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

p.1

Unique reference number EY232862 Inspection date 07/05/2009 Inspector Shirley Peart

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 has been registered since December 2002. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives in a residential area in Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne with her child aged seven years. The ground floor of the home, the bathroom and a bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear yard and front garden for outside play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to take a maximum of five children. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) age group.

p.3

Description of the childminding

She is a member of the National Childminding Association. There are two pet cats on the premises.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is well aware of the different needs of children in her care, as she knows them all very well. She works effectively with the parents and treats children as individuals, in a caring way so that they all feel special and fully included while they are with her. She has made good progress in implementing the EYFS although assessment of individual children’s progress towards the early learning goals is limited. The childminder continually works hard to provide a good service by changing her practice to meet new requirements and has addressed recommendations from the previous inspection. However, she does not yet use any form of self-evaluation to reflect on and review her practice.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 consider using the Ofsted self-evaluation to review and reflect on practice, so that ways to improve the quality of the care, learning and development are identified  use observations to track the progress that children are making in their learning and development and use this information to plan for the next steps in children’s learning, so that this can be matched to the expectations of the early learning goals.

p.3

provision

The childminder is a consistent role model as she is highly dedicated to the children that she cares for. She has a positive attitude to attending further training and is due to update all her core training in the near future such as, first aid, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safeguarding, food hygiene and equality and diversity. She has successfully completed an ‘Infant Care Practitioner’ course and is aiming to complete further levels in this training, which demonstrates a commitment to her own self- development and ensures that she keeps up to date with current childcare practice. The childminder does not currently self-evaluate her provision, as this is a new area of work for her so she has not yet identified any areas for improvement in relation to the Every Child Matters outcomes. However, she has purchased new equipment that has enhanced children’s learning and enjoyment, has adhered to

p.3

provision

the new EYFS by updating policies and procedures and she has addressed recommendations from the last inspection.

p.4

provision

Written policies and procedures are good and readily available to parents in the childminding portfolio. Children are effectively safeguarded as procedures and documentation is comprehensive. For example, thorough written risk assessments are in place on the house, garden and for specific outings and medication, accident and attendance recording meets requirements, which protects children very well. She is well aware of what to do if she has concerns over a child's welfare and relevant contact numbers are available.

p.4

provision

The childminder has friendly relationships with the parents and most children have attended since they were young babies. The childminder assists working parents and parents with new babies, as she remains flexible to meet their needs for childcare. Regular verbal information is exchanged as well as written daily diaries specifically for the younger children. This ensures that parents are fully informed and that they work together well to meet the individual needs of the children.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The home is very child orientated and well organised to benefit the children. For example, they have a specific coloured peg for their personal belongings with their own colour coded towels. This helps them to develop their independence and protects their health extremely well. The toys are very well stored, so that children can see and choose what they want to play with. The childminder encourages children to help tidy away the toys before getting others out, which ensures that the floor does not get cluttered and helps them to foster a good understanding of responsibility and staying safe. The childminder carries out daily, visual safety checks on her home and garden before the children attend and she reinforces health and safety issues well through regular routines and fun activities. For example, children are helped up to the sink to wash their hands properly and they have attended a ‘Safety Day’ at the local community centre where children met fire

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

fighters and police officers. Children have ample opportunity to use their physical skills and enjoy an extensive range of energetic activities outdoors, which contribute very well to a healthy lifestyle. The childminder recognises when children are tired, hungry or need their nappy changed, therefore their personal care needs are extremely well attended to so that they have snacks, meals and a nap as part of their individual care routine.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children follow a good routine that enables them to learn and develop successfully. The childminder runs a toddler group with another childminder where they provide This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 stimulating activities such as spaghetti play for the children who attend. She plans exciting trips, for example to the farm and children demonstrate delight as they name their friends who will be going with them. The childminder uses photographs to show what children do and links these generally to the six areas of learning. However, as these are general observations they are not used to analyse children’s individual learning and development towards the early learning goals. This impacts on how effectively she is able to monitor children’s progress and to identify any possible gaps in provision.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The setting is very child-led as the childminder recognises what children are interested in. For example, she provides crayons and a colouring book when they show an interest in the pen and paper. They are very proud of their achievements and are beginning to be self-assured, as they proudly point and show off the big tower that they built with mega blocks. They have excellent relationships with the childminder as they giggle and hide from her in the puppet theatre. Children are highly animated as they chat and independently choose their toys. They persevere and concentrate well as they successfully put the finger puppets onto their fingers. Children are settled, very happy and enjoy being with the childminder, as she is fully involved in what they do and ensures that they have lots of fun. They also learn well through everyday routines and she asks relevant questions that make them think and respond. For example, they count the stairs together as they come

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

down and she encourages children to tell her what they are cooking on the play kitchen. Therefore, children thrive, learn and achieve very 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? 1 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