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

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Unique reference number EY303894 Inspection date 17/06/2009 Inspector Sharon, Amelia Robson

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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 2005. She lives with her husband in a residential area of Blyth, Northumberland. The property is within walking distance of local schools, toddler groups, parks and transport links. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom, there is an enclosed rear yard available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and she currently has four children on roll in the early years age range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is extremely supportive in helping children make excellent progress in their learning and development. She is very committed to providing children with an inclusive environment where all their individual needs are met. She provides an extremely positive role model to encourage children to develop a positive attitude towards diversity and equality. Children experience an extensive range of stimulating activities which take into account their interests and specific needs. The childminder has an excellent capacity to improve and evaluate the service she provides, including reviewing and updating her comprehensive policies and procedures and completing her self-evaluation. She has also put into place detailed written observation, monitoring and assessment procedures, and has made very good links with local childcare providers.

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further?

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

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further?

 continuing to expand knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

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provision

The childminder has extremely detailed and comprehensive written policies and procedures in place, including relevant parental consents, which ensures children are safeguarded effectively. All policies and procedures are reviewed and updated regularly, and documentation and records are extremely well organised and confidentially maintained. Children's safety is given the highest priority. Risk assessments are detailed and extensive, taking into account both the indoor and outdoor environments as well as outings. The childminder has completed training related to risk assessment and health and safety. She has an excellent understanding of her role in safeguarding children in her care. She has recently completed relevant training, therefore, ensuring her knowledge is up-to-date and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 comprehensive. She has detailed policies and procedures in place regarding

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provision

safeguarding and ensures she shares this information with parents.

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provision

The childminder is extremely proactive in ensuring her knowledge regarding childcare and children's learning and development is sound. She has attended a number of relevant courses to enhance this knowledge, having completed her Diploma in Homebased Childcare and her Quality First. She has an excellent understanding of the EYFS and has attended a number of workshops relating to this, however, she is aware of the need to continue to expand her knowledge. She has taken time to complete her self-assessment in order to develop her strengths and identify any weaknesses.

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provision

Partnership with parents is extremely strong as the childminder values their contributions. She keeps them very well informed about all aspects of their children's development and achievements. Detailed information from parents is effectively used to ensure learning opportunities are provided that meet children's individual needs. She shares information with parents on a daily basis, they also have access to their children's diaries and their development files, which include detailed observations, photographs and children's work. Parents also receive regular newsletters which keep them up-to-date with activities, outings and any special topics or themes. At the onset of a placement parents receive a welcome pack relating to the service the childminder provides, including an extensive list of answers to questions she is regularly asked relating to her childminding and a questionnaire regarding their child's development and interests.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has impressive systems in place to ensure children make great progress across all areas of learning. She has excellent observation and assessment records which are linked to the EYFS and used to record and monitor children's development and to identify their next steps of learning. She plans and adapts activities according to children's individual needs and specific interests. Flexible weekly plans are in place to allow the childminder the opportunity to respond to children's interests and to ensure each child is happy and engaged in their learning and play. Children are able to make their own choices from the extremely well resourced playroom, and there is a very good balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder interacts extremely well with the minded children, ensuring she takes opportunities to help them develop their skills and learning. During activities the childminder talks to the children about

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

shapes, colours and numbers. For example, as the two older children play happily with a tea set and play food, she asks them how many cups they have, what shape the plates are and to name different food. They both eagerly join in and enjoy making her cups of tea.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make excellent progress in their social skills and building confidence as they have regular opportunities to attend local toddler groups and the library where each minded child has their own library card. They also participate in weekly outdoor activities, including visits to the beach and the park. The childminder also takes the children on woodland nature hunts where they have pictures of things to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 draw or collect, which are then related to other activities in the home. There is also a well resourced outdoor area available where children have great fun in their den, which at present they are using as a garage. The childminder encourages children of all ages to use information and communication technology resources, for example, using the digital camera to take photographs and playing age appropriate games on the computer. Children recently made robots with junk and an older

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

child also decided to make a remote control for his. They regularly participate in cookery sessions and have opportunities to visit the shops to buy their ingredients, recently they have made cakes, pizza and lasagne. Very good resources are provided to help children learn about the wider world, including books, jig-saws, dolls and dressing-up clothes. They also celebrate cultural festivals and events, doing arts and crafts activities, trying different foods and reading books.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good health and well-being are promoted well as the childminder uses her detailed information on children's dietary and health needs appropriately. There are comprehensive written health and welfare policies and procedures in place, including a detailed sick child policy, all of which are shared with parents. Hygiene procedures are promoted as children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times and the childminder talks to children about the reasons for doing this. Healthy and nutritious meals and snacks are provided, taking into account children's dietary needs and likes. Children have good knowledge of safety while in the home and when out and about with the childminder. She takes time to talk to children about how to be safe when out walking and they regularly practise the fire evacuation.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are exceedingly happy and settled in the childminder's home. She is extremely responsive and patient with the minded children and ensures they feel very comfortable and secure. Children are very well behaved and respond extremely well to the childminder's routines, house rules and consistent boundaries. They are very happy to help with the tidying up and respond positively to all the praise and encouragement they receive. 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? 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? 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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