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 319039 Inspection date 16/04/2009 Inspector Shirley Peart

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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 has been registered since 1995. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives in the Gosforth area of Newcastle upon Tyne with her adult son and 15 year old son. The ground floor of the home, which includes a bathroom, are used for childminding. The decked area of the garden is used for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to take a maximum of six children. There are currently five children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) age group. The childminder also offers care to three children aged five years and over. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. There is a pet Labrador on the premises.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides an inclusive, child friendly, welcoming and safe environment for children, recognising that each child is a unique individual. Children are very well supported in their learning and development, as most aspects of the EYFS framework are implemented and most welfare requirements are met. The childminder does not yet reflect on her practice by using self-evaluation, but has made good progress since the last inspection. She works effectively with parents and other providers where children in the EYFS age range attend. This ensures that successful partnerships are in place, which benefits the children very well.

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further?

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

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further?

 use self-evaluation to reflect on practice so that ways to enhance the quality of the care, learning and development for the children are identified  ensure that children are helped to follow good hygiene practices before eating and encourage their independence during mealtimes  consider using the EYFS Practice Guidance to track children’s progress towards the early learning goals.

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provision

The childminder’s documentation is very well organised. She has a very good set of written policies and procedures which she shares effectively with the parents. She is an experienced, dedicated and busy childminder, however, she finds the time to attend relevant training courses so that she is up to date with current practices and requirements. For example, she has developed her practice and policies to reflect the new regulations and has purchased new equipment, which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enhances the children’s enjoyment and achievement well. However, she does not sufficiently reflect on her practice to establish what she does well and what she needs to improve so that ways to enhance the quality of the care learning and development for the children are identified. She has made good progress to recommendations from the last inspection, therefore, children's learning and health

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provision

Children are safeguarded well. Clear complaints and safeguarding information is readily available and the childminder is sure about her role in these areas. She has recently completed a written risk assessment, which is comprehensive and covers all areas within the home. She is aware to extend this to include the outdoor decked area, so that children can use this area safely in the warmer weather.

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provision

Partnership with parents and staff at other settings where pre-school children attend are good. Parental feedback questionnaires are positive and the childminder acts on any suggestions made. Most of the older children have attended since they were babies and parents usually request that she takes on their younger siblings, indicating that they are pleased with the service offered. She finds out what topics and themes are planned for the children within their pre-school. This helps her to extend and expand her provision for the children through complementary, fun activities and stories such as, ‘Were going on a Bear Hunt.’

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of keeping children safe. She clears the floor space if children get too many toys out and ensures younger children do not have access to small items that are not appropriate for them. She talks to the children about dangers when they are out and about and uses appropriate car seats, reins and buggies to ensure their safety. Children are given food provided by their parents and the childminder offers fresh fruit for snacks, younger children are also strapped safely into high chairs at meal times. However, hygiene practices before eating and children’s independence are not sufficiently encouraged as they are not helped to wash their hands before eating and are given limited opportunities to explore their food and feed themselves. Children are taken on regular outings, walks and attend soft play centres, which promotes their physical development and supports their need for daily fresh air very well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the six areas of learning within the EYFS. She uses her observations well and clearly links these to the different aspects within the areas of learning. Each child has their own file which include ‘All about me’ sheets, lovely photographs and written observations of what they can do and the ‘next steps’ in their learning are recorded. However, the childminder is not as confident in tracking children’s progress towards the early learning goals using the EYFS Practice Guidance.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Play sessions in the home tend to be very child-initiated. However, the childminder plans her day well so that children benefit from a good mix of flexible and well planned activities and outings that aid their all-round development very well. For example, they visit outdoor country parks and stables to see the horses, soft play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 venues and toddler groups. Planned activities, such as art, craft and baking also assist children’s learning, enjoyment and achievement in a fun way.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very settled and comfortable in the childminder’s care, they approach her easily and sit on her knee for a hug. Young toddlers leave their parents easily and clearly feel secure as they sit with her for reassurance but soon show an interest in the toys and resources on offer, demonstrating a secure sense of belonging. Pre-school children love to dress up in scarves, a fire fighter hat and sparkly shoes. They toddle up and down the hall way happily with their shopping bag, pushing the doll in the buggy. They have plenty of space and resources to choose from, which enhances their imagination, mathematical skills, creative and physical development well. They easily find what they want as storage boxes are labelled with pictures and words, which aids young children’s independence and choices. For example, when they look at photographs of themselves using a toy piano, they repeat the childminder’s words, promptly find the piano, switch it on

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and off and play tunes successfully. Therefore, children achieve well and thoroughly enjoy what they do. 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? 3 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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