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 EY270184 Inspection date 02/04/2009 Inspector Lynne Pope

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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 2003. She lives with one child aged eight years. Her mother also works as her assistant. They live in the residential area of Barmston in Washington. The whole of the ground floor, the bathroom and playroom on the first floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years and the compulsory childcare and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 18 years. The childminder cares for children Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 18.00 and later if requested, for 52 weeks of the year. The childminder has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She collects

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Description of the childminding

children from the local school and attends toddler groups on a regular basis. The family has a dog and a rabbit.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment. The childminder is committed to improving her knowledge of good quality childcare through accessing regular training which ensures that children make good progress in their learning and development. She plans and assesses their development based on their individual needs. This results in activities being led by children's interests with regard to their likes, dislikes and specific needs. Good links have been developed with parents, which ensure that they are kept well informed about their child's progress.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide resources which are appropriate, well maintained and accessible for children which help them to begin to know about their own and other people's cultures and needs in order to understand and celebrate the similarities and differences between them in a diverse society.

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provision

The childminder has assessed her service through self evaluation and targeted areas for further improvement. She has made a strong commitment to improving her knowledge of good quality childcare. Several relevant courses which cover the welfare and education of children have been completed since the last inspection. For example, she has completed a Cache level 3 in childcare and attended courses in listening to children and awareness raising for safeguarding. Future courses have been identified for attendance to improve her knowledge further. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder provides a warm, safe and secure environment for children. It is made welcoming through children's artwork being displayed which gives them a sense of ownership. This results in children who are confident to try different experiences. For example, children make their own choices about activities from the wide range

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provision

of resources that are available. The focus of activities is always on the child as an individual which enables them to achieve as much as possible. A record of risk assessments highlights possible hazards for them, both in the home and at any venues they might visit. These are checked regularly to ensure they remain safe. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they practise what would happen if the home needed to be evacuated. Written records required for the safe management of the provision are in place. All the recommendations raised at the previous inspection have been met. The upstairs bathroom has been made safe for children. Consent to seek emergency medical treatment has been completed by all parents and a valid first aid certificate was available for inspection.

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provision

Very positive relationships have been developed with parents. The childminder is committed to their active participation. She discusses children's starting points at the beginning so that she is able to plan effectively for their child. Excellent two way communication has been developed. A daily diary is completed for each child which they can access. They are encouraged to view their child's record of observations and development. A well produced newsletter is given to them six monthly which updates them with developments in her childminding. For example, any future courses that she is going to attend. Their input into how the setting is run is valued. A six monthly questionnaire asks them about the standards of care and learning and asks for any suggestions that might improve things further. Parents have responded very positively with their comments. Some children attend different settings as part of their day. Relationships have been developed by the

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provision

childminder with these settings to ensure that children’s social and emotional needs are met. Written policies and procedures have been adopted and parents receive a copy. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of how to put them into practice. For example, should she have a safeguarding children concern.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning and development is supported very effectively which leads to them making good progress. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is implemented well into her everyday practice. Using information gathered from parents, children's starting points are observed and the childminder is able to clearly explain what they are able to do at present and what the next step in their development will be, which helps them to achieve as much as they can. She demonstrates through clear written planning, observation and records of children's achievement, how she would adapt activities and interact with children of different ages and abilities. This results in them receiving an enjoyable and challenging experience across all areas. The indoor environment contains resources which are appropriate, well maintained and accessible for all children. These are frequently rotated to keep children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

stimulated. She is vigilant about them being age and ability appropriate. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are happy and have settled really well into the environment. They show a sense of trust in the childminder and have developed positive relationships with other children. She works closely with them during their activities interacting and giving support where needed. Young children are able to investigate the available resources as they develop their exploratory impulse. Older children develop a positive attitude and increasing independence as they help to feed the dog. They are able to measure out the correct number of cups of dry food into the bowl. Outings into the local environment help children to develop their curiosity and interests. They visit the fruit and vegetable shop and look at the colours, shapes and sizes. When they return home they continue the activity by looking at books.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Young children show an interest in toys with buttons and begin to learn how to operate them. For example, they press buttons on the activity centre. Older children become competent when using familiar computer games. Discussions are held with children about disability and culture. However, there are no readily accessible resources available in the home that reflect positive images of culture, religion, gender roles and disability to promote this further.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's behaviour is managed sensitively and positively by the childminder. She recognises and praises their achievement which gives children a positive attitude towards learning. Outings to local venues encourage children to join in, share and respect each other. For example, they go to toddlers, messy and soft play. Though no children currently attend with additional learning needs or disabilities, the childminder demonstrates an understanding of how she would adapt her practice to help them to learn and develop. Children's health and well-being is promoted. Snack time is an opportunity for them to help with the preparation. They are asked what they would like and enthusiastically help to wash the grapes and prepare the satsumas. They solve problems as they work out how many grapes each child can have. Appropriate procedures are in place, should a child fall ill while in her care and exclusion periods are explained to parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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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