Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 305473 Inspection date 13/01/2010 Inspector Cilla Burdis

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 14 years old, in the residential area of Fulwell in Sunderland. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7.30am to 6pm for 48 weeks of the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old at any one time. She is currently minding three children in the Early Years age range. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years old. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from the local school, and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

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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

Children are cared for in an extremely warm, caring and supportive environment. They experience a vast range of stimulating activities and experiences, which ensures their learning is promoted in fun and interesting ways. The childminder is extremely confident and skilled in her delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage and consequently, children are making excellent progress in their learning and development. The childminder is truly committed to providing an inclusive environment, where all children receive the necessary support to ensure they make excellent progress. The childminder has a very clear vision and is extremely motivated to continually develop her practice, which is supported through the self- evaluation process, training and close links with other childminders. The childminder's enthusiastic approach to her work has a positive impact on the outcomes for all of the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 including comments from parents in the self evaluation document.

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the early years provision

The childminder is extremely well organised and professional. She has detailed and comprehensive policies and procedures in place, which underpin the successful and safe management of the childminding service. She has a very clear and secure understanding of safeguarding issues, and has updated her knowledge through This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 training. Therefore, children are protected extremely well. Children's welfare is assured as the childminder and other household members have had suitability checks completed. Security of the premises is robust with safe and effective collection procedures in place. The children's safety is protected extremely well, through the undertaking of comprehensive risk assessments and daily safety checks. Appropriate safety equipment is in place, which reduces the risk of accidental injury for children. Clear boundaries and routines keep children safe on

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the early years provision

outings. Children learn about safe procedures, such as crossing the road safely. Their understanding is significantly enhanced as the childminder provides activities to develop their understanding, for example, learning about traffic lights and what each colour represents.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly committed to meeting all children's needs. She works closely with parents and other professionals to ensure each child receives the appropriate levels of support and guidance, to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child. The childminder raises children's awareness of diversity and equality extremely well through the use of resources, books and by answering questions in accordance with each child's level of understanding. Partnerships with parents are outstanding. Very good partnerships have developed, which have a significant and positive impact on children's overall well-being. The childminder speaks to parents daily and sends text messages to keep them updated. Journals are completed for parents during the settling in period or during times of change for the child, such as toilet training. This ensures that the childminder and parents work together effectively and take a consistent approach to support the child. Development files

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the early years provision

are kept for each child. They include photographs of the children and are an impressive record of the child's activities and developmental achievements. The files are accessible for parents to look at or take home. Parents views are actively sought through written questionnaires. Parental comments are extremely complimentary of the childminder. They comment on her being 'fun, kind and professional', and that their children 'love their days with her'. Parents have the utmost trust in the childminder's care for their children. The childminder has also forged partnerships with other providers to work with them to best meet the needs of the child.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly motivated in providing a stimulating environment for children to develop and achieve to the highest possible level. The childminder's ongoing commitment to training has a significantly positive impact on the exceptional quality of care provided. She is extremely passionate in driving forward and continually developing her practice. An aspect for consideration raised at the previous inspection has been addressed, and parents are now encouraged to contribute to their child's development records. A self-evaluation form is regularly reviewed and updated, although comments from parents are acknowledged and acted upon they are not included in the evaluation document. Children's play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. Child-friendly storage systems enable children to easily make choices about their play. This enhances their decision making and independence skills.

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the early years provision

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 is extremely confident in her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation stage. She uses her thorough knowledge extremely well to ensure good outcomes are achieved for every child she cares for. Daily routines and activities are adapted effectively to ensure the needs of each child are met. An exemplary balance of adult led-activities and free play is provided. The childminder organises the day to ensure children experience an exceptional range of opportunities to promote their learning and development in fun and interesting ways. Good quality information is gathered from parents during the induction process, which enables the childminder to ascertain children's starting points. This information is used to assess the children and plan their next steps in learning. Activities are age appropriate and are developed from the children's interests. The childminder is highly skilled in extending children's learning, by providing activities

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and outcomes for children

that evolve from a child's special interest in a favourite toy or activity. For example, a child's interest in a toy fire engine is used to discuss colour, size and to name other vehicles in the environment. During a visit to the local fire station the children were able to explore the real fire engines, and learned about fire safety in the home.

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and outcomes for children

Children settle extremely well in the setting. Close and caring relationships develop children's sense of security and trust. The childminder is skilful in nurturing children's communication skills as they play, by asking appropriate questions to encourage children to think and reflect. Children are confident in expressing their own ideas, thoughts and feelings to her in the knowledge that what they say is respected. Children eagerly choose activities from the wide selection accessible to them. Children select books and show great delight as they talk about the pictures on the page. Mathematical skills are encouraged as children count the number of cars they are playing with, or weigh and measure ingredients to make cakes. Children's use of mathematical language is encouraged as they make the cakes, for example, as they discuss 'more', 'too much', and 'how high' the cakes have risen. Children's awareness of the world around them is raised through the

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and outcomes for children

exceptional variety of visits they undertake. For example, they visit local museums, where they have the opportunity to interact with and explore the exhibits. They learn about cause and effect, as they observe how blowing into a container keeps balls suspended in the air. Children's interest in observing worms and snails in the garden was extended when the local childminding group arranged for a visit to their setting by a local organisation, which has a range of animals, so children could experience a wider range of wildlife. The visitors brought animals including a rat and large land snail, which the children could handle if they so wished.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and welfare is promoted extremely effectively. Opportunities for outdoor play are vast. They play in the garden and make regular visits to local parks, play areas and beaches. They learn about looking after their bodies through healthy eating and taking rests when their bodies are tired. Children learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and are becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. Routines include washing hands before eating and covering mouths when coughing. The childminder's sickness policy is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 implemented effectively to reduce the risk of illness and infection. All relevant details relating to the children are complete and up to date, such as dietary requirements and, appropriate consent forms are in place. This positively safeguards children's well-being. Clear boundaries and simple house rules help

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and outcomes for children

children learn about keeping safe. They regularly practise fire drills so they understand the emergency evacuation procedure. Children receive clear guidance and extremely sensitive support so that they learn what is expected of them. The childminder provides an environment of consideration, empathy and respect for others. Children are able to thrive in this environment as they know that they are highly valued, and that their individual differences are acknowledged and respected. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 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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