Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 318834 Inspection date 13/11/2009 Inspector Janet Fairhurst

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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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 19 and 15 years, in West Denton, situated on the western outskirts of Newcastle. Local amenities include shops, schools and nursery, green areas and community centre groups. The main shopping and leisure facilities of the city of Newcastle are in reach by car and public transport. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7.30am till 6.00pm.

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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. She is currently caring for five children of whom three are in the early years age range. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and makes use of the advice, support and training opportunities offered through the local authority. She is part of the Newcastle Childminding Network and attends the childminder drop-in and 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 has created a child friendly environment to ensure all children are included, enjoy their time and make good progress in their learning. A specific legal requirements is not met. As a result there is a risk to children’s safety because, not all household members have been suitably vetted. Good partnerships with parents ensures that regular information is shared to support children effectively overall. The good links with other settings help support children well. As part of the evaluation process the childminder takes the views of parents and children into account, but she has not fully addressed areas in need of development, in order to promote continuous improvement of her provision.

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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 all household members are suitably vetted (Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 04/12/2009

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further?

To improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  make sure that children's personal hygiene routines are consistently implemented  develop the self-evaluation process further to identify areas for development to help improve the outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very familiar with Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, and what to do if she has a concern about a child in her care. However, children are not fully safeguarded because the childminder has failed to ensure that all her household members are suitably vetted. This compromises children’s safety. A detailed range of policies and procedures are in place, which are regularly updated and shared with the parents. All documentation required to promote the safe and efficient management of the setting is in place, for example, accident, medication records and consent to obtain emergency medical treatment. This is combined with an up-to-date first aid certificate to ensure that the childminder is able to respond effectively to any accidents. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments in all areas of her home and records her findings. In addition, she carries out visual safety checks and recognises potential hazards in

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good range of resources and positions them at low level to encourage independent access and inspire play. She promotes equality and diversity by discussing topics with the children and helping them learn about different countries and cultures. She has a range of multicultural resources that reflect diversity and disability and these are used, along with dressing up clothes and cultural food, to increase children's awareness of the wider world. The childminder is experienced in offering an inclusive service for children and their families. She is successful in making sure all children make significant progress and enjoy individual support to enhance their learning experience. Parents are kept up to date about their child's learning and care through the effective use of verbal feedback. Parents are able to get involved in children's learning, as the childminder ensures that they have regular access to their developmental files. Parents report

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the early years provision

that they are very pleased with the care she provides for their children. They comment on how well she helps them to settle, develop respect and enjoy a wide range of activities. The childminder has established effective partnerships with the other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure continuity of care and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder attends various training courses to extend and enhance her knowledge and understanding of the EYFS. For example, she has recently completed the Diploma in Home-base Childcare as well as day courses in quality and diversity, and EYFS. As part of the childminder's evaluation process she actively gathers the views of parents and children with regard to the care and service she provides. However, the system is less effective in helping her to identify significant issues, such as vetting and prioritising the action needed to address this. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children's learning and development is well supported by the in-depth knowledge the childminder has of each child in her care. The childminder implements effective procedures to identify children's starting points and to make sensitive observations of children as they learn and play. These are used to identify next steps in the children's development and to inform future planning. Each child has a very well presented learning journey which is filled with photographs and detailed observations demonstrating the good progress they are making. The children have good access to a wide range of resources and these are complemented by trips to places of interest, such as local libraries and toddler groups. This helps to provide children with good opportunities to socialise with their peers. A balance of adult and child-initiated activities, ensures that children are engaged in purposeful play,

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and outcomes for children

which is appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children's confidence grows as they are provided with experiences and support which help them develop a positive sense of themselves. They are happy and content and enjoy the time they spend with each other and the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children's play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. Displays of colourful posters and examples of the children's work helps to promote a welcoming environment, promotes self-esteem and helps to develop a sense of belonging for the children. Children's enthusiasm and self-esteem grow as they are praised and thanked for kind, helpful behaviour. They are rewarded with smiles and hugs for good behaviour and achievements. Children are encouraged to share and take turns and remember to say please and thank you. They are learning skills for the future as they practice early numeracy, communication and literacy skills whilst counting pieces of fruit and enjoying their books. The childminder provides mark-making and craft equipment so that children learn to use a range of tools to explore a variety of textures and materials. Children have regular opportunities for problem solving, as they complete jigsaws,

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and outcomes for children

and build with blocks. The childminder extends children's learning further, as she make good use of questioning, for example, encouraging children to count how many blocks and identify their colours. Children have opportunities to develop their information, communication and technology skills, for example, using lap tops and programmable toys.

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and outcomes for children

Children are generally supported in the development of personal hygiene through the use of effective hygiene routines. They learn to wash their hands and can help themselves to drinks from their own beakers that are easily accessible while they play. However, occasionally hygiene routines are not consistently implemented. Children are offered a good range of healthy and balanced meals and snacks. Children's personal records hold detailed information of special dietary restrictions they may have. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met. Children behave well, and are polite, because the childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of positive strategies to support the behaviour she wants. She actively encourages children to share and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 take turns, and is clear in her explanations to use toys and equipment safely and

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and outcomes for children

with care. Children are kept safe at the setting, as the childminder has a good procedures in place. For example, keeping external doors locked, providing close supervision and recording all accidents and medication. Children have good opportunities to learn about keeping themselves safe, for example, they discuss and practice road safety and carry out regular fire drills. 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 2 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 2 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 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children). 04/12/2009

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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 (Arrangements for safeguarding children). 04/12/2009

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