Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

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 319117 Inspection date 21/11/2008 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 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged 13, 14 and 18 years in Blakelaw, Newcastle upon Tyne. Her home is easily accessible and is close to facilities such as local schools, nurseries and a Sure Start children's centre. All rooms are used for childminding apart from two bedrooms downstairs and one on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog.

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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 under eight years, and when working with an assistant, a maximum of eight children under the age of eight years may attend. There are currently three children in the early years age group and two older children on roll; all attend at staggered intervals. The childminder is a foster carer and a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Very good priority is given to inclusion. Consequently, the needs of all the children are met in full and they make excellent progress in their learning and development. The childminder evaluates and evolves her practice through reflection, on-going training and consultation with parents and other professionals. As a result the scope for continuing improvement is excellent.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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provision

Documentation is extremely well organised. All essential records and written policies are in place and stored securely to protect confidentiality. However, fire drills are not recorded. Records are shared with parents to keep them well informed of the childminder's role and responsibilities and details are amended as soon as changes occur to keep information up to date and accurate.

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provision

Contracts are used to clearly set out the expectations of parents and the childminder while daily diaries and discussions keep both parties abreast of the children's recent experiences. The childminder assesses how effective her practice is through use of parental questionnaires. Parents have highly positive views of the childminder. They describe her as 'flexible' and rate the standard of care she provides as 'very, very good'. The childminder also works closely with support This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 workers from the local authority to ensure that her service fully meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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provision

The childminder strives to provide high quality care and education. She ensures that assistants are appropriately deployed and encourages their professional development by involving them in relevant further training, something she is totally committed to. Recent courses include safeguarding, first aid, healthy eating and an infant practitioners course.

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provision

The childminder has excellent knowledge of all the children in her care and she puts in place sensible and highly effective measures to keep them safe. For example, the fire in the lounge is situated above child height as are door handles. As well as this, thorough assessments minimise risk indoors and out. The childminder's knowledge of safeguarding issues is excellent. This helps to protect children from unsuitable people and harmful situations.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Relationships between the childminder and the children are excellent. The children benefit from the childminder's complete attention during the time that they spend with her. Consequently, they are very well supported, happy and secure, which increases their propensity to learn. There is ample clear floor space in the childminder's well organised home, allowing children room to move and play freely. A huge range of very good quality toys and resources is readily available. This enables children to initiate their own play and make choices.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

'All About Me' booklets are used to establish children's starting points and existing abilities. After this, ongoing and perceptive observation and assessment enables the childminder to plan extremely worthwhile activities that appeal to children's personal interests and preferences. Activities cover all areas of learning and offer children lots of challenge and excitement both indoors and out.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children like gardening. They grow herbs and carrots, which they eat in appetising and nutritious meals prepared for them by the childminder. They go on 'bug hunts' to find insects to scrutinise and observe. They bird-watch, collect leaves and take photographs of things that interest them during nature walks. Such opportunities increase children's knowledge and understanding of the world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The excellent outings programme offers the children exceptional scope to learn about diversity. For example, they visit Lindisfarne and find out about different beliefs, developing a sense of history in the process. The children visit hospitals and talk about disability issues, which raises their awareness of difference. As well as this, the children learn to respect themselves and others through the very good example set by the childminder. She is an excellent role model who provides highly positive early experiences for children. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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