Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 502888 Inspection date 22/12/2009 Inspector Sharon, Amelia Robson

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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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and three children aged 13, 15 and 18 years in a residential area of Holystone, North Tyneside. The property is within walking distance of local amenities, including schools, nurseries, parks and transport links. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor, including a ground floor toilet, and there is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. She currently has seven children on roll, five of whom are 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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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 is extremely committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children are valued and respected, and where their individual needs are met fully. She has extensive knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which enables her to provide children with excellent support to make very good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has great capacity to improve the service she provides, as she regularly evaluates her practice and the detailed policies and procedures. Excellent relationships have been developed with parents and positive procedures are in place regarding links with other providers and services.

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further?

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

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further?

 developing further links with other providers and services used by the minded children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very good understanding of her role in safeguarding children in her care. She has updated her knowledge, by completing relevant training, and is therefore very confident in this area. She has comprehensive written policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and she ensures parents receive a copy of these, as well as discussing this at the onset of a placement. The childminder also has effective procedures in place regarding the safe collection of children, lost children and security in general. Hazards for children are minimised as risk assessments are in place for all areas used for childminding purposes, both indoors and outdoors. Outings, including walks to school and the use of her car, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are all included in the risk assessments, which ensures hazards for children are minimised. Children are familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure as this

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the early years provision

is practised with them on a regular basis; as a consequence, the childminder ensures children know how to keep themselves safe.

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the early years provision

Areas used in the childminder's home are very well organised, with a wide range of toys and resources available which cover all areas of learning. Child-friendly storage systems promote independence and allow children to make their own choices. Children are valued and their differing backgrounds and abilities are highly respected. Through the use of a wide range of resources, activities and discussion, including the childminder's extremely positive role modelling, children are encouraged to learn about the wider world and to respect difference. Comprehensive procedures are in place regarding children who speak English as an additional language and for those with a special educational need and/or disability. The childminder has experience of caring for children with a disability.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are extremely strong, as the childminder values their contributions and input, as well as keeping them very well informed about all aspects of their children's development and achievements. Detailed information from parents is used effectively in planning, to ensure learning opportunities are provided that meet children's individual needs. At the onset of a placement and during introductory visits, the childminder uses both discussion with parents and observation to help her assess a child's 'starting point'. The childminder has received extremely positive written comments from parents regarding the service she provides. She shares information with parents on a daily basis, verbally, by text message and in children's daily diaries. Children's development files are shared with parents and these include detailed observations and photographs, all of which are linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage. Parents receive an extremely

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the early years provision

detailed information pack at the onset of a placement, as well as a Early Years Foundation Stage pack. There is also relevant information displayed in the childminder's home. Very good links have been made with some services and providers used by the minded children. The childminder finds out details of themes and topics being followed by some of the minded children and has detailed procedures in place regarding forging positive relationships and sharing information with others, and is in the process of putting this into practice.

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the early years provision

The childminder is extremely proactive in ensuring her knowledge regarding children's learning and development and childcare is comprehensive and detailed. She has attended a vast amount of courses and workshops, including safeguarding, diversity, deaf awareness and the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has completed a quality first scheme and has just completed a level 3 course in childcare and development. Her detailed self-assessment has been completed effectively and she has taken time to look at the service she provides, highlighting her strengths and identifying any weaknesses. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has impressive systems in place to ensure all children make excellent progress across all areas of learning. She has detailed observation and assessment records in place, which are linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage and used to record and monitor children's development and to identify their next steps of learning. The childminder plans and adapts activities according to children's individual needs and to ensure each child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Flexible weekly plans are in place to allow the childminder the opportunity to respond to children's interests and to ensure each child is happy and engaged in their learning and play. Independence is promoted as children are encouraged to make their own choices from the wide range of toys and resources available, as well as there being a very good balance between adult-led and child- initiated activities. The childminder interacts with the children extremely well,

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and outcomes for children

ensuring she takes every opportunity to help children develop their skills and learning. For example, as the children happily play together with the small world people and house, she readily answers questions and responds to requests. They also take time to discuss the weather, how cold it is and why we need our wellington boots in the snow.

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and outcomes for children

Children make excellent progress in their social skills and building their confidence, as they have regular opportunities to attend toddler and childminder drop-in groups. They participate in outdoor activities regularly, including visits to the park, the beach and the nearby countryside park, as well as using the well-resourced garden. The childminder encourages children of all ages to use information and communication technology, including electronic toys, phones and books, as well having opportunities to use a computer, on which they can access age-appropriate games and develop their keyboard and mouse skills. They have regular cookery sessions, as well as being able to make their own sandwiches and helping to peel fruit and vegetables, and visit the shops where they are able to select ingredients and pay for them at the till themselves. The childminder uses all of these activities and outings to introduce children to new vocabulary and terms, as well as being

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and outcomes for children

able to count their money and weigh and measure ingredients. Excellent resources are provided to help children learn about the wider world, including books, small world people and dressing up clothes. The childminder also accesses book sacks, which have age appropriate books and props relating to different topics including religion, culture and feelings. Children have the opportunity to celebrate a wide variety of cultural and religious festivals and events throughout the year. They also took part in a sponsored walk to help raise money for charity.

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and outcomes for children

Good health and well-being are promoted well, as the childminder uses her detailed information on children's dietary and health needs appropriately. Her comprehensive written policies and procedures are used very well, including those regarding accidents, medication and the care of a sick child. Hygiene procedures are promoted, as the childminder takes time to talk to children about the reasons why they need to wash their hands. Children learn about healthy eating, as the childminder ensures they talk about which foods are good for them, as well as providing children with health snacks and meals. Children have good knowledge of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safety while in the childminder's home and, whilst out and about with her, they talk about road safety, as well as having the opportunity to participate in a 'Beep Beep' road safety day.

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and outcomes for children

Children have an excellent relationship with the childminder, and they are extremely happy and settled in her care. She is very kind, patient and very responsive to children's individual needs, ensuring they feel comfortable and secure in her home. Children are very well behaved, have very good manners and respond positively to the childminder's routines and consistent boundaries. They have also been involved in setting the 'house rules', which they discuss and review regularly. The childminder knows the minded children very well and ensures methods used for behaviour management are appropriate to each child's age and understanding. Children are happy to help with tidying up and, through the positive role modelling provided by the childminder, children are learning to take turns and share. They also respond very positively to the praise and encouragement she gives them throughout the day. 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 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 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 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 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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