Childminder in North Tyneside

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 EY389601 Inspection date 12/08/2009 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 2009. She lives with her two children aged nine months and five years old. They live in the residential area of Longbenton in Newcastle. The whole of the childminder’s ground floor flat is used for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder cares for children Monday to Friday 07.00 until 18.00 for 48 weeks of the year. The childminder has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She takes and collects children from the local school and attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a happy, welcoming and inclusive environment where all children are motivated and effectively cared for. Children's safety and security is given priority, with good systems in place to help children learn how to keep themselves safe. The childminder plans and observes their development based on their individual needs. They are making good progress in their learning and development. Relationships that have been developed with parents and other providers positively support children's development and the continuity in their care. The childminder evaluates her service and actively seeks to make improvements which impacts positively on children's progress.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop written plans further by identifying each area of Learning and Development that would be applicable.

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provision

The childminder has assessed her service through considering and targeting areas for further improvement. She has made a strong commitment to improving her knowledge of good quality childcare. Several relevant courses which cover the welfare and education of children have been completed since registration. For example, she has attended courses in food safety, moving and lifting babies and young children, and fire safety for child carers. Attendance at a course for safeguarding children has helped her to have a sound knowledge of the procedures she would follow should she have a concern. As part of the evaluation of her service, she has started training to gain a level 3 qualification in childcare. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Written comprehensive policies and procedures are in place and followed vigilantly by the childminder to ensure children's welfare is effectively safeguarded and

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provision

promoted. The home is safe and secure for children's care. A record of risk assessments highlights possible hazards for them both in the home and at any venues they might visit. These are checked regularly to ensure they remain safe. The childminder is well organised and provides a rich and varied environment which helps children to feel very secure and valued. She constantly reviews the environment to ensure that it is interesting, attractive and accessible so children can learn independently. The wide range of resources are set out so that children can make their own choices. Good quality art and craft materials stimulate children's imagination.

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provision

Parents are welcomed and valued in the setting. Effective communication means there is a two-way flow of information as the childminder shows parents what their child has been doing and achieving. A written record is maintained by the childminder detailing what children have done and parents can access this at any time. A daily diary is completed by the childminder and shared with parents who also have the opportunity to write in comments. The childminder is currently in the process of developing a questionnaire for children which they will complete at home with the parent. This will help her further evaluate her service and address any concerns from the child or parent. The childminder works in partnership with other providers that a child might attend to ensure continuity of their care and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning and development is supported very effectively which leads to them making good progress. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is implemented well into her everyday practice. Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend with the childminder and thrive in the stimulating and caring environment. Information is sought from parents about their child's likes, dislikes, needs and interests when they first start. The childminder observes the child as they settle in so that she can determine their starting points. She then records the child's starting points against the aspects of learning and development. This results in her being able to support and extend children’s learning and development. Activities are planned for children based on themes. For example, healthy eating, plants and flowers. A weekly written plan details the activities which will take place. However, they do not show

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

which areas of learning they link into. The childminder continually observes children and keeps detailed records of what they have done supported by photographs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and have settled really well into the environment. They show a sense of trust in the childminder and have developed positive relationships with other children. She works closely with them during their activities interacting and giving support where needed. For example, sounding out words when they ask how a word is spelt. She encourages them to think of other words that are similar, such as bat and hat. Counting rhymes and songs help children to learn about numbers. They do simple calculation during their play, working out that there are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 two items left when they take them away from four items. Each day they have opportunities to be outdoors. They play in the childminder's garden where they practise blowing bubbles, and chase and pop them. Walks are taken in the local environment and they visit the park where they access large play equipment. Craft

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

activities ensure that children spend concentrated effort as they design a picture to go in a key ring or place stickers in a book.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's behaviour is managed sensitively and positively by the childminder. Home produced certificates help the childminder to show her appreciation of their good behaviour along with verbal praise. This gives children a positive attitude towards learning. 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. When visiting the library the childminder encourages children to pick a diverse range of books. Walking in the local area stimulates conversations about different types of homes, cars and people which contribute to children's understanding of a wider world. Children's health and well-being are promoted in a wide variety of ways. Snack time is an opportunity for them to help with the preparation. They are asked what they would like and help to cut the cheese and fruit. Activities have helped children to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

understand about making healthy choices. For example, they created healthy eating plates where the children stuck stickers of healthy foods that they liked and healthy foods they did not like on another. Children learn to keep themselves safe. The childminder talks to them about safety issues and emergency evacuation procedures are practised to develop their awareness of what to do should the situation arise. 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: 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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