Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 03/04/2014 06/10/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 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 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 Children's individual needs are successfully met because the childminder understands the value and importance of working closely with parents. She communicates with parents in a variety of ways which means that they are kept fully informed and involved in their child's learning and development.  Teaching is good because the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of how young children learn and develop. She carefully observes to assess their skills and interacts effectively to improve their learning. As a result, children make good progress.  Children enjoy their time in this welcoming home where they develop a good rapport with the childminder and other family members.  The childminder makes very good use of the well-equipped garden to develop children's all-round learning. This contributes particularly well to children's physical skills and their well-being.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 There is scope to expand self-evaluation by more effectively evaluating and using the views of parents to drive further improvement.  There is scope to enhance the good information recorded on medication records to clearly reflect the information shared with parents, to promote children's health and well-being.

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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 observed activities taking place in the lounge.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector viewed the areas of the premises and garden used for childminding.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's observation and assessment records, the register of attendance and children's records.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of suitability of all members of the household, and the childminder's self-evaluation.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 1988 and is on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and adult children in a house in the Wallsend area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and uses the whole of the ground floor and the rear garden for childminding. She attends a childminder group and visits the local shops, library and park on a regular basis. She collects children from the local schools and pre-schools. There are currently three children on roll, one of whom is in the early years age group and attends for a variety of sessions, and two are school- age children who attend before and after school. The childminder operates all year round, from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday except for family holidays.

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

 enhance systems for recording medication to show clearly when medication is administered to children in line with information shared with parents

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

 expand on self-evaluation by including suggestions made by parents and children to further improve on good practice.

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who attend

Children are happy and engaged because the childminder provides a wide variety of experiences that motivate children and capture their imagination. The quality of teaching is good and the childminder knows the children in her care very well. Plans, routines and experiences reflect the children's individual needs and interests. This helps to ensure that children enjoy a broad range of activities that are appealing to them. The childminder records useful information from parents about their children's starting points, skills and achievements and also observes children at play. This information is effectively used to plan for the next steps in their learning and development. Children's individual learning journal records and daily diaries are shared with parents to keep them informed of their child's ongoing progress. Parents are encouraged to maximise their children's learning at home because the childminder offers them some suggestions, such as singing songs that

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who attend

she knows the children enjoy. As a result, children are making good progress.

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who attend

The childminder's home is organised well and children are able to easily access resources to initiate their own play. This successfully fosters their independence. Children's language development is promoted well as the childminder constantly engages them in conversation and plays alongside, them asking questions to encourage children to explore and experiment. For example, she encourages children to access the sensory area to investigate with torches and lights, playing 'peek-a-boo' with the lights giving them time to respond. The childminder teaches children the names for instruments in the sensory area, such as 'tambourine'. As a result, children develop a wide vocabulary. The childminder simplifies the instructions of games so that toddlers can successfully join in. For example, she encourages young children when to look under the cup for the ball. Consequently, children are challenged appropriately according to their age and stage of development. In

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who attend

addition, children use shape sorters and activity centres to develop their awareness of colours, size and shape. Consequently, children have good opportunities to explore and develop simple mathematical concepts.

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who attend

Children's physical skills progress rapidly as they use a variety of climbing equipment in a well-resourced garden. Children are able to develop their understanding of the wider world, through their outings in the local community and at home. For example, children go to the park to see the horses and are delighted to feed the ducks which visit the childminder's garden on a daily basis. As soon as children hear them in the garden they giggle as they go for bread and sit on the steps and then feed this to them. Consequently, children are gaining valuable experiences for their future learning outside of the home and this aids their transition to school.

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

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. This is because she offers a gradual settling-in period which helps children to feel safe and comfortable in her home, hence they quickly gain a sense of belonging. Children clearly enjoy the childminder's company and are responsive to her support and reassurance. She has a calm and caring nature and is sensitive and attentive to their individual needs. The childminder finds out about children's home routines and any comfort items. This helps to ensure children receive consistency of care. As a result, children's emotional development is promoted effectively.

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

Children are well behaved because they are aware of the boundaries set and of behavioural expectations in the childminder's home. The childminder focuses on teaching children the importance of welcoming new children and showing care and consideration to others. Children's efforts and achievements are promptly recognised and praised. This helps children to feel good about what they do and raises their self-esteem. All areas of the childminder's home used for childminding are maintained to a high standard. Children have ample space to play and rest. They enjoy easy access to a wide range of resources both indoors and outdoors. Young children are introduced to larger group activities when visiting local play sessions. This helps to prepare young children for the transition to pre- school. Children learn personal care skills appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder encourages independence, for example, children learn to

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

feed themselves and to progress from a bottle to a cup. Effective hygiene routines are in place and children learn about the benefits of practising a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, children receive plenty of fresh air and exercise and this contributes greatly to their physical health and well-being. Children learn about safety because they are reminded to be careful during play and the childminder regularly teaches and reinforces safety rules when travelling in her car and on public transport. Children know that they have to keep their car seats fastened and wait until the childminder tells them that it is safe to cross the road.

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provision

The childminder has a very sound understanding of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and how this is integrated into her practice. She has a very secure understanding of how to protect the children in her care. She is very aware of her local safeguarding procedures and knows who to contact should she be concerned. A well- written policy is regularly shared with parents as well as providing them with a copy. This ensures that parents are clear of the childminder's responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm. All adults living on the premises are suitably vetted and children are only released into the care of named individuals. Most documentation is maintained well and all policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, effectively support the childminder's practice. However, although the childminder obtains consent regarding the administration of medication and informs parents by text messages, some medication

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provision

records do not always show clearly when medication was given. The childminder visually checks the premises and records her findings. This ensures that any potential risks are identified and reasonable steps are taken to minimise hazards to children both inside and outside the house. For example, doors are kept locked, electrical sockets are protected and safety gates are used. Fire safety equipment is in place and the evacuation plan has been practised with the children so that they are familiar with what to do. Consequently children are able to move around the premises safely.

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provision

The childminder effectively monitors and reflects on the quality and impact of the activities she plans and organises. She has a good understanding of the areas of learning and how children learn through play. Her observations and assessments ensure she knows how well children are progressing and she can give parents accurate feedback about their child's achievements and next steps. The childminder has a positive attitude towards continuous improvement; she has addressed all recommendations raised at her last inspection. Through attending regular training and self-evaluation she identifies areas to progress. Toys and activities are frequently replenished to meet the children's changing interests. Although, the parents comment verbally about the childminder's provision, they are not currently used to drive forward the identified areas of development.

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provision

The childminder understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and others and has a good awareness of the local support that is available. The childminder is clear about sharing information between settings when children attend more than one provision. She has good working relationships with parents and they regularly share information so children's individual care and learning needs are consistently met. In addition, they receive a very informative daily diary which means that parents are well informed about all aspects of their child's day. Text messages sent to the childminder reflect the high regard parents have for her and the valuable support she offers.

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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 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 310161 Local authority North Tyneside Inspection number 818871 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3

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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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