Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY431790 Inspection date 18/01/2012 Inspector Anthea Errington

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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 assesses 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 0300 123 1231, 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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T: 0300 123 1231 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 2011. She lives with her husband and child aged one year. They live in the residential area of Bedlington Station in Northumberland. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children aged under eight years, of these, not more than two may be in the early years age range and of these, not more than one maybe under one years. There are currently two children on roll of who are in the early years age group. She also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder cares for children weekdays and weekends throughout the year. She has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers a warm, friendly and caring welcome to all children and their parents providing an inclusive environment to all. The childminder has a sufficient understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has developed systems for observation and assessment of children. However, they are not fully used to plan effectively for children's next steps within the areas of learning. Most relevant documentation is in place, including written policies. However, the childminder has not requested permission for emergency first aid or treatment to be sought which is a specific legal requirement. Systems to evaluate on the provision are still in their infancy.

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further?

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

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further?

 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment (safeguarding and welfare). 03/02/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the use of children's assessment records so that they can be used effectively to inform planning, identify next steps in children's learning and build on what they already know  carry out regular evacuation drills with all aged children and record the details in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 resolved  provide resources and activities to help children to begin to know about other people's cultures and beliefs  develop the risk assessment process for the home to ensure they include all relevant information.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates an appropriate understanding of safeguarding children. This is supported by relevant guidance and documents which supports her in the procedures to follow should she have any concerns. Satisfactory risk assessments are in place for all aspects of her care, however, they do not cover all aspects of her care, for example, loose wire on the staircase. A procedure for fire evacuation is in place, however, there is no record or detail of evacuation practice. All members of the household hold full Criminal Records Bureau checks and documents to record accidents and medication administration are also in place. The childminder has completed appropriate first aid training and this enables her to care appropriately for children should they become ill or in the event of any accidents, however, permission for emergency medical care or treatment is not in place which is a specific legal requirement.

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the early years provision

Children move around the space confidently and choose independently from a range of good quality, age appropriate resources which are clean and well maintained. Systems to evaluate the provision are still in their infancy. However, the childminder does recognise the importance of continuous improvement and acknowledges further training will enable her to improve overall outcomes for children. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards equality and diversity, however, resources are limited to support children's understanding of the wider world. Children's interests are taken into account when planning activities and the childminder is aware of what children in her care like to do. Observations of children do not as yet indicate planning for their next steps within the areas of learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures good working relationships with parents of the children she cares for are maintained. Daily discussions and phone calls ensure they are kept informed of their children's progress. Contracts are used to set out clearly the expectations of both parties and a sufficient range of policies and procedures are in place to inform them of her practice. The childminder is fully aware of the importance of maintaining links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has developed effective links, which ensures children's continuity of learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a sufficient awareness with regard to the Early Years Foundation Stage. She knows the children well to effectively plan overall and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provides an effective range of resources and activities to support their individual development. They have many opportunities to develop their personal and social skills as they regularly visit community resources, such as the local toddler group and parks. They happily interact with the childminder, who responds to them with patience and care. They confidently initiate play and make their requests known to her as she skilfully involves herself with their play.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in their problem solving and numeracy skills and with support from the childminder, are beginning to understand the concept of space and measure. For example, they calculate how many bricks will be required to make their 'bridge construction' big enough for toy cars to fit through. The childminder constantly provides children with praise and encouragement which in turn increases their confidence and desire to learn. In addition, children demonstrate their very good skills at shape recognition as they confidently name the various shapes displayed on the television screen. Children happily play with programmable and interactive toys which are kept in good working order and supports and develops their information and technology skills to develop skills for the future. They listen to the musical toys and play a game of make believe as they converse on the toy telephone. Children clearly enjoy imaginative play and

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and outcomes for children

select from the various resources to support them. For example, they use the toy vacuum cleaner explaining how they must sweep up the 'fluffy bits' on the floor. This supports children's creativity and provides them with good opportunities to develop their imagination further. Limited access to multi-cultural equipment and activities does not fully support children's understanding of the wider world. Children make good progress in their mark making skills and are beginning to develop good pencil control as they attempt to trace the outlines of their favourite cartoon characters. In addition, they access a range of age appropriate books which further supports their language and literacy skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is promoted well by the childminder who ensures children are cared for in a clean and hygienic home. They have sufficient opportunities to develop their physical skills as they enjoy walks in the local community, visit local parks and regularly visit toddler groups where they have space to run and move around. Children are provided with nutritious foods that fully comply with their dietary requirements. They enjoy a healthy snack of fruit and have access to regular drinks. They learn about keeping themselves healthy as the childminder encourages them to wash hands before meals and after visiting the bathroom. The childminder provides children with clear boundaries and as a result the children behave well in her care. They listen carefully to her and respond happily to her requests. They learn about keeping themselves safe as she gently explains to them the importance of using toys correctly and safely. In addition, they regularly

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and outcomes for children

practice road safety and are beginning to understand how they must hold hands whilst outdoors. The childminder demonstrates a realistic expectation of children's behaviour in accordance with their ages and stages of development and responds towards them with purposeful care. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 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 3

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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 03/02/2012

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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 yeras section of the report 03/02/2012

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