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 EY301653 Inspection date 12/03/2009 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 two children aged seven years and 11 years. They live in the residential area of Houghton-Le-Spring, Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children aged under eight years. There are four children on roll aged from one to three years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 07.00 to 18.30 for 49 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 nursery and attends the local parent and toddler groups.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of provision is good. Children progress very well towards the early learning goals. The childminder provides a welcoming, inclusive and child orientated environment where children and parents are recognised and valued as individuals. She works very well in partnership with parents and other professionals to meet children's individual needs. The childminder evaluates her practice effectively and areas for development are identified very well so as to promote continuous improvement. The required documentation is in place, the vast majority of which is very well organised.

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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 from parents in respect of seeking emergency medical treatment preserves confidentiality.

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provision

The childminder reviews her practice effectively and targets elements for improvement very well. The recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed. The required documentation is in place, the vast majority of which is very well organised and presented. However, the system of obtaining written consent from parents in respect of seeking emergency medical treatment does not preserve confidentiality. The childminder has a very good understanding of policies and procedures. For example, she understands fully the action to be taken regarding the managing and recording of complaints and risk assessments. Security within the home is very well maintained. Appropriate safety equipment is in place. Resources and equipment are regularly checked and cleaned to ensure that they remain in very good order. Children are very closely supervised. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

childminder has a very good knowledge of the action to be taken to safeguard children from harm. She has completed relevant training. A comprehensive safeguarding policy is in place and shared with parents. The recommended child protection literature and the contact details of the Local Safeguarding Children Board are in place for reference purposes, this helps keep children safe.

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provision

The registration certificate is displayed for the benefit of parents. Comprehensive information about the service provided and policies and procedures used is shared with parents during the induction process. Detailed information about individual children's needs and abilities is obtained and recorded. The childminder works closely with parents to settle their children gradually into her care. This is achieved through a series of visits to her home to enable children to become familiar with her, her family and her home. Consequently, children settle very well. The childminder continues to gather pertinent information about individual children's interests and developmental progress through her own observations, record keeping and ongoing discussion with parents. This allows her to efficiently assess each child's individual needs and abilities and to plan a broad range of activities to nurture and enhance children's learning effectively. Parents are kept very well

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provision

informed of their children's progress and day-to-day events. This is done through daily verbal feedback, photographs and respective parent’s access to their children's developmental tracking and observation records. In turn they are asked to keep the childminder up-to-date with pertinent information. She talks to parents about any particular interest or favourite toys and activities their child may have. This allows parents to mirror activities and resources at home to continue to support their child's interests and learning at home. The childminder forges good links with teaching staff at the local school and nursery to help mutually promote children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder shows a very good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has completed relevant training. Children progress very well towards the early learning goals. Activities provided are reviewed and evaluated effectively by the childminder. This helps to ensure that children have access to a wide variety of age appropriate resources and learning experiences. They are able to make choices about activities and self-select resources that are made easily accessible to them. This fosters their decision-making and independence skills. This was demonstrated by a very young child who thoroughly enjoyed choosing and playing with a shaker and a tambourine. Children benefit from a very good balance of adult-led activities to complement their free-play. For example, the childminder initiates activities, such as storytelling, singing, dancing and cookery sessions and special creative activities. Children go for walks most days and regularly visit parks,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children's play areas and soft-play facilities. A good selection of resources is provided to support children's physical development. Children are able to test their physical capabilities within a supportive environment. Younger children attend playgroups several times each week. The childminder builds very close, warm relationships with the children and they are happy and contented in her care. She recognises and praises children's abilities and efforts. For example, a young child's ability to complete several jigsaws unaided was acknowledged and celebrated This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 readily. This nurtures children's confidence and positive self-esteem. Children’s communication skills are very well fostered. They speak confidently and initiate conversation freely. For example, a child eagerly explained how they had made a gift for their mother and described the various colours and shapes. The

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder makes very good use of conversation, everyday tasks and questions to promote and extend children's thinking and learning. For example, she encouraged a young child to think about what happens at night. The child spoke about the sky getting dark and the moon coming out.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates good awareness of equal opportunities. She understands the importance of raising children's understanding of the wider world and presents as a positive role model. A suitable selection of resources and activities are provided to help raise children's awareness of diversity. The childminder shows a good understanding of how to support children with specific needs and has completed some relevant training. She has experience of liaising with parents and other professionals to ensure such needs are met accordingly. Children are very well supported and challenged. They are actively encouraged to take part in wide variety of activities and are able to do so at their own pace and level within a very supportive environment. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to manage children's behaviour appropriately and demonstrates a calm, consistent manner. Children respond positively to this and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of health related policies and procedures, such as the action to be taken in response to accidents, the care of a sick child and the administration of medication. Hygiene standards are very good. Children are encouraged to adopt good personal hygiene practices. For example, before eating a snack a young child knew that they had to wash their hands and did so. Healthy eating is very well promoted. Children's dietary needs are discussed in detail with parents and pertinent information recorded. The childminder works in harmony with parents to ensure that such needs are very well met. Meals and snacks are healthy and nutritious. For example, a typical snack consists of a choice of fresh fruit and yogurts. Fresh drinking water is readily accessible to children and other appropriate drinks are offered throughout the day. The childminder helps to raise children's awareness of safety matters. This is achieved by talking to children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

about the ground rules and giving simple explanations and reminders of these as necessary. Children respond positively to this practice and it helps raise their awareness of the need to preserve their own safety and that of others. 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? 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 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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