Barbour, Sylvia

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 EY313245 Inspection date 28/05/2009 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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 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

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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her son aged five years in the residential area of Boldon Colliery in South Shields. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. She has fish and a lizard as pets. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 07.30 to 18.30 for 48 weeks of the year.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children 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 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has a caring and friendly nature, which promotes a warm welcome to all children and their families. The wide range of resources and experiences she offers to children ensures they have good opportunities to make progress whilst having fun. Assessment procedures are being further developed. The childminder does not have any experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. However, she demonstrates a very positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. This includes being willing to liaise with other professionals and attend any relevant courses to meet individual needs well. The childminder’s ongoing commitment to training has a significantly positive impact on her making continuous improvement.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 continue to develop systems to involve parents as part of the ongoing observation and assessment process.

p.3

provision

The childminder evaluates the care and education she provides very well. She talks to parents and has written feedback from them, which gives her a broader view of the service she provides. She assesses the resources she has to ensure the needs of all the children she cares for are well met. Recommendations raised at the previous inspection have been positively addressed. This includes toys being stored at the children's height to promote free choice and independence. The childminder identifies her strengths as being her reliability and her loving nature. She is also This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 realistic in recognising that attending relevant training can be very beneficial to all aspects of her childminding.

p.3

provision

The childminder has built very good relationships with parents. She speaks to them on a daily basis as well as completing simple written diaries for them. Consequently, they are fully informed of the experiences their children have participated in. This enables them to continue highlighted activities at home to continue their children's learning. The childminder liaises with the nursery staff where a child attends more than one setting. This promotes continuity and cohesion.

p.4

provision

The childminder has attended two safeguarding training courses and is booked onto a further one. She demonstrates a sound understanding of associated issues, which results in children being effectively safeguarded. Comprehensive risk assessments take place daily, which effectively reduce the risk of accidental injury.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a very good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has attended relevant related training. The range of resources along with photographic evidence and observations clearly show that each of the areas of learning is well covered. A very good balance of child-centred and adult-led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for children's age and stage of development. Children are learning right from wrong and are starting to take responsibility for their own actions. The childminder’s confident approach to equal opportunities actively contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with access to a wide selection of resources, including small world figures, books and jigsaws showing positive images of people from different cultures and those with disabilities. Children show an awareness of shape as they complete puzzles and develop their counting skills as they play

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

board games using a dice. They use information and communication technology to support their learning, for example, when they use the computer with carefully chosen educational games. The childminder has created a quiet corner with draped voile that the children have decorated with hand and foot prints. This gives children the opportunity to look at books independently or just enjoy some time alone. They delight in using their imagination as they pretend the slide is a space ship going to the moon. Children’s communication skills are fostered well resulting in good interactions between themselves and the childminder. They have a growing understanding of the world that they live in through a variety of well- planned and spontaneous activities. These include playing in the snow, exploring the beach and visiting the aquarium. A variety of creative activities including painting with tooth brushes, string and corks, promote children's self-expression

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

whilst having fun. The childminder plans activities, including trips to places of interest. She has developed comprehensive files for children, which have photographs, observations and identified next steps in their learning to inform future planning. Currently, parents are not effectively involved in this ongoing observation and assessment process.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy physical play and have a variety of outdoor toys and resources to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 use in the rear yard. The childminder also takes them to the park and beach where they can run and enjoy exercise in the fresh air. The childminder’s flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. Children are encouraged to enjoy healthy snacks and meals. A varied and imaginative menu encourages them to have a good awareness of healthy food options and the opportunity to try new foods. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment, where they are beginning to develop an understanding of good hygiene and personal care. Examples of this are where they learn how to wash their hands before eating and they are encouraged to catch their cough in a tissue. Routines, such as tidying away toys from the floor encourage children to take

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

responsibility for their own safety. The childminder is vigilant on outings, with an active approach to children taking responsibility for their own actions. This results in the reduced risk of accidental injury and raised self awareness. They are able to explore safely using well-maintained resources. These are bought from reputable suppliers and are suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children attending. All the required procedures and documents are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted well. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

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? 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?

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

p.7