Childminder in Gateshead

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 311557 Inspection date 17/10/2008 Inspector Kathleen Snowdon

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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 1992. She lives with her son, aged 16, in Birtley, near Gateshead. Her home is easily accessible and close to all facilities including local schools and nurseries. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed back garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to look after a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently, there are two children under five and two children over five on roll; the children attend at staggered intervals. The childminder walks to and from local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has very good knowledge of every child she cares for. This enables her to plan exciting activities which appeal to children's individual interests. Good priority is given to the children's welfare in general; the emphasis on promoting children's health is a key strength. Effective partnership with parents and participation in further training enables the childminder to evaluate and improve her practice. This results in a service that meets the needs of the children in full and helps them make good progress in their learning and development.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend opportunities for children to learn about their own cultures and beliefs and those of others.

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provision

Thorough risk assessments of the indoor and outdoor areas used by children minimise the chance of accidents occurring. The childminder is vigilant when supervising the children. As well as this, she ensures that adults who have access to the children are suitably vetted. These arrangements keep children safe and well protected at all times.

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provision

The childminder has forged very strong links with the children's parents. She provides them with a 'Welcome Pack' when children begin attending. This includes written policies and procedures, including details about how parents can make a complaint. Daily discussions and regular reviews of the children's progress offer parents and the childminder the opportunity to share their knowledge of the children. Parents have very positive views of the childminder. They say she is 'loving, caring and trustworthy' and rate the service that she provides as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 'excellent'.

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provision

All the children play with good quality and developmentally appropriate toys and resources. The equipment is stored on low level shelving and in storage boxes on the floor. This allows the children to initiate play of their choice and gives them plenty of scope in which to have fun and enjoy themselves. Recommendations made at the last inspection have been met in full. The childminder's capacity for improvement is further demonstrated by her commitment to on-going training, such as the 'Enabling Environments' course she completed recently.

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provision

Documentation is well organised. All essential records and written policies are in place. The childminder amends details as soon as changes occur, which keeps information up to date and accurate. Documents are stored securely, exemplifying the good priority the childminder attaches to confidentiality.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Excellent relationships exist between the children and the childminder. As a result, children are happy and secure, which increases their propensity to learn and acquire new skills. The childminder sits with the children as they play in her welcoming and well organised home, which parents describe as 'lovely'. She asks pertinent questions that encourage the children to reflect on what they are doing. This supports the development of critical thinking skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes accurate and effective observation and assessment of the children. This enables her to plan a wide range of activities that involve all of the children and help them to make progress in all areas of learning. For example, they bake, which helps them to understand processes and end results. They paint, which enables them express their creativity and they role play, during which they pretend and imagine.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are learning to respect themselves and others through the very good example set by the childminder. Her sensitive guidance helps them to understand right from wrong and develop positive personal qualities, such as kindness and tolerance. In general, children's knowledge and understanding of the world is good. However, there are insufficient opportunities for children to learn about their own cultures and beliefs and those of others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children have excellent scope to develop healthy lifestyles. For example, they talk about problems that are generated by poor nutrition, demonstrating their growing understanding of important health issues. They eat a very well balanced diet and are acquiring meticulous personal hygiene routines. They relish being outdoors, where they play football, walk and run about freely. This promotes children's overall fitness and teaches them that exercise is fun. 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? 1 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 since registration or 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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