Childminder in Northumberland

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 EY299146 Inspection date 08/01/2009 Inspector Shirley Peart

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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 has been registered since December 2004. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives in Prudhoe, Northumberland with her husband and children aged seven and six years. The ground floor of the home, the bathroom and children's bedrooms on the first floor are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to take a maximum of four children. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) age group. The childminder also offers care to two children aged between five and eight years and two children aged eight and over.

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Description of the childminding

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children benefit well from good quality care and excellent play opportunities while they are with the childminder. She has an emerging knowledge of the EYFS and has started to use this in practice. Partnerships with parents and other pre-school settings that children attend are effective, so that all adults work together well to meet the individual needs of the children. The capacity for continued improvement is very good, as the childminder reflects on her practice by using effective processes.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the complaints information contains the correct details for Ofsted continue to develop the use of observations to track the progress that children are making and use this information to plan for the next steps in children’s learning.

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provision

The childminder reflects on her practice effectively by completing the self- evaluation documents and obtaining feedback questionnaires from parents. This helps her to concentrate on what she does well and what she would like to improve, so that outcomes for children are very well promoted.

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provision

She is a competent, caring childminder who takes pride in her work with children. She is in the process of completing the National Childminding Association Quality This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 First assurance scheme and has embarked on a National Vocational Qualification at Level three course. Therefore, she has a positive attitude to her own self- development. Children are effectively safeguarded as procedures and documentation are comprehensive. For example, a thorough written risk assessment is in place, she is well aware of what to do if she has concerns over a child's welfare and relevant contact numbers are available. The Ofsted registration certificate is prominently displayed. Policies are effectively shared with parents, although the complaints information regarding contact details for Ofsted are incorrect.

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provision

The childminder has built up good relationships with parents and the majority of feedback questionnaires are highly positive, an example is, ‘my child is progressing very well due to the resources and activities’. The childminder assists working parents successfully as she is flexible to meet their needs for childcare. The childminder works well with staff at the local pre-school and nursery, as she exchanges vital information about the children cared for, as well as what topics they have been doing and what they are interested in. This ensures that effective partnerships are in place so that parents, staff and the childminder all work together well to meet the individual needs of the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children follow good hygiene practices and are beginning to recognise their own personal needs, such as when they need the toilet. Children are actively involved in preparing healthy snacks, such as chopping and tasting the fruit and the childminder explains why fruit is good for them. Children often walk home with her after school and stop to play in the park, or they have easy access to the lovely garden area, which has appropriate equipment, so that children get plenty of fresh air and physical exercise, which contributes well to a healthy lifestyle. Children also participate in activities that help them to learn about staying safe, as they plan to make road safety pictures for the ‘scene wall’. They also practise fire drills and the childminder is confident that older children know what to do in the event of an emergency.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an emerging knowledge of the EYFS. She is very clear about what is expected of her and has begun to develop her systems, but does not yet use her observations fully so that she can plan for and track children’s progress throughout the areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a positive attitude to inclusion and helps children to develop positive attitudes to differences, as they learn about different cultures and various festivals. Children learn to respect one another and adopt good manners through everyday practices and activities, such as when they talk about bullying and feelings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Young children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. Toddlers are highly animated as they shout out the childminder’s name excitedly during play. Pre-school children are confident as they chat and sing spontaneously. They have high self-esteem because they receive lots of positive praise and encouragement This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 from the childminder. The childminder supports children’s play and learning experiences extremely well. She shows a genuine interest in them and what they are interested in so that they approach the toys and books eagerly. Toddlers make excellent attempts at repeating words and enjoy looking at the books with the childminder, or they have fun as they toddle up and down the hall with the toy buggy. Children have natural relationships with the childminder and they receive lots of spontaneous cuddles and reassurance. They approach her easily, which

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

ensures that they feel secure and that their personal, social and emotional development is enhanced very well. 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? 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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