Childminder in NorthumberlandOfsted inspection, 24 Mar 2009

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 EY312512 Inspection date 24/03/2009 Inspector Julie Larner

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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 September 2005. She lives with her husband and their two children aged seven and 13 years in the village of Longhorsley, close to Morpeth, Northumberland. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and she is also registered on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There is currently one child attending on a full time basis who is in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

Children have access to the whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms on the first floor. A fence and automatic security gates enclose the garden, which is used for outdoor play. Children also have used of a field adjoining the garden area which is enclosed by a fence. The family have a cat, two dogs and fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has completed the quality counts assurance scheme.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder can clearly identify areas of her practice she wants to develop further and understands the importance of looking at areas she can improve that will benefit the care of the children; however the childminder finds identifying what she does well more difficult. A positive attitude towards promoting and valuing children’s individual needs and planning play opportunities and resources to include all children is effective and ensures children develop a sense of belonging.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Systems to exchange information to find out about children’s individual interests, development and care needs and maintaining accurate, up to date records are generally very good in most areas and mainly effective in others. The childminder’s successful use of space and resources provides an environment where children can become increasingly independent by making choices and decisions.

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further?

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

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further?

 devise systems to ensure that records of chidlren's attendance are accurate and continually up-to-date  devise systems to provide opportunities for parents to contribute to their learning and development records.

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provision

The childminder shows a secure commitment to furthering her skills and practice which results in children being cared for by a knowledgeable practitioner. She has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attended several courses since the previous inspection, which in turn, benefits the care of the children. The childminder has improved her practice since the previous inspection by providing more activities and play opportunities for children to explore diversity, such as making Chinese dragon masks and celebrating Diwali and also considering the nutrition and healthy aspect of the foods she provides for the children which further promotes children’s development and welfare. Comprehensively written, well maintained policies show that the childminder’s continually reflects on her own practice and provides a consistent service for all the children in her care.

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provision

The childminder has devised good systems to ensure that partnerships with parents are successful and parents are well informed about the care and development of their child. Opportunities for parents to contribute what they know about their child when they begin to attend are effective, however, systems which allow parents to exchange information about their child’s development on an on- going basis are not yet in place.

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provision

A good thorough system the childminder uses ensures that children’s health and safety is safeguarded well. Daily risk assessments of the areas and toys that children use ensure they remain safe in her care and regular training on child protection results in children being cared for by a practitioner is knowledgeable about what to do if she has concerns.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe in the setting and on outings as the childminder explains to even the youngest of children about dangers in the home appropriately in short sentences and language they understand. She ensures that all children are included in the setting as she provides young children with glue and paper so that they can join in with older children’s creative activities. Children benefit from a healthy and wholesome diet of home cooked foods. They are encouraged to actively make choices from a range of healthy options, such as deciding which fruit they would like to eat at snack time. Children’s physical development is very well promoted and encouraged by the childminder. She uses her resources very successfully, such as her large field adjoining the garden, to allow children to explore as they play and hide and seek in the long grass, follow pathways through the field, look at flowers and watch for butterflies.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder knows the children she cares for well by finding out about their likes and dislikes. She incorporates their interests into daily activities innovatively to help them and develop in all areas of learning. For example, with children who are less keen on creative play she finds ways of bringing their interests into this area of development by using their love of tractors, painting the tractor wheels and letting them create pictures on the ground with the tractor outside. Planning is clear and focused and observations highlight the next steps in children’s learning meaning children make good progress at the setting, with activities that suit their interests and motivate them in their learning, such as trips to the train station.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have secure, positive relationships with the childminder meaning they are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 settled in the setting. The childminder is tuned into the children’s changing needs and a flexible routine allows her to focus on meeting children’s individual needs, for example, by knowing which behaviours and cries mean they are tired and providing them with a drink before they go to sleep. Children behave well in the setting due to the childminder's calm approach. She explains to children why they cannot do something and helps them to think about the consequences of their behaviour.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A wide range of good quality equipment is easily accessible. This results in children being able to make choices about what they want to do, such as chalk drawings, imaginary play and exploring jigsaws. 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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