Childminder in North 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

p.1

Unique reference number 309906 Inspection date 26/08/2009 Inspector Cathryn Parry

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband three children aged 16, 13 and seven years in the residential area of Whitley Bay. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. She has two rabbits as pets. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm for 48 weeks of the year.

p.3

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 three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate. Children are welcomed into clean and well-kept premises where they have ample space to play. Their all-round development is enhanced as a good range of activities and resources are on offer. Systems for planning activities and observing children are being developed. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She demonstrates a positive and realistic view of providing an inclusive environment to meet the needs of all those attending. Links with other childminders have been forged in order to make sure continuous improvement is satisfactorily made. However, she has not ensured all the required checks have been completed to confirm suitability of all those living in her home, to effectively safeguard children.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the early years provision requires significant improvement. The registered person is given a Notice to Improve that sets out actions to be carried out.

p.3

further?

To comply with the requirements of the EYFS the registered person must take the following action by the specified date:

p.3

further?

 obtain an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check through Ofsted for all those aged 16 or over living or working on the premises (Suitable people) 26/10/2009 To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

p.3

further?

 continue to develop systems for planning activities and observing children, including matching observations to the expectations of the early learning goals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

The childminder adequately evaluates the care and education she provides. She has very recently completed a self-evaluation form, which has helped her to focus on the service she offers. Feedback is gained from parents to broaden the childminder's view of the provision. The recommendation raised at the previous inspection has been positively addressed. This has resulted in documentation regarding the recording of accidents and administration of medicines being reviewed. The childminder recognises her main strengths as being the way she relates to children and the wide range of resources and experiences she provides for them. She is also realistic in noting that improvements can always be made to further develop the quality of care and education.

p.4

provision

Good relationships with parents are beneficial to the continuity of care that the children receive. The childminder speaks to them on a daily basis and provides written diaries for children aged under one year. This results in parents being well informed of the activities their children have enjoyed. Consequently, they can continue their learning at home through these highlighted experiences. There are currently no children attending who access care and education in more than one setting. However, the childminder has made links with other providers in the past, and demonstrates a good understanding of the benefits of sharing relevant information with other practitioners to ensure continuity and coherence.

p.4

provision

The childminder has attended safeguarding training in the past and shows a suitable understanding of associated issues. Consequently, children are appropriately protected. Risk assessments take place daily to effectively reduce the risk of accidental injury. The childminder's daughter reached the age of 16 years in 2008 and the childminder did not ensure she obtained an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check through Ofsted. This is a breach of the regulations and impacts negatively on children's overall safety.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has attended training on the Early Years Foundation Stage. She offers a wide range of resources and activities to ensure each of the areas of learning is covered well. Children are happy and secure as a result of the childminder's praise and support. A good balance of child-centred and adult-led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development. They show an awareness of shape as they complete puzzles and explore a variety of matching and sequencing games. Children use information and communication technology to support their learning, for example, when using the computer and playing with interactive toys. A variety of books, alphabet jigsaws and games nurture children's recognition of the written word. They enjoy mark making and are developing good hand and eye coordination. A variety of creative activities, including painting, cutting and sticking, promote children's self-expression whilst

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

having fun. Their knowledge of the natural world is fostered as they feed the ducks and enjoy kicking the leaves. The childminder basically plans the activities the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children participate in, particularly with regard to trips out. She has started to develop individual books for the children, which include observations and photographs linked to the areas of learning and some identified next steps. However, these are not consistent and are not dated, which makes it difficult to see the progress being made.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment, where they are beginning to develop an understanding of good hygiene and personal care. This includes having individual hand towels provided to reduce the risk of cross infection. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. Large windows in the conservatory enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. They are able to explore confidently using high quality resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. Routines, such as tidying away toys from the floor, encourage children to take responsibility for their own safety. They enjoy physical play and have a variety of outdoor toys and resources to use in the rear garden. The childminder also takes them to the park, beach and swimming pool where they have fun whilst engaging in a range of exercise. Children are active or restful

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

through choice and sleep in line with their individual needs and parent's wishes. Their well-being is enriched through accessing a healthy diet. Parents have the option to provide their children's food or the childminder prepares nutritious options, including pasta dishes and fruit. All 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

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

p.6

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? 4

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 4 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

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.

p.7

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:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR2.3) 26/10/2009

p.7

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:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report (CR2.3) 26/10/2009

p.7