Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 17 September 2015 1 March 2011

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This inspection: Inadequate 4

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Inadequate 4

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This inspection: Inadequate 4

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Inadequate 4

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This inspection: Inadequate 4

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Inadequate 4

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This provision is inadequate

 The childminder does not have sufficient knowledge of how to safeguard children. She does not understand what to do if she is concerned about a child and does not have a clear procedure for safeguarding children.  The childminder does not understand the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has insufficient knowledge of the seven areas of learning. Consequently, the quality of teaching and planning for children's learning is weak.  The childminder does not demonstrate a clear understanding of how to effectively assess children's learning. This includes the requirement to complete a progress check for children aged between two and three years. As a result, she is unable to ensure children are suitably prepared for the next stage in their learning.  The childminder reflects on her practice but evaluations do not sufficiently focus on how to best support children's progression. She does not engage in professional

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This provision is inadequate

development to develop her teaching skills. Therefore, her capacity to improve outcomes for children is weak.  The childminder misses opportunities to develop children's independence during activities and routines.

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It has the following strengths

 Parents are happy with the care provided by the childminder. She uses a daily diary to keep them informed about their child's day.  The childminder knows children well and is responsive to their care needs. Her gentle, caring approach ensures children feel confident, secure and happy in her care.  The childminder supports children's developing language skills well.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Childcare Register the provider must:

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Due Date

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed, in order to protect children being cared for from abuse and neglect 30/10/2015

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Due Date

 ensure that learning and development requirements are met and fully understood, in order to strengthen teaching, planning for children's learning and to effectively support children's good progress in all areas of learning 11/12/2015

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Due Date

 ensure effective arrangements for assessment are implemented and fully understood, including the progress check for children aged between two and three years 11/12/2015

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Due Date

 gain a secure understanding of safeguarding procedures so that prompt and appropriate action can be taken if a concern about a child's welfare is identified. 30/10/2015 To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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Due Date

 strengthen the evaluation of practice to focus on promoting good outcomes for children and identify key areas for improvement, including professional development  maximise opportunities for children to develop independence during daily routines and activities.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint evaluation of an activity with the childminder.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as observations and records of attendance.  The inspector took account of the views of parents during the inspection.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is inadequate

The arrangements for safeguarding are ineffective. The childminder knows the signs and symptoms of abuse. However, children are not fully protected because the childminder does not know who to contact if she has a concern. Therefore, she is not able to respond quickly to protect children from harm. Recommendations from previous inspections have not been fully met. There have been minor improvements to how the childminder evaluates her provision. However, evaluation has failed to identify the childminder's lack of knowledge of the learning and development requirements. This means that a further breach of the statutory requirements and key weaknesses requiring development have not been identified and addressed. The childminder does not actively seek to improve her knowledge. As a result, she does not have the necessary skills and knowledge to support children's progress in all areas of learning.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is inadequate

The childminder has changed the way she manages information about children's development since her last inspection. She observes children, records their achievements and shares this information with parents. This helps parents to be involved in their children's learning. Despite this, she remains unable to plan effectively for children's learning because she does not have a secure knowledge of the areas of learning or the typical levels of development for the age ranges of the children in her care. Therefore, she is unable to accurately assess children's progress, identify appropriate next steps in their learning or tailor her teaching to their needs. This means that much of the learning that takes place is incidental, not planned. Children's experiences, although enjoyable, do not challenge them enough to help them make good progress towards their early learning goals. The children learn some new skills because the childminder instinctively supports

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is inadequate

them in their play. For example, she reinforces emerging mathematical skills as she counts along with children during activities.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are inadequate

The childminder forms warm relationships with children and gives them lots of praise. This helps them to feel valued and secure and they are happy in their care. The childminder knows the children's care needs and meets them quickly. This supports their emotional well-being. However, breaches in the safeguarding requirements have a significant impact on the childminder's ability to fully promote their welfare. The environment is well resourced and children make choices in their play. They spend much of their time outdoors which promotes their physical development and well-being. The childminder provides nutritious meals and teaches children how to keep themselves healthy. At times, the childminder does not allow children to attempt tasks for themselves which inhibits their ability to develop their independence as well as possible. The childminder sets a good example for children in relation to manners and respect. As a result, children behave very

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are inadequate

well and are developing a strong understanding of the needs of others. Children learn about their own community and the wider world.

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Outcomes for children are inadequate

Although all children demonstrate that they are meeting the expected levels of development typical for their age, it is not possible to determine the rate of progress they make because the childminder has not effectively tracked their development. She has insufficient knowledge and skills to support children to make the best possible progress towards the early learning goals. Therefore, children are not supported in the best possible way to prepare them for their future learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 403031 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 1027639 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 1 March 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1994 and lives in Northumberland. She operates all year round from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for family holidays.

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Telephone number

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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Telephone number

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

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Telephone number

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Telephone number

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Telephone number

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

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