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 EY234303 Inspection date 06/05/2009 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 December 2002. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. He works as a co-childminder alongside his wife. They operate from their home which is situated in Kingston Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding, as well as a bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outside 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 his co-childminder. There are currently seven children attending who are within the EYFS age group. Two children aged over five and one child aged over eight also attend the provision. Children attend on various days and times.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder takes a professional approach to his work, a fact reflected in all aspects of the care provided including the effective safety measures taken and the range of activities and opportunities available to the children. As a result, children are well cared for and feel at home in a well organised home that keeps them safe and secure. He demonstrates an overriding commitment to equal opportunities which is evident throughout his practice. By acting as a good role model he fosters a positive attitude to diversity, ensuring children develop respect for individual and differing needs. There are plenty of opportunities for children to learn about the world around them and their local community through a variety of planned activities and play materials which are highly visible to the children, encouraging them to celebrate diversity. Extremely effective, inclusive systems for the evaluation of his practice ensures

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

both he and his co-minder are aware of their strengths and areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 build upon exiting, effective systems for observation and assessment to clearly record children's ongoing, individual acheivements.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)and this is reflected in the detailed range of policies which underpin his practice. This combined with robust This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures for recording medication administration, accidents and incidents ensures children are well protected. He and his co-minder have completed detailed and highly comprehensive risk assessments for the house, ensuring children are able to move around freely, safely and independently.

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provision

Committed to ongoing personal development, the childminder has attended a range of shorter courses and ensures core training, including first aid and safeguarding children are always up-to-date. As a result the childminder has an in- depth knowledge of current requirements and legislation, which is reflected in his practice. The childminder is looking to attend a cooking for under 5's course in an attempt to make meal times even more fun and appealing to those children in his care.

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provision

The childminder maintains excellent links with parents and carers, collecting and sharing information about children, valuing their contributions as partners in their ongoing learning and development. Parents are asked to read key policies and procedures, including the complaints procedure and are asked to sign to confirm their understanding of these. They are kept very well informed of their child’s progress and achievements through verbal feedback, daily diaries if requested and access to their very detailed individual development files. The childminder shares observations with parents on a regular basis and incorporates into planning any comments they make. The childminder further maintains excellent links with the local nursery which some children attend. Information about termly curriculum plans are exchanged and this information is incorporated into his ongoing planning for individual children and recorded in the children's development files.

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provision

The provider has implemented an exemplary system to monitor and evaluate his provision, working in partnership with his co-childminder to produce a comprehensive action plan which clearly identifies targets for further improvement. This is evidenced through the informed completion of the self-evaluation form which incorporates both the childminders' assessment of their provision as well as the views of parents and children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children settle extremely well at the childminder's home, are confident and very happy. They achieve well because the childminder has a clear understanding of their developmental stages. He works closely with his wife to plan and provide a good range of stimulating and interesting activities for the children both in and out of the home. These are purposeful, promote their learning and development and are always planned around the children's interests. For example, they visit the beach, have trips to the park, and enjoy exploring the Baltic displays. Children also have good opportunities to socialise with each other and their peers through visits to local amenities and places of interest, such as drop-in groups, soft play and the local community centre.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children also enjoy a broad variety of activities which contribute to their imaginative, physical, creative and language skills, such as role play, drawing, construction, garden games and listening to stories. The childminder spends time This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with one child helping him to work out how to wind the string up on the toy train, taking time to allow the child to solve the problem for himself, giving him support as appropriate. Involved in the children's activities, the childminder and her co- minder help and encourage them to move onto different activities when appropriate, so that they are fully occupied and remain interested in their play, asking appropriate open-ended questions that make them think and respond.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s developmental starting points are established through information provided from the parents as well as from initial observations of the children. Observations are then regularly carried out under each area of learning and clearly relate to the Practice Guidance of the EYFS. This ensures that children’s progress is monitored well and that the next steps in their learning are identified. This demonstrates that the childminder has a clear understanding of the EYFS and uses it in practice successfully. However, the childminder has yet to develop systems to clearly record children's individual achievements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Consistent adult support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene. Older children are actively encouraged to become more independent in their personal care, using the bathroom independently and washing their hands without prompting. All children have access to fresh towels and anti-bacterial hand wash reducing the risk of illness and cross infection. The childminder works closely with parents regarding toilet training, following home routines and actively supporting and praising children. A clear written policy regarding healthy eating, combined with good ongoing communication with parents, ensures that the childminder has a clear understanding of the individual dietary needs of the children. Children enjoy a wide range of healthy foods including fresh fruit, raisins, vegetables, home cooked meals and yoghurts, sitting together at the table for this social occasion. 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

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