Panagakis, Kate

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 318983 Inspection date 13/05/2009 Inspector Jayne Utting

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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 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 February 1995. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She works as a co-childminder alongside her husband. They operate from their home which is situated in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. The whole of the house is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for supervised outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to take a maximum of three children in the Early Years Foundation Stage when working alone, and six in this age group when working with her co-childminder. There are currently ten children attending who are within the EYFS age group. Children attend on various days and times.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has recently completed her Diploma in Home-based Childcare. There are no pets in the house.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is an excellent role model who place the children's happiness and well-being at the heart of all she does. In doing so, the children learn to value and respect themselves, other people and the world in which they live. Committed to an ethos of reflective practice and continuous improvement the childminder has developed an excellent system for self-evaluation which reflects both her and her co-minder's assessment of their provision, as well as the views of parents and children.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 further develop effective systems for observations to clearly show children's ongoing progress.

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provision

The childminder works as part of a highly effective team within her home, alongside her husband. They have worked together to develop an extensive and detailed range of policies and procedures, including child protection, behaviour management and equal opportunities. All essential records are in place, very well organised and stored securely to protect confidentiality. Information is accurate and up to date through regular reviewing and it is readily available to share with parents. Important information, such as the registration certificate and a poster that tells parents how to make a complaint to Ofsted, is prominently displayed. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder strives to improve upon her already excellent practice through participating in training that is relevant to her work; recent courses include safeguarding children, an introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

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provision

and equality and diversity. Together with her husband she provides an extremely caring environment that makes children feel valued, safe and secure.

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provision

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed extremely well. Prospective parents receive a very informative pack which tells them about the setting, as well as the policies, procedures and documentation used by the childminder. Extremely detailed and informative information is collected from parents prior to their child starting and parents are able to participate fully in the exchange of information necessary for their child's ongoing care. The childminder takes time to give verbal feedback to parents at the end of the day and there is an excellent daily diary system in place for children. The childminder gathers parents' opinions and suggestions through discussion and the use of questionnaires. Parents have highly positive views about the childminder and the service she provides. They particularly value the very close relationship that the childminder builds with the children and feel greatly reassured when they see how happy their

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provision

children are in her care. The childminder also maintains excellent links with the local nursery that children in the EYFS age range attend. For example the childminder has completed relevant permission forms enabling her to exchange necessary information for the benefit of children in her care.

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provision

Purposeful monitoring and comprehensive self-evaluation ensures the childminder is constantly reviewing her practice, ensuring she provides the best opportunities for the children in her care. The informed completion of the self-evaluation form clearly identifies priorities for improvement and reflects her excellent understanding of the requirements of the EYFS.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of the EYFS and child development. This combined with the use of informative observation and assessments, and individual learning goals for each child ensures they are making good progress in all areas. She and her husband use their invaluable knowledge of each child to ensure that all activities are presented in such a way as to best suit individual needs and abilities. Such consistent and sensitive support enables all children to develop at their own pace and discover their potential. However, existing systems for recording achievements and next steps do not currently include detailed evidence of the observations undertaken to support these. The childminder works effectively with her husband to meet the individual needs of each child. For example, one childminder will take children into another room if they need to have some quiet time away from the main playroom. They ask

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children appropriate questions that make them think, whilst listening attentively to them, allowing them time to express themselves fully.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is fantastic scope for the children to have fun and enjoy themselves. For example, they all play happily with a wealth of toys and resources that include role play props, building blocks and small world equipment; this helps them to make This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 progress in all areas of their development. The youngest children delight in playing with an exploration board looking at themselves in the mirrors, ringing the bells and turning various knobs and buttons. This satisfies their natural impulse to explore and investigate.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Excellent priority is given to outdoor physical activity. The children take part in highly enjoyable games that boost their fitness and develop hand eye coordination, for example, they try to throw bean bags into large hoops on the grass receiving lots of praise when they succeed in getting them all in the hoop. They go trips to the local park and explore the beach at Whitley Bay, during which they get lots of fresh air and, as well as this, they climb on the slide, ride on small cars and paint with water on the patio making shapes and swirls with great enthusiasm. This teaches the children that exercise is fun and benefits their overall physical development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Excellent relationships exist between the children, the childminder and the co- childminder. The children receive the complete attention of their minders and, as a result, the children are very happy, settled and secure. There is always lively conversation. The children talk and listen to each other and to the adults and develop effective communication skills in the process. As well as this, the children look at and read an extensive range books which promotes literacy skills. This developing appreciation of books is further supported by regular trips to the local library.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Highly effective routines, such as hand washing before meals, after using the bathroom and after outdoor play, help the children to establish excellent personal hygiene. Informative general discussions enable even the youngest children to understand why they carry out such tasks, when they talk about getting rid of the germs. This teaches the children about the importance of cleanliness and, along with the highly appropriate arrangements that deal with sick children, minimises the spread of infection. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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

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