Childminder in Gateshead

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 EY275664 Inspection date 19/05/2009 Inspector Lynne Pope

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine years old and six years old. They live in the residential area of Low Fell in Gateshead. The whole of the ground floor, the spare room and children’s bedroom on the first floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years and the compulsory childcare and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children aged under eight years old 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 who are aged over five years old up to 13 years old. The childminder cares for children Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 18.00 for 47 weeks of the year. The childminder has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid

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Description of the childminding

certificate. She collects children from the local school and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder offers an open and accessible service to all, where activities and interests are led by the enthusiasm of the children. The childminder plans and assesses their development based on their individual needs, which results in children making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has a caring and sensitive nature and she ensures that they have their welfare needs met. Partnership with parents positively supports their development and the continuity in their care.

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further?

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

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further?

 following on from recording observations of children's progress analyse your observations and highlight children’s achievements or their need for further support consistently.

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provision

The childminder has assessed her service through self evaluation and targeted areas for further improvement. She has made a strong commitment to improving her knowledge. Several relevant courses which covers the welfare and education of children have been completed since the last inspection. For example, she has completed a Cache level 3 in childminding practice and a National Vocational Qualification in care, learning and play. Other courses include child protection and health and safety. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and the procedures to follow should she have concerns about children's welfare. Written records, policies and procedures This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 that are personal to the childminder are in place for the safe management of the setting. These are shared with parents either in written or electronic format. The

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provision

childminder provides a warm, welcoming environment which helps children to feel secure and valued. There is a wide range of resources and furniture which is well maintained and checked on a regular basis. She constantly reviews the environment to ensure that it is interesting, attractive and accessible so that all children can learn independently. The home is safe and secure. A record of risk assessments highlights possible hazards for them both at the home and at any venues they might visit along with regular visual checks. Children begin to develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe through the sensitive guidance and instructions provided by the childminder. Evacuation procedures are practised regularly ensuring that they are aware of what to do should the situation arise. Recommendations raised at the last inspection have been met. A record of children's attendance records their time of arrival and departure and the

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provision

regulator's contact details are included in the written policies and procedures.

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provision

Good relationships have been developed with parents. Their views are sought through regular discussions. Effective systems keeps them informed about their children's progress. The childminder completes a diary each day for individual children detailing what they have been involved in. This helps parents to understand what things their child has been learning and enables them to continue this at home. Parents can also write in comments to keep the childminder informed. Daily discussions, regular newsletters and a notice board in the entrance to the childminder's home also contributes to the exchange of information. Letters written by parents left for the inspection, all stated how happy they were with the standard of care and learning that their child receives.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning and development is supported very effectively. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is implemented well into her everyday practice. Information is sought from parents about their child's likes, dislikes, needs and interests when they first start. Visits prior to starting helps them to settle well. The childminder observes the children as they settle in, so that she can determine their starting points. This results in her being able to support and extend their learning and development. Periodic written observations are carried out by the childminder of children's activities. Occasionally, they are evaluated and a note is made regarding the next step. However, this is not done consistently to inform future planning. There is a very good balance of adult and child-led activities for both indoor and outdoor play, whilst the childminder always ensures that plans remain flexible to allow her

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to respond to the interests and ideas of the children. The needs of children of different ages and abilities are met as the childminder ensures that resources are suitable.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children gain in confidence under the care of the childminder. She works closely with them, joining in with their play and helping where needed. For example, she pronounces words carefully for young children to help the development of language skills. Older children enjoy repeating well known refrains in their play. All This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children are interested in books. They look at them on their own or with each other. The childminder talks about the pictures and older children are able to count items on the page in sequential order up to 10. Simple calculation is learnt as they sing rhymes where they have to take one away. This helps young children to develop an awareness of number names. Knowledge and understanding of the world is developed as they talk about events such as visiting the seaside and recall that they would need a bucket and spade. Simple equipment is operated as they

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

learn that you have to press a button to make the torch work. They explore with it shining it onto a page in a book, making the reflection big and small. Children are excited when mixing the icing for some cakes. The activity is adapted for each child's ability ensuring that no-one is excluded. They stir the mixture round and attempt to ice the cake. The best bit is when they eat the cake.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good procedures are in place to minimise the spread of infection and to promote children's health and well-being. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of providing a healthy and balanced diet based on children's individual requirements. She talks to them about what they like and during preparation of snack. Children really enjoy the grapes and dried fruit made available. The routine of the day ensures that babies and children are involved in activities some of the time and they are able to relax or sleep some of the time. The childminder has a sensitive approach to behaviour management. She explains to children the consequences of their actions and that they should be kind to each other. Though no children currently attend with additional learning needs or disabilities, the childminder demonstrates an understanding of how she would help them to learn and develop to their full ability. The childminder has developed excellent practical

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

experiences for children to learn about other cultures. They have sponsored a child from another country. This generates conversation about the child and the differences between what they are doing compared to what the child might be doing. Regular letters are exchanged where those that are able write or draw pictures. Photographs are also exchanged. 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? 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?

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect (CR2.1) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 02/06/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified above in the Childcare Register section of the report (CR2.1) 02/06/2009

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