Childminder in Northumberland

Overall effectiveness Requires improvement

The quality of education Requires improvement Behaviour and attitudes Requires improvement Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Requires improvement Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision requires improvement

The childminder has not taken effective action to ensure his practice continues to improve. He has not attended training since his registration. Consequently, there are weaknesses in his practice. The childminder does not consistently reduce the spread of infection, particularly with regards to nappy changing. He has not yet considered ways in which he can work with other professionals who are involved in children's care or learning. Children learn to keep themselves safe, for example, as they walk to school or play in the park.

p.2

The provision requires improvement

Despite the weaknesses, children enjoy their time with the childminder. They demonstrate they are happy as they come to the childminder for cuddles and relax on his knee. Parents comment that their children are always keen to go to the childminder's house. Children have a good relationship with the childminder. The childminder gives them time to settle when they first arrive, providing plenty of reassurance. He places a high priority on developing children's independence. Children choose and use resources independently. This helps to support their concentration. Children behave well. For example, the childminder consistently reminds them of his expectations.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder is not sufficiently proactive in working in partnership with other professionals. For example, he talks to nursery when children first start about what he is working on but does not maintain the sharing of information. In addition, he has not yet explored ways in which he can work with professionals from health to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, he communicates with parents and finds out some information from them. This helps to minimise the impact. n The childminder does not have hygienic facilities for changing children's nappies. He changes nappies on a bathmat on the sofa. Although the mat is changed daily, he is not able to clean it after every use or between changing other children's nappies. This does not effectively stop the spread of infection. n The childminder has not attended additional training since registering with Ofsted. He has not yet explored how he can access further training and

p.2

need to do better?

professional development to help him to keep his knowledge and skills up to date. This means that he is not able to ensure his practice continues to improve. n The childminder teaches older children the importance of washing hands. For example, they wash their hands when they come in from school and before eating. However, he does not consistently teach younger children how good handwashing can support their good health. On the day of the inspection, children ate their lunch without washing hands. This does not effectively prevent the spread of infection.

p.2

need to do better?

9 March 2023 n Children enjoy their learning and demonstrate reasonable concentration for their age. For example, two-year-old children concentrate well as they play with the shape sorters. They work out which slots the shapes fit through. Sometimes, they turn the shapes to see if they will fit in a different way. n The childminder generally teaches children about the importance of healthy lifestyles. Children enjoy a range of home-cooked meals with fruit and vegetables. He ensures children have plenty of fresh air and exercise. For example, they visit the park regularly. Children enjoy helping the childminder to plant and tend vegetables. They enjoy watching the vegetables as they grow. This motivates children to try a range of foods. n The childminder has a good relationship with parents. He shares information with parents about what their children have been doing. He also finds out from parents about what children have been doing at home. The childminder talks to

p.2

need to do better?

parents regularly about what he is going to be working on next. n The childminder knows what he wants children to learn. He plans a range of activities to support what children need to learn next. For example, he uses coloured electronic buzzers to spark conversations about colours. He focuses on developing skills, such as counting, as they play or go for walks. This helps children to progress in their learning.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of how he can keep children safe. For example, he keeps the doors into his home locked to prevent unauthorised people accessing the premises unattended. He uses a stairgate to ensure that children do not access areas, such as the kitchen, without supervision. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that may suggest that a child has been subjected to abuse. He knows the local procedures to follow should he have any concerns about children's welfare.

p.3

Due date

obtain and share information with other professionals who are involved in children's lives 30/03/2023

p.3

Due date

provide hygienic changing facilities for children who are in nappies 23/03/2023

p.3

Due date

9 March 2023 attend training and professional development opportunities to ensure practice continues to improve. 13/04/2023

p.3

should:

n help younger children to understand the importance of washing hands, particularly before eating.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 2603055 Local authority Northumberland Inspection number 10276108 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2020. He lives in Blyth, Tyne and Wear. The childminder operates from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7am until 5pm. The childminder holds an appropriate qualification at level 3.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector around his home and explained how he organises his curriculum. n The inspector spoke to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection. n The childminder evaluated an activity with the inspector. n Parents provided written feedback for the purpose of the inspection. n The inspector observed children playing and learning and evaluated the impact on their learning. n The childminder showed the inspector a range of documents, including those relating to his suitability, as well as other household members. n The inspector asked the childminder about how he manages the setting and keeps children safe.

p.5

Inspection activities

9 March 2023 We carried out this inspection 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

9 March 2023 regulates and inspects 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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.

p.6

Inspection activities

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 .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7