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 318886 Inspection date 17/02/2009 Inspector Janet Fairhurst

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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 1990. She lives with her husband and 13 year old child in Chapel Park in the west of Newcastle upon Tyne. The childminder uses her lounge, dining room, kitchen and the back garden for minding purposes. Local amenities include schools, shops, park and nursery.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has a pet cat, which stays outside for most of the day.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for eight children, of whom four are in the early age range. The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children settle very well and are content and happy in the childminder's care. They are cared for in an inclusive environment where their individual needs are known and supported through effective working relationships with parents. Children's learning and development is well supported through a varied range of purposeful activity and play based upon individual interest, although recording of children's next step in their learning is not evident. Most of the areas children come into contact with are covered by effective risk assessments. Systems to promote the continuous improvement of the setting are effective and help to demonstrate the childminder's ongoing commitment to this process.

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further?

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

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further?

 use the assessment system to clearly identify and record the next steps in children's learning  extend the risk assessments to include the garden area.

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provision

The childminder organises her daily routines and play resources very effectively. The environment is decorated with children's art work and colourful posters which are displayed on the walls and help to provides a warm and welcoming environment for young children. Resources are organised well and in a way that effectively promotes children's early independence, initiative and an awareness of safety. The childminder has a strong working relationship with parents. Parents have recently completed a questionnaire and the feedback from this reflects their satisfaction with the service and the care their children receive. Children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safeguarded through the childminder's clear understanding and knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the action to be taken should there be concerns about a child in her care. All required documentation is in place, well-

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provision

The childminder takes effective steps to continuously improve following inspections. The recommendations raised at the last inspection have been addressed. She continues to access relevant training courses and meets up regularly with other childminders to exchange advice and ideas. Written policies and procedures support and underpin the childcare practice and service that is provided. The childminder values the support and guidance she receives from the local childcare coordinator. In this way, she is able to evaluate how she is promoting the outcomes for the children and highlight any areas for improvement. The childminder is beginning to make good use of the self-evaluation form which has clearly supported her in identifying the strengths and weaknesses in her service. She uses this information to make any necessary improvements to her service, such as further developing the recording of children's activities through

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of the six areas of learning and provides a wide variety of play experiences for them to enjoy. For example, they are involved in physical activity both indoors and outdoors, they participate in creative activities, read books and are involved in good role play opportunities that are supported by good resources. She understands that, with her support, one simple activity, such as baking cakes or painting, can encompass many areas of learning and consequently give the children a fun and stimulating experience. The childminder has a clear understanding of how children learn and is beginning to use observations to monitor children's progress and also records their achievements in individual files. Whilst the childminder knows the current minded children well and knows where they will progress in their development, she is not yet recording the next step in their learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children's learning and development with skill and enthusiasm. Children are happy and settled and thoroughly enjoy the wide range of resources, activities and outings provided by the experienced childminder. The childminder chats constantly to all the minded children to encourage conversation. She asks appropriate questions to make them think and introduces and explains any new words. As a result, children are making very good progress in their communication and language, and beginning to work things out for themselves. These areas are key features that will contribute to their future economic well- being as well as their enjoyment and achievement at present. Children are active learners as they initiate their own games and explore the play resources with enthusiasm and curiosity. They play happily with the shopping trolleys, pretending to buy food and prepare meals to eat. This encourages children to be creative, re-

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

enacting real life situation helps them to make sense of what they see around them. Children enjoy weekly visits to local groups and outings in the local area which help them to learn about their own environment and the wider world. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder is positive about inclusion and believes that every child's unique needs and interests are important.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder protects children's safety and well-being because she is vigilant, attentive, and talks to children about how to stay safe. Children's health is well promoted as they are encouraged in daily routines such as hand washing and enjoy healthy snacks and outdoor play activities. Written risk assessments of the premises, toys and equipment, with regular checking for any potential hazards, ensures children's safety whilst playing. However, the risk assessments do not include the garden area. Children learn about their own safety through guidance from the childminder, for example, by practising fire drills and road safety procedures regularly. Children receive lots of encouragement from the childminder who responds to individual children appropriately and supports them all according to their own capabilities. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. This helps the children to understand the boundaries set and to behave

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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? 3 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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