Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 08/01/2013 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 3 Previous inspection: Not Applicable How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 3 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 3

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This provision is satisfactory

 The childminder provides some interesting and enjoyable activities and outings for children, therefore, their overall development is suitably supported.  Children play with age-appropriate toys in a welcoming, homely and secure environment; this means that they are happy and settled.  The childminder has made a sound start to her childminding career and enjoys her role. She knows where to seek advice, support and training to help her promote children's care, learning and development further.

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It is not yet good because

 The childminder lacks some knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements. This means that she does always follow the educational programmes fully to help her plan for children's learning and track their progress.  The childminder does not regularly hold a two-way flow of information on children's learning and development with parents. This means that the progress children make is not fully shared between home and setting to benefit the children's all-round learning.  The childminder does not always encourage children to wash their hands before eating, which does not fully promote their good health.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at the childminder's documentation, including written observations on children and the childminder's policies and records.  The inspector observed activities and spoke to children.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in July 2012 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her three children aged 15 and 13 years and 18 months, in a house in Cramlington, Northumberland. She uses the whole of the ground floor and the rear garden for childminding. The family has a pet dog.

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Information about the setting

The childminder attends regular groups and visits the local shops and park on a regular basis. She collects children from the local nursery. There is currently one child on roll who is in the early years age group and attends for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round from 7.30am until 6.30pm Monday to Saturday.

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must:

 develop knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements, giving priority to the educational programmes for the prime areas of learning, so that planning and assessment is fully in place.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 involve parents in their children's learning by encouraging them to share their views and by regularly informing them of the progress children make in the setting

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 encourage children to wash their hands before eating.

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who attend

Children follow a suitable routine that fits in with their choices and basic needs. The childminder takes them out and about to play areas and toddler groups or to the park. They also occasionally go to interesting places, such as a dene to see the animals or a department store to see the 'Christmas window'. She follows children's lead during child- initiated play and knows when they need a change of direction. For example, she sets up adult-led activities, such as shaving foam or pasta play, when their concentration waivers. She incorporates reading and story time during the day and books are readily available, which enhances children's communication, language and literacy skills. The childminder knows that children enjoy singing and dancing so she ensures that children actively take part in action songs. They follow themes and topics throughout the year; for example, they make 'Santas' out of salt dough moulds and Halloween biscuits. This promotes

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who attend

children's all-round development and shows that the childminder plans interesting activities that keep them occupied and happy.

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who attend

The childminder has a basic awareness of where children are at in their learning, which is based on her own knowledge and understanding of what children can do and their expected stage of development. She knows that young children develop quickly and notices the general improvement they make as babies in their physical development; for example, from crawling to pulling themselves up. She jots down daily observations of all the children but does not differentiate their successes or progress in line with documentation that is available to her, such as Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Therefore, although most of the activities are interesting and age- appropriate, she does not follow the educational programmes fully to help her plan and track children's progress throughout the areas of learning. This means her observation, assessment and planning does not fully support children to strengthen and deepen their

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who attend

understanding and help them become ready for the next stage in their learning.

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who attend

The childminder finds out all about children's needs and routines and their likes and dislikes from parents. She regularly exchanges information on children's care routines when they are dropped off and collected. However, she is less confident in giving precise information to parents and sharing what they know about children's learning and development. This means that the progress children make is not fully shared between home and setting so that any specific learning needs are discussed, identified and planned for.

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who attend

Children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder. They crawl towards things that they are curious about. When they show interest in specific toys, such as the electronic laptop, the childminder sits on the floor with them and gives them lots of eye contact and verbal encouragement, which engages them in play successfully. As children manage to press buttons, the childminder repeats numbers and words as they come on, which helps children with basic language and mathematical skills. Children sit happily on the rocking horse as the childminder rocks them back and forth and sings a familiar song. Therefore, children smile and laugh and become more animated, which clearly demonstrates that the childminder supports them sufficiently in their play and helps them to enjoy and achieve.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder provides a suitable environment for children so that they have easy access to an age-appropriate range of toys. Children explore the large toy box independently and take out toys that interest them. The childminder ensures that there is sufficient floor space for children to play and she encourages them to tidy away toys that they are finished with. This minimises clutter and ensures a safe environment is maintained for the children. The childminder has a good understanding of how to manage children's behaviour. She uses effective distraction techniques to help the younger children cope with frustrations and learn to understand right from wrong. She reinforces good behaviour by stating what they do well and acknowledging their actions, such as when they put the bricks back into the bag.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder ensures that children get plenty of fresh air and exercise and they have easy access to drinks in their own cups throughout the day, which contributes to their well-being. The childminder offers children healthy snacks, such as raisins, but on the day of the inspection, she does not help children to wash their hands before eating, which does not fully promote their good health.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Young children arrive at the setting happily and leave their parents easily, which demonstrates that they feel safe and secure in the environment and have coped with transition from home to setting very well. None of the children are ready to move onto other settings or school, although the childminder has a suitable understanding of how to support them with this in the future. The childminder knows that children are settled as they approach her easily as the familiar adult that cares for them. They receive natural, warm and spontaneous cuddles to ensure they feel secure. The childminder plans her day around the children's needs, for example, the younger children often have quiet times and naps in the afternoon. She provides lots of supervision to keep children safe; for example, when babies crawl to the rocking horse she ensures they do not get their fingers trapped underneath. She treats children as part of the family as she often helps parents out by

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

caring for children at weekends. The childminder displays children's art and craft work on the wall, which shows that their efforts are valued and gives them a good sense of belonging. She documents a daily diary sheet for parents, which shows all areas of care and well-being, such as what children have eaten, where they have been and any specific issues to ensure that parents are kept informed of their child's day.

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provision

The childminder has an emerging knowledge of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and since becoming registered she is steadily beginning to use this in practice. She understands and implements the welfare requirements well as she provides a safe, secure home and monitors visitors via her signing in and out procedure. She carries out daily safety checks to identify potential hazards and uses child safety equipment appropriately, such as stair gates. She has a sound understanding of child protection and has completed basic training online. She has a clear policy to follow, which is shared with parents. She knows what to do if she has concerns about a child's care or welfare and knows who to contact, so that children are suitably safeguarded. The childminder provides various enjoyable activities that engage children and keep them interested and she ensures that they enjoy their time with her. Although she has a basic

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provision

awareness of the educational programmes and the three prime and four specific areas of learning, she lacks some knowledge and confidence on how to use this in practice. This means that she does not yet focus her planning and assessments sufficiently on the three prime areas for the youngest children to help them make further progress.

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provision

The childminder is aware of the Ofsted self-evaluation form. Although she has not begun to use this in practice, she reviews what she does on a regular basis and makes changes as necessary. For example, when she established that a daily diary book for parents was not effective, she changed this to a daily record sheet. She has identified her training needs and indicates that she will access relevant courses via the local authority in the near future. The childminder has completed basic training including first aid and child protection.

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provision

The childminder has friendly relationships with parents and displays good information in the entrance porch for them to see, such as public liability insurance, Ofsted's details and Early Years Foundation Stage information. She talks to parents on a daily basis and adheres to their wishes. She offers advice and guidance on relevant childcare matters, such as children's eating habits, diet and routines; therefore a suitable two-way flow of information is in place regarding children's health and care. As yet the childminder has no experience of working with children with special educational needs and/or disabilities; however, she works within her equal opportunities policy and will accept any child into the provision if she feels able to meet their individual needs.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY450173 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 808081 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 1

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration. Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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