Childminder in Northumberland

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 EY259826 Inspection date 11/08/2009 Inspector Sharon, Amelia Robson

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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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16, 18 and 23 years in a residential area of Cramlington, Northumberland. The property is within walking distance of local amenities, including schools, nurseries, parks and toddler groups. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor, including a playroom. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has a pet cat. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and currently has five children on roll in the early years age range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is extremely supportive in helping children make good progress in their learning and development. She is very committed to providing an inclusive environment where all minded children are valued and have their individual needs met. She provides a positive role model which encourages children to develop positive attitude towards diversity and difference. Children experience a wide range of stimulating activities, all of which take into account their interests and specific needs. The childminder has a very good capacity for improvement because she takes time to evaluate her practice and the service she provides. She has comprehensive written policies and procedures and has also put into place written observation, monitoring and assessment procedures. She has also completed her self-evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop activities to promote information and communication technology.

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provision

Effective written policies and procedures and documentation are in place, including parental consents, which ensures children are safeguarded. All documentation and records are very well organised and confidentially maintained. Children's safety is given high priority as detailed and comprehensive risk assessments are used. They take into account both the indoor and outdoor environment, including walks to and from school and outings, which ensures hazards for children are minimised. The childminder has a very good understanding of her role in safeguarding children in her care. She has completed level 1 and 2 child protection training, therefore ensuring her knowledge is up to date and sound. She has detailed policies and procedures in place regarding safeguarding, all of which are shared with parents.

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provision

The childminder is very proactive in ensuring her knowledge relating to childcare This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and children's learning and development is comprehensive, and she has attended a number of relevant courses to enhance her knowledge. She has a very good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), having completed training and workshops relating to this, as well as completing a level 3 childcare course. The childminder has also taken time to complete her self-evaluation in order to develop her strengths and identify any weaknesses.

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provision

Partnership with parents is very strong as the childminder values their contributions and input. She keeps them well informed about all aspects of their children's development and achievements. She uses detailed information from parents to ensure learning opportunities are provided that meet each child's individual needs and at the onset of a placement she takes time to discuss children's starting points and stages of development. Parents have access to their child's development files, which include detailed observations, photographs and children's artwork. She also keeps parents informed about planned activities and outings. The childminder has made very good links with local schools and nurseries.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has very good systems in place to ensure children make good progress across all areas of learning. She uses detailed observation and assessment records which are linked to the EYFS to monitor and record children's progress and to identify their next steps of learning. She plans and adapts activities according to children's individual needs and to ensure each child reaches their full potential. Flexible plans are in place to allow the childminder to respond to children's interests and to ensure children are happy and engaged in their learning and play. Older children are involved in making decisions about plans and activities. Children are encouraged to make their own choices, as there is a very good balance between child-initiated and adult-led activities. The childminder interacts extremely well with the children as she spends time playing with them and helping them to develop their skills. For example, as a younger child tried

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

using the water spray to water the vegetables, the childminder suggested she use a watering can to make it easier for her. The child thoroughly enjoyed watering the vegetables and other plants in the garden; as she appeared to lose interest in this activity, the childminder suggested she add water to the dry sand to see what would happen. The child then went on to enjoy playing with the wet sand; during the play, the childminder talked to the child about colours and shapes she could see and was using.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make very good progress in their social skills, as they have regular opportunities to visit local toddler groups. They also participate in a range of outdoor and physical activities, including visits to the park and the soft play centre, as well as using the extremely well resourced outdoor area. The children have recently planted vegetables and herbs in the garden and are enjoying caring for them and watching them grow. The childminder encourages children to join in age-appropriate cookery activities, making biscuits, pizzas and fruit kebabs. She also allows the children to buy ingredients from the shops for these activities. They also have regular visits to the local library and have access to a wide range of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 resources that show positive images of equality and diversity, including celebrating festivals and cultural events. Older children have regular use of the childminder's

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

computer, using age-appropriate games, however, younger children do not have the same access.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good health and well-being are promoted very well, as the childminder uses her detailed information on children's dietary and health needs appropriately. There are comprehensive written health and welfare policies and procedures in place, including a detailed sick child policy, all of which are shared with parents. Hygiene procedures are promoted as the childminder discusses with them why they need to wash hands at appropriate times, including after handling the family cat. Very healthy and nutritious meals and snacks are provided and the childminder has completed a number of relevant courses. The childminder spends time talking to children about safety, both in the home, the garden and when out and about with her, including talking about how to cross the road safely.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's home. She is very responsive to their needs and ensures they feel comfortable, safe and secure while in her care. Children are very well-behaved, have good manners and respond very well to the childminder's routines and boundaries. She encourages children to share, take turns and respect each other from the positive role modelling she provides and continually gives children praise and encouragement. 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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