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

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Unique reference number EY282188 Inspection date 11/08/2009 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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 11 years in the residential area of North Shields in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 08.00 to 18.00 for 51 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 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 also works with another registered childminder. When working with the other childminder she is registered to care for a maximum of seven or 10 children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than four may be in the early years age range. The number of children registered for depends on whether she is caring for children in her own home or the home of the childminder she works with. She is also registered to provide overnight care for one child under the age of two years. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder offers a friendly welcome to all children and their parents. The variety of experiences offered ensures children have an enjoyable time. The childminder's basic understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage results in all the required documentation not being in place. Systems for planning and observing children are being developed. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and has attended some relevant training. She demonstrates an appropriate attitude to providing an inclusive environment. Liaising with other childminders and having loose links with the childminder coordinator from the local authority ensure continuous improvement is satisfactorily made.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to ensure regular evacuation drills are carried out  continue to develop systems for planning activities and observing children  further develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 further develop systems for recording each risk assessment undertaken, clearly stating when it was 12/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident.(Documentation)

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provision

The childminder evaluates the care and education she provides reasonably well. Completing a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in childcare has helped her to focus on the service she offers. This is complemented with informal verbal feedback from parents. The actions and recommendations previously raised have been appropriately met. This includes having individual hand drying facilities for children, which reduces the risk of cross-infection. The childminder sees her main strength as being the relationship she has with the children. She also recognises her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage is an area which could be improved to ensure all the requirements are met.

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provision

Suitable relationships with parents have been built. The childminder speaks to them on a daily basis to ensure they are aware of the activities their children have participated in. Consequently, they can continue their children's learning at home through highlighted experiences. There are currently no children attending who access care and education in more than one setting. However, the childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of the benefits of sharing relevant information with other practitioners to ensure continuity and coherence.

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provision

The childminder has recently attended safeguarding training and shows a good understanding of associated issues. Consequently, children are well protected. Satisfactory visual risk assessments are carried out on a daily basis and are recorded for the premises and outings. However, they are not written down for the garden and there was no evidence at the childminder's home of one for the trampoline. This has a negative impact on keeping children safe and is a breach of the requirements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The variety of resources, visits to toddler groups and trips to places of interest ensure each of the areas of learning is adequately covered. Children benefit from a flexible routine, including a suitable balance of child-centred and adult-led activities. Children's self-esteem and sense of belonging are encouraged as their paintings are displayed on the playroom walls. The childminder has suitable strategies in place for managing behaviour, which are appropriate to the children's ages and stages of development and understanding. Children use information and communication technology to support their learning, for example, as they access carefully chosen computer software. They have a growing knowledge of the natural world as they visit the farm and examine bugs in the garden. Children gain confidence when using number as they count to 20 when playing hide and seek. A variety of creative activities including painting, using musical instruments and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

making bird feeders promotes children's self-expression whilst having fun. A range of books and alphabet posters raises children's awareness of the written word. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder’s suitable approach to equal opportunities contributes to children’s appropriate attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with access to a selection of resources. The childminder basically plans the activities she provides for children, loosely linking them to their interests and next steps in their learning. This is still being developed. She has just started to observe children and associates these observations to the areas of learning. The system is not fully established to show progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are welcomed into suitably clean and well-kept premises where they have sufficient space to play. They experience adequate levels of supervision and appropriate safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced. However, since the childminder has moved house they have not practised how to evacuate the house in the case of a fire. Consequently, this reduces the effectiveness of the written procedure. Children are kept safe on outings as they learn ways to cross the road safely and use suitable seats and restraints when travelling in the car. They enjoy regular opportunities for large physical play and are developing increasing co-ordination in climbing and balancing. Examples of this are where they access equipment in the park, visit soft play areas and enjoy their time in the garden. The childminder’s flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. Generally healthy meals and snacks are provided

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to ensure children are suitably nourished. These include fruit, minced meat, pasta and iced lollypops. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. They are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene practices, such as washing their hands after using the toilet. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms, is in place and up to date. This positively safeguards 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

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