, such as a complaints procedure and lost child policy. Induction procedures accommodate the needs of individual families. Children’s religious, cultural and dietary needs are met well through regular discussions with parents. For example, parents share recipes with the childminder who incorporates these into the menu. Daily written information is provided to parents with regards to meals and snacks offered. Regular verbal communication informs parents of the activities and outings that have taken place. Adequate links are made with teachers at the local nursery and school to support children's learning. For example, helping children with homework.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of safeguarding issues, which ensures children are suitably protected from harm. This is supplemented with supporting documentation, such as a written policy and the Local Safeguarding Children Board information booklet. The majority of the documentation required for the safe management of the provision is in place and well maintained. Suitable risk assessments for the indoor environment protect children well. She demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how she ensures children's safety when on outings. However, no record is kept, which has a negative impact on the overall effectiveness of the risk assessment process.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an adequate understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children access a suitable range of activities which appropriately cover all areas of learning. For example, they complete puzzles, enjoy dancing to music and mark making. The available space is generally well organised to encourage children's independence. A suitable balance of child-centred and adult-led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development. The childminder knows the children well and supports learning in accordance with each child’s individual needs. For example, sharing when playing alongside one another. Systems to observe and assess children are developing well. The childminder has photographic evidence of a range of activities carried out, some written assessments and separate explanations of children's learning. However, they are not matched to the early learning goals and do not identify next steps for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

learning. This has a negative impact on effectively assessing children's learning. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of behaviour management. She offers constant praise and encouragement to build the children's self-esteem. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are settled and happy. They are beginning to understand the need to share and take turns with the sensitive encouragement of the childminder. For example, encouraging the children to swap the puzzles once completed. Children's communication skills are progressing well through appropriate activities. For example, children enjoy the childminder's animated story telling of 'We are going on a bear hunt'. A small range of resources and regular trips to the farm and museums help children to begin to learn about the world around them. Children enjoy creating imaginary play situations. For example, making cups of tea.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Appropriate procedures are in place to support children's health. They access regular opportunities for physical play, including visits to the park and soft play facilities. Children enjoy a generally well-balanced diet, including fresh vegetables, fruit and on occasions chips. Open relationships with parents and appropriate procedures, ensure children are cared for appropriately when ill. This reduces the risk of the spread of infection. Documentation for the administration of medication is in place. However, procedures to record medicines administered are not followed. This is a breach of requirement and does not promote children's welfare. Children explore safely using clean and well maintained resources. They are beginning to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. For example, tidying equipment away so they do not trip. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR8) 15/05/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR8) 15/05/2009

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