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 EY300121 Inspection date 03/02/2009 Inspector Sharon Greener

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and her adult daughter. They live in the residential area of Ryhope, Sunderland. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children, aged under eight years old. There are five children on roll, aged from two years old to six years old. She also cares for children aged over eight years old. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 08.00 to 18.00 for 47 weeks of the year. She has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She takes and collects children from the local schools and nurseries and attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family has two pet guinea pigs.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in welcoming environment, where they are acknowledged and valued as individuals and make satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder recognises the importance of providing an inclusive environment and works in harmony with parents and other professionals, to meet children's individual needs well. She has a satisfactory understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has completed relevant training. The childminder uses a mental process to evaluate her practice sufficiently well and identifies suitably areas for development, so as to promote continuous improvement. However, not all of the required documentation is in place, which results in her not meeting the specific legal requirements.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the system of obtaining written consent to seek emergency medical treatment preserves confidentiality  further develop procedures in relation to written risk assessments for outings to ensure that each specific outing and venue is fully assessed.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that all records relating to childminding activities, specifically, procedures in respect of safeguarding children from harm and complaints are in place and available for inspection at all times (Documentation). 17/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The majority of documentation is in place and is well organised. The childminder has a good understanding of policies and procedures and uses these well, to promote children's welfare. She shows a satisfactory awareness of the action to be taken to safeguard children from harm and has completed relevant training. The recommended child protection literature and contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children's Board are available for reference purposes. However, a written safeguarding policy is not in place. This is a breach of the requirements. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the procedure to be followed, regarding the management of a written complaint. An appropriate system of recording relevant details is in place. However, there is no written complaints policy. This is a breach of the requirements. Suitable risk assessments are conducted and recorded. However, written risk assessments for outings are not

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provision

specific to each venue. Security within the home is well maintained and children are very closely supervised. Appropriate safety equipment is in place and checked frequently. Equipment and resources are very well maintained and they are inspected regularly, to ensure they remain fit for use. The childminder reviews her practice and targets elements for improvement sufficiently well.

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provision

The childminder works very well with parents and induction procedures are effective. Parents are told of the policies and procedures used and written information about the service provided and other general information is shared with them. The childminder works closely with parents to gradually introduce children into her care. This is achieved through a series of visits that enables parents and children to become familiar with her, her family and home. Consequently, children settle very well. Pertinent information is obtained from parents during the admission procedure and is recorded. The childminder uses this along with her own observational notes, to establish a sound understanding of children’s starting points and needs. This enables her to suitably identify the next steps in each child's developmental progress and to plan specific learning goals accordingly for them. Parents are kept very well informed of their children's

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provision

progress and day to day activities. This is achieved through text messages, good verbal feedback and respective parent’s access their child's personal records, including observations and photographs contained in each child's journal. Questionnaires to obtain parent's views on the service provided are given out periodically by the childminder. The response from these is very positive. Parents are sufficiently encouraged to support their child's learning at home. The childminder does this by keeping them well informed of any particular interests or favourite activities their child may have. Suitable links have been established with teaching staff at the local schools and nursery. This helps to facilitate the exchange of relevant information about children, so as to help support their progression and the continuity of learning and care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. A good range of activities and learning experiences are provided for children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and they progress well towards the early learning goals. They are able to explore resources and take part in activities at their own level and pace. Space is well organised and allows children to self-select resources themselves, within the constraints of safety. This nurtures their decision making and independence skills well. For example, two younger children freely selected dolls, a cot, a buggy and other accessories as they played together. Younger children attend various playgroups several times a week. The daily programme provides a good balance of adult-led activities and child-initiated play. For example, the childminder tells stories, provides special creative activities and actively encourages children to use

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

books. Children are taken on regular outings. They visit soft-play facilities, a local children's farm, Herrington County Park, Mowbray Park and Sunderland Museum. Children’s self esteem and confidence is well nurtured. This is demonstrated in the manner the childminder readily recognises and praises children's abilities and achievements. For example, young children were praised, when they were able to name items in a book correctly and eagerly continued to name more. Children’s communication skills are well promoted. This is shown in the way the childminder uses conversation and questions well, to encourage children to speak and extend their vocabulary. They listen well, initiate conversation and speak confidently. Children are able to recall past events. For example, a young child remembered and spoke about their broken bicycle, when prompted by a picture of a bicycle in a book she was sharing with the childminder. The childminder takes an interest in

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

what children say and responds warmly to them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses health related policies and procedures well. She has a good understanding of the procedures to be followed, regarding the administration of medication, care of a sick child and to manage accidents. However, the multi-entry consent sheet used to obtain parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment if necessary, does not preserve confidentiality. Children are encouraged to adopt suitable personal hygiene practices. Hygiene standards are good and the childminder presents as a positive role model to children. Healthy eating is promoted. Meals and snacks provided are suitably nutritious. Children have access to fresh drinking water and other appropriate drinks. Parents are closely consulted about any dietary needs their child may have and relevant details are recorded. The childminder raises children's awareness of safety issues, by giving simple explanations of the ground rules and gentle reminders when necessary. This helps

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to preserve their own safety and that of others. For example, she talks to children about using toys correctly, road safety and staying close to her during outings. The childminder has sufficient understanding of equal opportunities. Children have access to a suitable selection of resources and activities to help raise their awareness of diversity. The childminder demonstrates an appropriate awareness of caring for children with learning disabilities or those children that speak English as an additional language. She understands the need to liaise closely with parents and to work with other professionals, to obtain pertinent information and support, to ensure children's specific needs are met appropriately. Children's behaviour is managed well and the childminder shows a calm and consistent approach. Children respond positively to this and their behaviour is good. 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of report (CR2) 17/02/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of report (CR2) 17/02/2009 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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