Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY423902 Inspection date 05/10/2011 Inspector Karen Tervit

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2011. She lives with her husband and two children aged four years and two years old in Crawcrook. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and spare bedroom on the first floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family pet is a rabbit.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for one child in the early years age range on a part-time basis.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are warmly welcomed into a safe and stimulating environment. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment, although, resources and activities reflecting diversity are limited. Overall, detailed observations are used well to inform her practice. Most of the suggested publications and required documentation are in place to promote children's safety and welfare. The childminder evaluates her strengths and areas for development. Consequently, she shows a suitable level of commitment to continually improving her practice.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 keep an accurate record of the hours children attend (Documentation) (also applies to the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register) 19/10/2011

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop the systems for recording children's progress, including matching observations to the expectations of the early learning goals and identifying learning priorities  develop further the activities and resources to help children to become aware of, explore and question differences and diversity  access a copy of the government booklet 'What to do if you are worried a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 child is being abused'  develop further links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure continuity of care and education  update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are suitably safeguarded. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to keeping children safe from harm or abuse. She has attended safeguarding training and is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and who she should contact if she is concerned about a child in her care. However, she does not have a copy of the government booklet 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused' easily accessible to her. Children's safety is assured within the family home. All adults living in the home have undergone suitability checks and children are not left unsupervised with any visitors. Children play in a homely environment. They are kept safe both indoors and outdoors through the ongoing safety checks completed by the childminder. Written records of risk assessments are completed for indoor and outdoor areas. However, although, risks are thoroughly assessed and minimised on outings, the

p.5

the early years provision

childminder does not keep a record of these. The childminder records the days children attend on her calendar, however, she does not always record the hours children attend accurately. This is a specific legal requirement.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates that she has a suitable commitment to the continual improvement and development of the children's care and education. She has completed the Ofsted self-evaluation form to help her target areas for improvement. Resources are sufficient and available at the children's height to encourage free choice and independence. Resources and activities which promote positive images of difference and diversity are more limited. The childminder has plans in place to celebrate St Andrew's Day and other festivals. Although, no children with special educational needs and/or disabilities currently attend the setting, the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to working with parents and taking steps, where appropriate, to ensure that all children are fully included at the setting.

p.5

the early years provision

Effective partnerships with parents mean that children settle quickly and easily into the setting. Information from parents about children's likes, dislikes and routines is gathered before children start to attend, so the childminder can ensure children's needs are met and enjoyable experiences can be planned. The childminder has not yet fully developed links with other local provisions children attend, so as to ensure that children receive continuity in their care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled, and have a good relationship with the childminder and her husband. They approach them confidently and freely. The childminder talks to the children constantly as they play together. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements and plans activities which are based on children's individual needs and interests. Individual files for each of the children are being developed. These include written observations and photographs. These are mostly linked to the areas of learning. However, the next steps in children's learning are not always clearly highlighted.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are developing their imagination skills as they dance around the room pretending to be bees and search for different coloured birds looking through the binoculars they have made using their fingers. Children receive good opportunities to be creative with paint, glue, glitter and play dough. For example, they create pictures using the leaves collected while out walking. Children enjoy looking at books both independently and with the childminder. For example, they are beginning to be able to retell favourite stories. Children develop their counting skills in everyday activities, such as climbing the stairs. Outdoors children particularly enjoy looking at the effect of sunlight as it makes shadows. They learn about different shapes and colours as they complete the large foam floor puzzle and use the magnetic boards.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment, where they are beginning to develop an understanding of good hygiene and personal care, as the childminder implements consistent routines. For example, they know they need to wash their hands before meals and snacks. A clear sick child policy helps to further reduce the risk of cross-infection and ensures children are cared for appropriately when ill. Regular use of the garden, walks and visits to local play parks provide opportunities for healthy exercise to encourage children's physical development. Meals and snacks provided are varied and healthy. Children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe is developing well. They are familiar with the emergency evacuation procedures, which they practise regularly and they learn about road safety on outings and when walking to and from school and nursery. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

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 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

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.

p.8

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:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 19/10/2011

p.8

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:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 19/10/2011

p.8