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 EY357681 Inspection date 12/12/2008 Inspector Julie Morrison

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, six and four years in Birtley, Chester le Street. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s home are used for childminding. There is a rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years and currently has one child on roll aged under five years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder cares for children on week days from 08.00 to 17.30 for 48 weeks of the year. She has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for all children. She is affectionate and caring and demonstrates a positive attitude towards including all children. Close partnerships with parents help her to promote children's welfare and ensure that they have their individual needs are met. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has begun to introduce some procedures to support children's learning and development. Appropriate procedures are in place for self-assessment and evaluation, in order to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop observation sheets to link to the areas of learning, to show progression towards the early learning goals  develop procedures to ensure that identified next steps in learning are implemented into planning  develop activities and resources to promote children's awareness of diversity and different cultures.

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provision

All appropriate policies and procedures required for the safe and efficient management of the setting, are in place. These are combined with effective systems for recording children's details including, accidents and medication, to safeguard the welfare of all children who attend. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of safeguarding children issues and is clear about procedures to follow should she have any concerns, having attended relevant training. Clear written risk assessments for the home and for all outings, further promote children's safety. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder implements acceptable self-evaluation systems. For example, she has started to complete the self-evaluation form and works closely with her local childminding network to ensure that her knowledge remains up-to-date. She has a clear understanding of areas for improvement, however, as yet, she has not

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provision

implemented any procedures to address these. Regular training, for example, the EYFS and enabling environments, further helps to develop her practice.

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provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents. They receive clear written information about the provision prior to their children starting, including, all relevant policies and procedures. Effective procedures, for example, daily diaries and observation books, ensures that parents are kept up-to-date about their child's learning and development. Although no children currently access any other settings, the childminder demonstrates a positive commitment to working with other organisations, to ensure continuity of care and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminding environment is planned to allow children access to a suitable range of age appropriate resources. These are rotated regularly by the childminder to maintain children's interest. Although the childminder is still familiarising herself with the Early Years Foundation Stage, most areas of learning are being covered. She has started to complete simple observations of the children, however, she is not linking these to the areas of learning to fully promote children's development towards the early learning goals. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the children's next steps in development, however, she has not implemented any procedures to ensure that plans include these.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have regular opportunities for physical play. They go for trips to the park and regularly visit local toddler groups, where they are able to socialise with their peers. Planned activities, for example, trips to the museum and celebrating Christmas, helps to promote children's awareness of the wider world. However, activities and resources to promote their understanding of different cultures and diversity are limited. A variety of creative activities including, painting, sticking and play dough, promotes children's self-expression whilst having fun. Even young children are confident in the setting, crawling round independently to access resources and happily sitting engrossed in books with stick on pads to pull on and off. They enjoy books, happily sitting on the childminder's knee, while she encourages them to name animals, talking about the sound that they make and encouraging children to join in with favourite nursery rhymes. The childminder is

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

supportive of the children, gently guiding them as they attempt shape sorter puzzles and giving lots of praise and encouragement when they are successful. As a result, children are happy and settled in her care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are safeguarded well as the childminder's home is safe and secure. She maintains close supervision of the children at all times and supplements this with appropriate safety equipment to reduce the risk of accidents. Even young children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe as they practise fire drills and discuss road safety. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the importance of providing a healthy and balanced diet. Children enjoy snacks of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 fresh fruit and home cooked meals ensure that the childminder follows parents requests for no processed foods. A clear sick child policy and effective hygiene practices help to protect children from illness and promotes good health. Behaviour is well managed by the childminder who uses age appropriate techniques to help children to learn right from wrong. Regular praise and encouragement further

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

promotes good behaviour and helps to develop children's self-esteem. 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? 3 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? 3 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 registration.

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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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