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 EY235032 Inspection date 03/03/2009 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 2002. She lives with her husband a childminding assistant, her adult daughter and children aged 13 and 15 years. They live in the residential area of Columbia, Washington, Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom located on the first floor of the childminder’s home are used for childminding. The childminder is on the Early Years Register 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. There are seven children on roll aged from 14 months to seven years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 07.00 to 18.45 for 48 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 school and nursery and attends local parent and toddler groups. The family has a

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good and children progress very well towards the early learning goals. The childminder provides a welcoming environment for all children and their families. She shows a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment and children are valued as individuals. The childminder liaises closely with parents and other professionals in order to ensure that children's individual needs are very well met. She demonstrates a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and continues to increase her knowledge of this to support her practice. Systems to evaluate the care, education and service provided are effective and all of the statuary requirements are met.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain a copy of the recommended child protection literature for reference purposes.

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provision

Policies and procedures are used effectively. For example, the childminder understands fully the action to be taken regarding a lost or uncollected child and to safeguard children from harm. However, she does not have a copy of the recommended child protection literature. Security is very well maintained. Strict procedures are in place regarding the collection of children. Appropriate safety equipment is provided. Regular fire drills are completed and recorded. Record keeping systems and documentation are regularly reviewed and are very well organised and presented. An effective mental evaluation process ensures that the quality of service, care and education provided is very good. Areas for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development are very well identified. This has a positive impact on the childminder’s practice. For example, she identifies her own training needs and has

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provision

renewed her first aid certificate and attended training in respect of the Early Years Foundation Stage and food safety.

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provision

Parents receive very good quality information about the service. Effective induction procedures ensure children settle very well. The childminder works very closely with parents to tailor children's gradual introduction into her care according to their individual needs. Pertinent information is obtained from parents and recorded. This allows her to establish a very good knowledge of children's initial starting points. Observational techniques are used very well to glean and record information about children's evolving abilities and needs. Through this the childminder effectively identifies the next steps in each child's development and plans a very good range of purposeful activities and learning experiences. This has a positive impact on children’s progress. Parents are kept very well up-to-date about their child's achievements, day-to-day events and current interests through regular verbal feedback and access to their children's personal records. They are encouraged to

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provision

support their children’s learning at home by mirroring activities that their children particularly enjoy.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and children make very good progress. They have easy access to a wide variety of activities and resources which they are able to self-select with ease. This helps nurture their independence and decision-making skills. A very good range of adult- led activities is used to enhance children's learning. The childminder reads stories, initiates singing and baking activities and additional creative activities which are often linked to a theme, such as, Halloween, Christmas or Chinese New Year. She makes effective use of discussion and questions to support and reinforce children's thinking and learning. For example, when questioned a young child dressed as a nurse explained confidently that they were taking blood test, giving an injection and medicine. At snack-time children are encouraged to compare the various fruits and discuss the different colours and sizes. Children initiate conversation with the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder confidently and freely. For example, a young child spontaneously explained what happens during a fire drill and was readily praised by the childminder. This helps nurture children's positive self-esteem and promotes confidence. The childminder has established good links with other providers delivering the EYFS. She has fostered links with teaching staff at the local primary school and nursery. Relevant information is exchanged about children and activities provided by teachers. This helps the childminder to continue to support and promote children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Steps taken to promote and preserve children's welfare are effective. The childminder has a very good understanding of health and safety procedures. These are used very well to promote and preserve children's well-being. Children are actively encouraged to adopt suitable hygiene practices, such as, hand washing. The childminder presents as a positive role model and gives children simple explanations and reminders of how such practice has a positive impact on their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 health. Hygiene standards are high. Menus and individual children's dietary needs are discussed in detail with parents and relevant information recorded. Meals and snacks are varied and nutritious. Healthy eating is actively promoted and a typical snack consists of a choice of fresh and dried fruits. Children have easy access to fresh drinking water and other suitable drinks are offered throughout the day. The

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder recognises the benefits children obtain from access to fresh air and being physically active. They benefit from daily walks and outings to local parks and children's play areas. They often visit places of interest, such as, Washington Wetlands Centre, the library and soft-play facilities. During play in the garden they have access to a good variety of resources and equipment to help nurture their physical development and are able to test their capabilities and practice their skills in a supportive environment. Younger children visit local playgroups twice per week. This provides them with access to additional play activities and opportunities for social interaction.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's behaviour is very well managed. Age appropriate strategies are used effectively. For example, distraction, the recognition and praise of good behaviour and simple explanations of the ground rules. Children respond positively and their behaviour is very good. Matters, such as, road safety and not approaching strangers are discussed. This raises children's awareness of danger and helps them to preserve their own safety and that of others. Risk assessment procedures are good. The necessary records are in place and are reviewed regularly. The childminder understands the importance of raising children's awareness of diversity. They have access to a good selection of resources and activities to help promote this. The childminder shows a suitable understanding of how to support children with specific needs. 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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