Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

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 EY315479 Inspection date 25/08/2009 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15 years, 13 years and 11 years on the outskirts of Newcastle-upon- Tyne. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7am to 6pm for 50 weeks of the year, except for bank holidays.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, all of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is willing to collect children from the local school and attends a toddler group on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment which is comfortable and secure. They take part in a stimulating and varied programme of activities and outings. Systems to involve parents in the observation and assessment of their children are being developed. The childminder has previously cared for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She demonstrates a very positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. The childminder has attended a range of training and links with a childcare coordinator from the local authority. This ensures continuous improvement is made.

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further?

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

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further?

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

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provision

The childminder evaluates the care and education she provides well. She has completed a self-evaluation form which has helped her to focus on the service she provides. She gains verbal feedback from parents, who are very happy with the way she cares for their children. All the recommendations raised at the previous inspection have been positively addressed. This has resulted in resources being developed and safety issues being reviewed. The childminder recognises her main strength as being her experience in childcare. She is also realistic when discussing that everyone can improve and how attending training positively impacts on the quality of service provided. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has built very good relationships with the parents in the short time their children have been attending. She speaks to them on a daily basis, as well as

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provision

completing daily diaries. Consequently, parents are well-informed of the experiences their children have enjoyed. This enables them to continue their children's learning at home through highlighted activities. There are currently no children attending who access care and education in more than one setting. However, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the benefits of sharing relevant information with other practitioners to ensure continuity and coherence.

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provision

The childminder has recently updated her safeguarding training and shows a sound understanding of associated issues. As a result children’s safety and well- being are ensured. Risk assessments take place on a daily basis to effectively reduce the risk of accidental injury.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has attended training on the Early Years Foundation Stage and implements it well. The range of experiences she provides ensures each of the areas of learning is effectively covered. Attractively set out resources and activities inspire children to play and have fun. The childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour, which takes into account children's understanding and maturity. Her positive attitude to equal opportunities ensures children have a good awareness of the wider community. This is supplemented with a variety of resources reflecting positive images of the world they live in. Children are happy, settled and relate well to the childminder, as she joins in with their play. An effective induction procedure ensures individual needs are met well. They enjoy looking at a wide range of books both independently and with the childminder. These include publications with a variety of textures to encourage

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children to use their different senses. An array of sorting and matching games nurture children's recognition of shape and problem solving skills. Children's knowledge of the living world is encouraged as they feed the ducks and enjoy nature walks in the woods. Opportunities to experience creative activities are provided, including manipulating play dough and painting with their hands. This promotes children's self-expression and coordination whilst having fun. The childminder has started to develop ways of planning activities and recording children's progress. The children who currently attend only started three weeks ago. However, the childminder has already created books and forms with photographs, observations linked to the areas of learning and identified next steps in the children's learning. Systems to involve the parents in this process have not been fully developed as yet. This has a slightly negative impact on showing a true

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children explore, test and develop physical control, for instance when playing ball games and visiting the soft play area. The childminder’s flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. The parents of the children currently attending choose to provide their meals. However, the childminder discusses how she is more than willing to prepare healthy food This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 options, including pasta dishes, casseroles, fruit and yogurts. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children’s good health is promoted. Effective systems are in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. Clear records are kept in respect of accidents and these are shared with parents. Children learn about their personal hygiene through their normal daily routines, including washing their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

hands before snack time. Good systems to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy are effectively promoted. These include having a clear procedure in place should children become ill. Children are safeguarded well as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children. All children are able to explore confidently using high quality resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. Safety equipment is in place to effectively reduce the risk of accidental injury. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. 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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