Childminder in Sunderland

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 305671 Inspection date 05/02/2009 Inspector Lynne Pope

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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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.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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).

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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. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and three adult children. They live in the residential area of Springwell in Gateshead. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s home are used for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder cares for children Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 18.00 for 48 weeks of the year. The childminder has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She collects children from the local school and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment and most records are in place to meet requirements. The childminder is committed to improving her knowledge of good quality childcare through accessing regular training which promotes children's maximum learning potential. They receive personalised support to meet their individual needs. This results in activities being led by children's interests with regard to their likes, dislikes and specific needs. Effective links have been developed with parents, which ensures that they are kept very well informed of their child's progress. The childminder actively seeks to make improvements which helps children to make good progress.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop children's understanding of healthy eating further by helping them learn about the food chain, planting, growing and gathering.

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further?

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

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further?

 request parental permission, at the time of the child’s admission to the provision, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 12/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has assessed her provision and has clear ideas about how she wants to improve her service further. She has made a strong commitment to improving her knowledge of good quality childcare. Several relevant courses which cover the education of children have been completed since the last inspection. These courses have helped her to reflect on her practice and she has introduced effective ways of planning and assessing children's development to help them make good progress. The focus of activities is always on the child as an individual which enables them to achieve as much as possible. The childminder is well organised and provides a warm, welcoming environment which helps children to feel secure and valued. There is an excellent range of resources which are organised effectively into age appropriate areas within a cupboard in the dining area. She has ensured that they are educational, interesting, attractive and

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provision

accessible to children to help them develop their independence. A record of risk assessment highlights possible hazards for children within the home or on any outings. The childminder does a visual check before the arrival of children for any further hazards to ensure that they are safe while in her care. All recommendations from the last inspection have been implemented effectively. For example, the childminder has ensured that adults that live in her home are suitable to come into contact with children. Procedures for raising any concerns have been discussed with parents and she has ensured that her first aid certificate is in date.

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provision

Good relationships have been developed with parents who are encouraged to take a full and active part in how the setting is run. Their views are sought through daily discussion and they complete six monthly questionnaires giving their point of view. On admission their child's likes, dislikes, needs and interests are discussed and the childminder observes the child as they settle to determine where she will start to plan their development from. Where children are able, their point of view is discussed. Effective processes ensure that parents are kept well informed and are involved in supporting their child's development. Written plans and observations are shared with them so that they can extend their child's learning and development at home. The childminder has in place some written policies and procedures which are shared with parents to help them understand how the provision is run. She demonstrates a good understanding of how these would be

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provision

implemented. For example, effective procedures would be in place to safeguard children. Most records are accurate and up to date. However, parental permission has not been requested for the childminder to seek advice or emergency medical treatment for children, should the needs arise. This is a welfare requirement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning and development is supported very effectively. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is implemented well into her everyday practice. There is a good balance of planned and child initiated activities. This enables children to be challenged and to have some independence and control over their learning which keeps their interest. Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend with the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder and thrive in the stimulating and caring environment. Planning and assessment has become established to ensure that the individual child achieves as much as they can and the childminder can support and extend their learning effectively. For example, the childminder plans certain activities ahead based on the child's individual needs or she observes spontaneous play. A well written

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

record is maintained linking into the areas of learning and development and she evaluates what would be the next step for the child. Their progress is plotted showing that all six areas of learning and development are covered and the childminder or parents can easily see at any time what the child has achieved. Information is gathered about children's learning and development from other organisations that they attend so as to offer continuity in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

An excellent variety of clean, safe, non toxic play equipment is well maintained. They enable children to explore, discover, use their imagination and learn social skills. Children are happy and have settled really well into the environment. They show curiosity and increasing independence as they select from the resources. Their confidence is promoted as they develop early reading skills. For example, simple board games help them to match letters, the childminder sounds out the letters and the children repeat them. Number is used in everyday play as they count while cutting out shapes in the play dough. Early calculation skills develop as they sort toys into groups of different colours. The childminder's confident approach to equal opportunities actively contributes to children's positive attitudes to the wider community. For example, children learn to make friends, respect each other and take into account diverse needs as they mix with other children at

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

various community groups. A wide variety of resources are used in everyday play in the home to develop their understanding of different cultures, disability and religion. Craft materials reflect different skin tones and puppets help them understand about the different feelings people have, such as being happy or sad.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's behaviour is managed sensitively and positively by the childminder. She recognises and praises their achievements which gives children a positive attitude towards learning. They are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe. The childminder discusses with them what to do if the smoke alarms go off and how to safely cross the road when they are out. Though no children currently attend with additional learning needs or disabilities, the childminder demonstrates an understanding of how she would help them to learn and develop to their full ability. Children's health and well-being is promoted well. They are consulted about what healthy snacks or meals they would like. When they are able, they help in the preparation of meals. Discussions are held about what are healthy foods, however, no practical methods are used to develop their awareness further. Physical development is given priority. Children access soft play, visit the park or access

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

large equipment at toddler groups. This helps them to learn how to manage their bodies in confined or open spaces. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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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

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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