Childminder in Northumberland

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

p.1

Unique reference number 506892 Inspection date 23/03/2009 Inspector Sharon, Amelia Robson

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

Introduction

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 1992. She lives with her adult son, they live in a rural area, which is close to Alnwick, Northumberland. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom, and there is enclosed outdoor areas available for outdoor play. The family have a dog and hens. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She currently has eight children on roll, four of which are in the early years age range.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is very supportive in helping children make good progress in their learning and development. She is committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children have their individual needs met. She provides children with a positive role model, which encourages them to develop a positive attitude towards diversity and difference. The childminder provides children with a wide range of stimulating activities, taking into account their interests and specific needs. The childminder has a good capacity to improve the service she provides. Written observation, monitoring and assessment records and procedures are in place and good links have been made with other services used by the minded children.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 expand resources that promote positive attitudes towards disability.

p.3

provision

Effective written policies and procedures are in place, including relevant parental consents. All documentation and records are well organised and confidentially maintained. Children's safety is given high priority as they have appropriate supervision at all times. Risk assessments are detailed, taking into account potential hazards and the measures the childminder has taken. These cover both the indoor and outdoor environment and regular outings, which ensures that hazards for children are minimised. The childminder has updated her child protection training and as a result she has a secure understanding of her role in ensuring children are safeguarded whilst in her care.

p.3

provision

The childminder is proactive in ensuring her knowledge regarding childminding is sound and has attended a number of relevant courses to enhance this. She has good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and is at present undertaking a level 3 in Childcare, learning and development course. She has also This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 addressed recommendations raised at her last inspection.

p.3

provision

Partnership with parents is very strong, as the childminder values their contributions and keeps them well informed about all aspects of their children's development and achievements. She uses information from parents to ensure she provides learning opportunities that meet each child's individual needs, and at the onset of a placement she discusses children's stages of development with parents. Children's development files, photographs and pieces of work are shared with parents, alongside discussions about activities and topics children are involved in, which enables parents to help support their children's learning and development at home. The childminder has good relationships with other services used by the minded children.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has very good systems in place to make sure children make good progress across all the areas of learning. She uses written observation and assessment records which are linked to the EYFS, to monitor and record children's progress and to identify their next steps of learning. She plans and adapts activities according to children's individual needs. Flexible written weekly plans are in place to allow the childminder to respond to children's interests and to ensure children are happy and engaged in their learning and play. Children have the opportunity to make their own choices, as there is a very good balance between adult-led and child initiated activities. The childminder interacts very well with the children, as she spends time playing with them and ensuring she takes every opportunity to help children develop their skills and learning. For example, as children are playing with the cars and garage she asks them about the colours of

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

the cars and asks them to put them inside or on top of the garage.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their social skills, as they have weekly opportunities to attend a local toddler group. They also participate in a lot of physical outdoor activities, including visits to the park, walking in the local fields to see the farm animals and also using the well resourced outdoor areas, where they have opportunities to dig, plant and see the hens. Children have opportunities to visit the library van when it comes to the village, and are able to choose their own books. They have access to 'e-tech' toys, and have access to resources that promote different cultures, however resources relating to disability are limited.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good health and well-being is promoted as the childminder uses her detailed information on children's dietary and health needs appropriately. There are written health and welfare policies and procedures in place, all of which are shared with parents. Hygiene procedures are promoted as the childminder encourages children to wash their hands at appropriate times. Healthy snacks are provided and children also have regular opportunities to participate in cooking sessions, having recently made chocolates for 'mothers day'. Children have good knowledge of safety in the home and whilst out and about with the childminder. She talks to children about road safety and how to take care while walking in the countryside.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's home. She is very This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 responsive to their needs and ensures they feel comfortable and secure whilst in her care. Children respond very well to the childminder's routines and boundaries and they are very well behaved. She encourages children to share, take turns and respect each other from the positive role model she provides. Children respond extremely well to the praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There has been one complaint made to Ofsted since the last inspection. Ofsted received concerns relating to Welfare requirement, Safeguarding. An inspector visited the provision on 12 December 2008. Actions were raised under Welfare requirements, Safeguarding and Suitable premises, environment and equipment. The provider remains qualified for registration.

p.8

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.

p.8