Childminder in NorthumberlandOfsted inspection, 26 Aug 2009

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 507020 Inspection date 26/08/2009 Inspector Ann Coggin

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and three adult sons in the South Beach Estate area of Blyth. The property is close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding with the toilet facilities situated on the first floor. The children have access to an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family have a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group and also cares for children before and after school and during school holidays. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from a local nursery and school.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a service where children’s welfare is successfully promoted and they make good progress in learning and development. Inclusion for all children is maintained with effective systems to ensure individual needs are met and the childminder following children’s interest through their play and learning. The childminder has started to complete a record of self-evaluation to ensure priorities for future development are identified and addressed. Most of the required documentation is in place.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain written consent from parents to seek medical advice or treatment for all children  develop the safeguarding children policy to include the procedure should an allegation be made against the childminder or her family.

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provision

The childminder provides a well organised service to support children and their families. A range of clear policies and procedures are in place and consistently followed to promote continuity of care for all children and documentation is well organised. Most of the required documentation is in place for the safe and efficient management of children. Accident and medication records are fully completed and signed by parents. However, permission has not been obtained from parents to seek medical advice or treatment. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of child protection procedures and the types of signs and symptoms of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 abuse. She is aware she must contact Ofsted should an allegation be made against her or a family member; however, this information is not included in her written statement.

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provision

The childminder is committed to providing a quality service for all of the children who attend. She keeps up-to-date by attending training and workshop sessions, for example, Early Years Foundation Stage and making sure she maintains a current paediatric first aid qualification. She liaises regularly with other childminders and uses media to share good practice and keep abreast of early years initiatives which contributes to her good capacity for continuous improvement. Recommendations from the last inspection have been satisfactorily addressed.

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provision

Children benefit from the childminder developing good links with parents, sharing all information in regard to learning and development and operational practice effectively. For example, parents have access to the childminder's policies and procedures and care and activity information is shared verbally on a daily basis. Parents are welcomed into the home and encouraged to share information about their child. The childminder is aware of the importance of working in partnership with other key persons and ensures links are made to support children’s care and learning. Information is gathered in relation to starting points including skills and what children know to ensure they are immediately challenged and observation records are shared with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder knows the children well and provides activities which follow their individual interests. Children are settled within the childminder's home and are encouraged to access the toys and resources independently. The childminder interacts with them at their level, responding to what they say and do, displays their art work, ensuring children feel valued and promoting their self-esteem. Children confidently approach the childminder, talk to her and the inspector about their time spent with her and the outings they enjoy. The childminder conducts observations of the children on a regular basis to ensure the next steps across all areas of learning are consistently identified and ensure children make good progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy creating pictures using coloured pens. They are proud of their achievements and excitedly show them to the childminder and the inspector. The childminder rewards children's achievements with positive praise which in turn boosts the children's self-esteem and confidence. Children inform the childcare inspector how they 'enjoy coming to the childminder's as it is lots of fun'. They arrive happily to the setting and eagerly greet other children. They play well together sharing resources and helping each other. They behave well, join in, make friends and respond to the childminder's realistic expectations. The play equipment and resources are suitable for the children attending. There is a good variety and children are able to make independent choices. Children are involved in a range of planned and spontaneous activities, which support their development and learning. For example, they visit local parks, the beach where they explore

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 rock pools and local parks where they enjoy using large play equipment and have picnic lunches. Children have opportunities to meet with other childminders and their children providing children with opportunities to develop socialisation skills and to learn to respect and share activities with their peers. They undertake simple cooking tasks, such as making cakes and enjoy making their own play dough. They learn about the local environment and celebrate festivals, such as Easter, Christmas, Chinese New Year and Divali.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's safety is well promoted. The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding issues, along with a range of external reference materials. When walking to school or going on outings children are given clear boundaries to ensure that they can be fully supervised and do not wander away and talk to strangers and they are aware they must not stand too close to the water when feeding the ducks. They know what to do if an evacuation of the home is necessary. Children's good hygiene is promoted through hand washing at appropriate times and a clear sick child policy, along with the use of antiseptic gel minimises the risk of cross infection. Children enjoy playing outdoors, either in the childminder's garden or on regular outings. 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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