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 EY252649 Inspection date 26/08/2009 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 partner and two children aged nine and 12 years. They live in a residential area of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside. The property is within walking distance to local amenities, including schools, nurseries, parks and transport links. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom and two children's rooms. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum six children under eight years. Currently, there are three children on roll in the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder has a BTEC National Diploma in Nursery Nursing.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is very supportive in helping children make good progress in their learning and development. She is committed to providing an inclusive environment where all minded children are valued and have their individual needs met. She encourages children to develop a positive attitude towards diversity and difference from the positive role model she provides. Children experience a range of stimulating activities, which take into account their interests and specific needs. The childminder has a very good capacity to improve the service she provides because she regularly evaluates her practice, including updating and reviewing her policies and procedures. She has detailed written observation, monitoring and assessment procedures in place.

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further?

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

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provision

Children are safeguarded because effective written policies and procedures are in place, including relevant parental consents. All documentation and records are very well organised and confidentially maintained. High priority is given to children's safety, as comprehensive risk assessments are used. They take into account both the indoor and outdoor environments and include outings, all of which ensures that hazards for children are minimised. The childminder has a very good understanding of her role in safeguarding children in her care. She has updated her child protection training, therefore ensuring her knowledge is detailed and comprehensive. She has detailed policies and procedures in place regarding safeguarding and ensures she shares this information with parents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is very proactive in ensuring her knowledge regarding childcare

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provision

and children's learning and development is up-to-date and, as a result, she has attended a number of courses to enhance this. She has very good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), having completed a number of workshops relating to it. She has begun to look at her self-evaluation and has taken time to identify any weaknesses and develop her strengths.

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provision

Partnership with parents is very strong as the childminder values their input and keeps them well informed about all aspects of their children's development and achievements. Information from parents is effectively used in planning to ensure learning opportunities are provided that meet children's individual needs, and time is taken at the onset of a placement to discuss children's stages of development. Children's development files, along with photographs and artwork, are shared with parents on a weekly basis, alongside discussions about activities, outings and topics children are involved in. The childminder has made very good links with local schools and nurseries attended by minded children.

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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 allow them to reach 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. Children are able to make their own choices as there is a very good balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder interacts very well with the children as she spends time playing with them and ensures she takes opportunities to help children develop their skills. For example, as a child sets out the large rubber numbers around the room, the childminder asks her

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

which numbers she has, the colours of each one and also asks the child to find the number for her age and the childminder's daughter's age. The child thoroughly enjoys doing this and then begins to name all the numbers without being prompted.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make very good progress in their social skills because they have regular opportunities to visit local toddler groups. They also regularly participate in outdoor and physical activities, including visits to the park, the beach and a soft play centre. Children visit the local library where they are able to select their own books and listen to 'story time'. They also visit a café and the shops where they buy ingredients for baking and snacks. There are great opportunities for children to use the computer and the childminder ensures all games and sites are appropriate for the age of the children being cared for. There is a very wide range of books and other resources that show positive images of diversity and difference, as well as the opportunity to celebrate cultural festivals and events.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good health and well-being are promoted because the childminder uses her detailed information on children's dietary and health needs appropriately. There This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are comprehensive written health and welfare policies and procedures in place, all of which are shared with parents. Hygiene procedures are promoted as the childminder talks to children about how germs spread and the need to wash their hands at appropriate times. Healthy eating is promoted and children have opportunities to participate in cookery sessions. Children have good knowledge of safety while in the home and whilst out and about with the childminder. She talks to them about how to stay safe when crossing the road and also ensures all children are aware of the 'house rules', which promotes being safe in the home.

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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 and secure whilst in her care. Children are very well-behaved, have good manners and respond well to the childminder's routines and boundaries. They happily help with setting up and clearing away activities and respond very well to the praise and encouragement given by the childminder. She encourages children to share, take turns and respect each other from the positive role model she provides. 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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