Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 311782 Inspection date 02/09/2009 Inspector Julie Morrison

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 1993. She lives with her two adult children in Low Fell, Gateshead. She has pet dogs and cats. The whole of the ground floor, except for the lounge, and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7.15am to 6.15pm 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 four 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. The childminder collects children from the local schools and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is inadequate.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder does not have effective procedures in place to monitor and evaluate her provision. As a result, she has not kept up-to-date with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has breached some of the specific legal requirements. She provides a welcoming environment for all children and has adequate procedures in place to gather sufficient information about children's individual needs. This is combined with satisfactory procedures to keep parents informed about the care their children receive. Children take part in an adequate range of activities, however, these do not fully cover all areas of learning.

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The 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.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that risk assessments are reviewed at least once a year and include all types of outings (Suitable premises) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 23/09/2009

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further?

 further develop understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to undertake sensitive observational assessments and to plan to meet young children’s individual needs (Organisation) 02/11/2009

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further?

 plan and provide indoor and outdoor experiences 01/11/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which cover all areas of learning and are appropriate to each child’s stage of development (Organisation)  develop procedures to promote reflective practice and self-evaluation and identify priorities for development to improve outcomes for children (Organisation) 01/10/2009

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further?

 implement procedures to share information and ensure that the provision is complementary to that provided in other settings, in order to tailor learning to meet children's individual needs. (Organisation) 01/10/2009

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 further develop safeguarding children procedures by obtaining the publication 'What to do if you suspect a child is being abused' and ensuring that all documentation is up-to-date  develop procedures for parents to be able to review their children’s progress regularly and contribute to their learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has adequate procedures in place to gather and record relevant information required in order to meet children's individual needs, such as children's details, consents and medication. She demonstrates a suitable understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, including procedures to follow should she have any concerns. A written policy is in place to support this, however, this does not include up-to-date guidance on procedures to follow if you suspect a child is being abused. A record of risk assessment is in place for the home and garden, however, this does not include outings and has not been updated or reviewed to effectively safeguard children. This is a breach of the legal requirements. The childminder ensures that all adults living on the premises have all appropriate suitability checks in place.

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the early years provision

The childminder does not readily identify areas within her practice that require development in order to improve outcomes for children. For example, her limited understanding of the learning and development requirements of the EYFS means that effective procedures to observe, assess and plan for each child are not in place. This is a breach of the specific legal requirements. The childminder has not fully addressed the recommendations raised at the previous inspection. For example, although she has improved procedures for children to wash their hands she has not fully implemented procedures to ensure that medication and accident records promote confidentiality. This does not promote outcomes for children. Adequate use has been made of the available space to enable children to move around freely. The childminder provides a suitable range of toys which take into account the children's age and their interests.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are sufficient to promote children's care. The childminder discusses with them how she works at the initial meeting and keeps them informed about their child's care and activities through regular verbal feedback. However, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 she has not developed procedures to ensure that parents are kept informed about their child's progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has no procedures in place to share information with other providers of the EYFS. This does not ensure that the provision delivered is complementary to that provided by other settings which the children attend. Consequently, this results in children's individual needs not being fully met and is a breach of the requirements. The childminder has no children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, however, she demonstrates a positive attitude towards working with parents to

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the early years provision

ensure that all children are included at the setting.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has flexible plans in place, however, these do not cover all areas of learning and are not based on children's individual stages of development or fully meet their individual needs. For example, requests to play in the garden are refused. She interacts adequately with the children, talking about what they are doing and encouraging them to identify colours. However, her limited understanding of the EYFS means that she does not have any procedures in place to make observational assessments or to plan for children's next steps in learning. This does not promote children's development towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a suitable understanding of the children's interests. For example, she builds a train track as she knows the children like trains. Children are content playing independently or engaging with older children, who support them in their imaginary play with the trains. The children have some opportunities to develop early problem solving skills, for example, babies clap their hands as they stack building blocks and are supported by the childminder to complete jigsaws. They have suitable opportunities for fresh air as they go for walks to the park and play in the garden, when the weather is good. The childminder attends a variety of toddler groups where children are able to socialise with their peers and take part in a range of creative activities, such as painting and colouring. The children have some opportunities to celebrate well known holidays, such as Easter. However, resources and activities to further promote their understanding of different cultures

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and outcomes for children

The childminder uses age appropriate techniques to promote children's positive behaviour, for example, discussion and encouraging children to share with each other. Children are beginning to understand healthy habits as the childminder uses anti-bacterial gel to wash their hands before meals. Some meals are provided by parents, however, the childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of the importance of providing a healthy and balanced diet. Talking to children about stranger danger and practising road safety helps children to begin to learn the importance of keeping themselves safe. This is combined with close observation of the children at all times. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 4 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 4 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 4

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 4 The extent to which children feel safe 4 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 4

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Stage

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

 develop a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints (CR7.1) (also applies to the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 23/09/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure that risk assessments are reviewed at least once a year. (CR5.4) (also applies to the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 23/09/2009

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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 above (CR7.1) 23/09/2009  take action as specified above. (CR5.4) 23/09/2009

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