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 305473 Inspection date 02/06/2009 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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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 was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 13 years in the residential area of Fulwell in Sunderland. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 07.30 to 18.00 for 48 weeks of the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six 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 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.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder offers an exceptionally friendly and caring welcome to all children and their parents. The huge range of experiences she provides ensures there are ample opportunities for all children to make excellent progress. Systems to involve parents in contributing to their children's developmental files are being further developed. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has attended relevant courses, links closely with other professionals and accesses specialised equipment to ensure all specific needs are thoroughly met. The childminder’s ongoing commitment to training, as well as links with other childminders and a childcare support worker, has a significantly positive impact on continuous improvement being made.

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

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provision

The childminder evaluates the care and education she provides exceptionally well. She has comprehensively completed a self-evaluation form, which has helped her to focus more clearly on the service she offers. She has gained some really lovely feedback from parents in the format of questionnaires as well as verbally. This gives her a broader view of her childminding. She has positively addressed the recommendation raised at the previous inspection, resulting in her attending This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relevant first aid training. The childminder recognises her strengths as being the safe, stimulating environment she gives children, as well as her focus on their interests when planning activities. She realises in this way children learn whilst having fun. The childminder also identifies paperwork as being time consuming, which is an area she could perhaps improve upon.

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provision

Excellent relationships with parents are highly beneficial to the continuity of care that the children receive. This effective partnership ensures individual needs are met extremely well, which promotes stability. Verbal feedback is given daily, as well as written diaries for younger children. This is complemented with photograph albums being regularly updated and shared with parents. Consequently, they are fully informed of the activities their children have participated in. The childminder is keen for them to continue their children's learning at home and highlights experiences they have particularly enjoyed to promote this. She has built excellent relationships with staff at the local nursery and playgroup to nurture continuity and cohesion.

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provision

The childminder has attended safeguarding training and has a really sound understanding of associated issues. She has written procedure and relevant contact numbers should she need to make a referral. This results in children being really well protected. Comprehensive risk assessments take place daily. Therefore the chance of accidental injury is effectively reduced.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a thorough knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She clearly ensures all the areas of learning are completely covered within her home and with trips to places of interest and toddler groups. An exemplary balance of child-centred and adult-led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development. The childminder’s in depth understanding of children's individual personalities promotes effective behaviour management. Children develop a really sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through a range of activities, resources and age-appropriate discussions, which promote a positive outlook of the wider world. The excellent use of open-ended questions encourages children to think and predict. Children explore shape, sort and match objects regularly through fun activities. They use information and communication technology to effectively

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

support their learning, for example, as they explore age-appropriate laptop games. A truly effective use is made of the local area giving children a breadth of opportunities. This includes visits to the library, museum, bowling alley and farm.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children delight in using their imagination as they play with the small figures in the dolls house and dress up. The childminder is committed to effectively nurturing children's communication skills. She consistently uses facial expression, tone and intonation, which successfully results in lovely interactions between herself and the children. Ample access to a vast range of creative activities clearly nurtures children's self-expression whilst having fun. These include creating ceramics, using feathers, glitter and sand for collage and exploring cornflour mixed with water. The childminder encourages children to use their different senses. An example is where This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they listen to the birds singing, watch the spider in the soil and feel the cold moisture as they water the plants. The childminder has devised individual files for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

each of the children, which include regular observations and photographs that link to the early learning goals. She identifies next steps in their learning, which then inform future planning effectively. However, although parents do talk about their children's progress, they currently are not clearly involved in the system for ongoing observation and assessment. This has a very slightly negative impact on the process.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children feel really comfortable as the childminder provides a clearly welcoming and safe environment. The childminder is vigilant on outings, with a truly active approach to children taking responsibility for their own actions. This results in the reduced risk of accidental injury and raised self-awareness. Children flourish as they access excellent opportunities for physical play. These include negotiating balancing activities, using scooters and exploring large climbing equipment at the park. Children explore, test and develop physical control as they play skittles in the garden, enjoy egg rolling races and practice throwing and catching various sized balls. The childminder is extremely sensitive to each child’s needs. Consequently, they are active or restful through choice and sleep in line with their individual requirements and parent’s wishes. The childminder is really keen to nurture children's understanding of healthy lifestyle habits. This includes providing them

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

with nutritious meals and snacks, such as pasta dishes, sandwiches and fruit. She also encourages regular access to drinks, especially when it is hot and sunny. During the induction period all relevant information with regard to any special dietary needs are gained. This enables the childminder to effectively meet any specific requirements very well. Children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene and are becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. They are encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly to get rid of the germs and to cover their mouths when they cough. The childminder has a comprehensive range of procedures and documentation in place to ensure that children’s welfare is actively safeguarded and effectively promoted. 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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