Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 30/01/2014 18/01/2012

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early years provision

This inspection: 4 Previous inspection: 3 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 4 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 4

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This provision is inadequate

 The childminder does not have a suitable knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which means that she is not able to use her observations to accurately assess children's learning or plan high quality challenging experiences across the seven areas of learning. Furthermore, this does not support parents in being involved in their child's ongoing learning and progress.  The childminder has limited awareness of the requirement to carry out the progress check at age two and provide parents with a written summary of their children's progress.  Risk assessments are not thorough enough to identify potential hazards, such as the risk of splinters from the bare floorboards on the upstairs landing. This impacts on the safety of children.  The childminder's knowledge of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures is not secure enough to ensure that she knows how to act correctly should she have concerns

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This provision is inadequate

about a child.  Links with other settings that the children attend are not strong enough to ensure that individual needs are identified and met.

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It has the following strengths

 Children settle quickly into the setting and are happy in the childminder's care because she has flexible settling-in procedures which enable her to form caring relationships.

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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

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged 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 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  scheduled 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 held discussions with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke to children and observed play and learning activities inside the home.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records and planning documentation.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of suitability and qualifications of the childminder, the provider's self-evaluation form and improvement plan.  The inspector took into account feedback from parents.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2011. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and three years in Bedlington Station, Northumberland. The whole of the ground floor and a bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes, There is an enclosed garden to the rear available for outdoor play.

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Information about the setting

The childminder visits the local shops and park on a regular basis. She collects children from the local schools and pre-schools. There are currently five children on roll, three of whom are in the early years age group and attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is open all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays.

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must:

 improve knowledge of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage to: use observations to precisely assess children's level of achievement, interests and learning styles; use these to shape learning experiences across the seven areas of learning so that children make good progress; support parents in being involved in their child's ongoing learning and progress

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must:

 improve knowledge of the progress check at age two in order to provide parents with a summary of their child's development in the prime areas between the ages of two and three

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must:

 improve knowledge of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, particularly in relation to who to contact in the event of a concern, so that these procedures are consistently followed

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must:

 ensure thorough risk assessments identify all possible hazards and appropriate actions are taken to remove or minimise the risk

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must:

 improve links with local schools to ensure that children benefit from a shared understanding and common approach to support their progress in learning, for example, by ensuring information is shared about learning and development in order to ensure that individual needs are identified and met.

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who attend

The childminder has recently returned to childminding after a period of leave, which means that she does not have up to date understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, she has attended training in the past on observation and assessment, which is enabling her to carry out observations of children. However, the childminder's knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage is currently limited, which hinders her ability to use her observations to accurately identify where children are in their learning. As a result, she is not able to accurately identify areas where further support is needed or to plan appropriate activities based on children's identified learning needs. This affects the progress that children can make during their time at her setting. In addition, the childminder does not have a suitable understanding of the progress check at age two, which means she is not able to provide parents with a written summary of their child's

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who attend

development between the ages of two and three.

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who attend

The activities provided for children are generally based around flexible routines, which include going to toddler groups and free play in the childminder's home. The childminder plans activities that she thinks children will enjoy doing while they are in her care. This ensures that children benefit from a variety of experiences that aid their enjoyment. For example, parents comment that children love baking while they are at the childminders. The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of how to promote language and communication. She observes children and uses simple words and phrases to comment on what children are doing in order to encourage early communication. For example, when playing with dolls the childminder says 'hat on.' Later in the session children verbalise words, such as 'hat'. The childminder recognises the importance of rhymes and books too. Children enjoy looking at pictures in books and learning new words, such as 'rabbit' and

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who attend

'hand', as they look at the pictures together with the childminder. This means that children make suitable progress in communication and language. The childminder supports children throughout their play and gives them time to explore jigsaw puzzles or electronic toys, intervening occasionally if things do not work. As a result, young children have time to explore electronic toys and begin find out where to put the balls to make them come out again. They also begin to understand how to press buttons to make toys work. This means that children are engaged in their play and are willing to explore. Children have opportunities to develop their physical skills as they visit the park and play outside in the garden. This ensures they have opportunities to develop large muscle skills. Activities, such as drawing and painting, mean that the development of small muscle groups is supported.

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who attend

The childminder keeps parents informed about their child's daily care through regular verbal feedback. She informs parents about what their children have been doing and other important information that affects their learning and care needs. However, the childminder's limited knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage does not effectively support parents in being involved in their child's ongoing learning and progress towards the early learning goals.

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

Children appear safe because the childminder has procedures in place to teach children how to be safe in and out of the setting. For example, they practise fire evacuations and they learn how to keep themselves safe when getting in and out of the car. However, children's safety is compromised because risk assessments are not robust enough to ensure children's safety in the setting. In addition, the childminder does not follow Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures should she have a concern about a child. However, children are happy in the setting and are confident within the environment. Parents comment that the childminder has a lovely nature and children are keen to see her. Children settle quickly because she has flexible settling in procedures in place. The childminder also finds out important information from parents, such as routines and dietary information. This means that the childminder follows children's individual routines

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

from home. Although children were already settled into school or nursery when they started with the childminder, she demonstrates a suitable understanding of working with parents and the school to help children settle into their new classes. This supports children's transition to school and prepares children for the next stage in their learning.

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

Children play in a homely environment. Toys and equipment are age appropriate, reasonably varied, in good condition and are generally accessible. This adequately aids children's independence as they are able to make some choices about their play. Children's independence is further promoted as young children are encouraged to feed themselves at mealtimes. Children also learn to play alongside other children and share resources as they visit local toddler groups with the childminder. Children behave well in the setting, as they are fully engaged in their activities. This supports children to manage their feelings and behaviour and form relationships with other children.

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

The childminder takes effective steps to promote good health. For example, she ensures hands are washed before meals. She promotes a healthy diet as she provides a variety of healthy meals, which includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. She also offers plenty of drinks throughout the session. She ensures they have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise as she visits local parks and plans various trips and walks. Children also play outside in the garden.

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provision

The childminder has insufficient knowledge and understanding of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. This results in a number of breaches in relation to the safeguarding and welfare requirements. Risk assessments are not robust enough to ensure that the premises, particularly the bare floorboards on the upstairs landing, are safe. This is also a breach of legal requirements of the Childcare Registers. In addition, the childminder does not take full account of the procedures from her Local Safeguarding Children Board because she does not know who to contact if she had a concern about a child. The childminder also does not have a written complaints procedure in place, which is a breach of the requirements of both parts of the Childcare Register. However, the childminder shows some understanding of her responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and has attended recent training. She has clear policies in place. The childminder also

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provision

holds a current first aid certificate, and demonstrates that she has a suitable understanding of how she would deal with accidents or injuries. This means that she could respond to any accidents quickly and appropriately. She carries out periodic checks of her home and uses appropriate safety equipment to help keep children safe.

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provision

The childminder's monitoring and evaluation are weak. She undertakes self-evaluation, however, she does not have an accurate picture of the quality of her provision and how she could improve. She has completed actions and recommendations from the last inspection, and she is aware that she needs to update her knowledge in relation to the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, she has failed to identify weaknesses in her provision in relation to safety and safeguarding. In addition, the childminder does not undertake monitoring of the learning and development requirements and, as a result, she is not able to accurately assess the progress that children are making towards the early learning goals. This does not ensure that gaps in children's learning are identified and addressed, and does not support planning based on children's next steps in learning.

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provision

The childminder has developed close relationships with parents and they like the flexibility she provides. The childminder ensures that they are kept appropriately informed about the service she provides as they receive key policies and procedures at the start. She also ensures they get feedback at the end of the session. The childminder has a suitable relationship with the local school and they share information relating to the care and well- being of the children. However, the childminder's lack of understanding of the statutory requirements for the Early Years Foundation Stage does not fully support a two-way flow of information between the childminder and the school about children's learning and development.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are

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actions)

The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are

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To meet the requirements of the Childcare Register the provider must:

 have a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (compulsory part of Childcare Register)  ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks (compulsory part of Childcare Register)  have a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (voluntary part of Childcare Register)  ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks (voluntary part of Childcare Register).

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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 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected within twelve months of the date of this inspection. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. 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

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Grade Judgement Description

the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. 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 EY431790 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 875973 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: 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.

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Type of provision

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, which are usually the childminder’s 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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