Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY268875 Inspection date 09/09/2009 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and eight years old, in the residential area of Newbiggin Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne. The whole of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The childminder cares for children seven days a week, from 7am to 6.30pm for 48 weeks of the year.

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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. When working with an assistant she may care for no more than eight children under eight years at any one time, of these, not more than four may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding three children in this age group. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years old. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from the local schools and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides an extremely warm and caring environment for children. The impressive range of experiences she offers ensures all areas of learning are clearly covered. Systems for planning activities and observing children are excellent, and are being further developed to include parents input. The childminder is constantly evaluating and reflecting on her childminding practice, to enable her to continuously improve the high quality care and education provided. She has very little experience of caring for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, she demonstrates a particularly positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment, including adapting her home to meet individual needs.

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further?

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

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further?

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

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly professional. She has attended safeguarding training, and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of associated issues. Consequently, children are thoroughly protected. Effective risk assessments take place daily to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 clearly reduce the chance of accidental injury. Children’s welfare is safeguarded extremely well, as the childminder and other household members have had suitable checks completed.

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the early years provision

Children’s play opportunities are maximised through the highly effective organisation of space, time and resources. The childminder’s ongoing commitment to training has a significantly positive impact on the exceptional quality of care provided. She is enthusiastic and passionate about driving forward with improvements to ensure better outcomes for children. The childminder has completed a self-evaluation form, which has helped her to focus on the service she offers. She complements this by engaging parents and children in evaluating the care and education provided. The recommendation from the previous inspection has been positively addressed. This has resulted in a safer environment being ensured.

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the early years provision

High emphasis is put on partnership with parents, which has a really positive impact on children’s overall well-being. The childminder speaks to them on a daily basis about the experiences their children have enjoyed. This is complemented with written information. She is so highly thought of that one set of parents have asked her to be god mother to their child. The childminder is extremely sensitive to their personal needs and flexible in her working hours. For example, where she baby sits for the families and offers weekend care when needed. In the past there have been no children attending who access care and education in more than one setting. However, the childminder has been proactive, in anticipation of a child starting nursery in September, and has arranged an appointment with the teacher to ensure continuity and coherence. She also demonstrates an unquestionable willingness to work with other professionals to meet children's individual needs

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has attended training on the Early Years Foundation Stage, and demonstrates a very good understanding and commitment to implementing it extremely well. Her comprehensive knowledge of individual children fosters a firm feeling of trust and security. Consistent encouragement ensures children are developing a good knowledge of what is right and wrong. They are encouraged to consider the consequences of their words and actions for themselves and others. They develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through a wide range of activities and resources which promote a positive outlook of the wider world. This includes helping people in the local community. Children’s communication skills are successfully fostered, resulting in competent speakers and listeners. There is wide range of books available, which are clearly enjoyed by the children both independently and with

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and outcomes for children

the childminder. Children participate in interesting and imaginative creative experiences, which effectively nurture their self-expression whilst having a lot of fun. The childminder rarely misses an opportunity to extend their learning as she effectively uses open-ended questions. Extensive opportunities to foster children's problem solving skills, and to nurture their knowledge of shapes and numbers are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provided through every day experiences. Children are inquisitive and inspired to explore the natural world as they plant and nurture pips and seeds, watching them flourish and bare fruit. Ample opportunities are provided for children to use information and communication technology to support their learning. The childminder has developed individual files for children, which include observations and photographs linked to the areas of learning. Identified next steps in children's

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and outcomes for children

learning are clearly used to inform future planning. She is constantly reviewing this system to ensure files show a true reflection of children's progress. This includes starting to involve parents in the process, as this does not clearly happen at the moment.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a really well-maintained environment, where toys and equipment are cleaned regularly. They are safeguarded extremely well as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. This is supplemented with highly effective procedures for adults collecting children. Their knowledge about personal safety is encouraged by gentle reminders from the childminder to pick up the toys so they do not trip, road safety activities and regular fire drill practices. This positively contributes to children developing a sense of danger and how to keep themselves safe. Children flourish as they access excellent opportunities for physical play. They successfully develop and test their physical skills through exciting and stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. Children are active or restful through choice and sleep in-line with their individual needs and parent’s wishes. Their well-being is enriched through accessing a healthy diet. The

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and outcomes for children

childminder purposefully plans balanced meals, where she doesn't add extra salt or fry food. She is proactive in nurturing good lifestyle habits with the children. An example of this is where they help to choose and weigh fruit and vegetables at the shop and prepare them for tea. Children are learning very good personal hygiene through consistent, thorough routines and positive role modelling. This significantly enhances children's emerging understanding of how to help stop germs spreading and keep themselves well and healthy. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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Stage

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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