Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 305554 Inspection date 08/02/2010 Inspector Sharon Greener

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and two adult sons. They live in the residential area of Lambton in Washington. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s home are used for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years. There are four children on roll in the early years age range, and two children aged between five to under eight years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7.30am to 6.30pm for 49 weeks of the year. She has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She takes and collects children from the local school and nursery and attends the local parent and toddler groups.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

A welcoming, inclusive environment is provided for children and parents, as they are recognised and valued as individuals. The childminder demonstrates a suitable knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and children make good progress. She works very well with parents and liaises suitably with others in order to meet children's needs. The quality of the service, care and education provided is evaluated very well and identifies areas for further improvement, which are tasked accordingly. 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?

 develop further knowledge of the EYFS so as to support and enhance practice effectively.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the action to be taken to safeguard children from harm. She shows a sound awareness of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has completed relevant training. The recommended literature and relevant contact details are available for reference purposes. Her understanding of the lost and uncollected child procedures is good. An informative complaints procedure is shared with parents. The childminder has a suitable awareness of how to manage complaints. An appropriate method of recording relevant information is available. Procedures for the collection of children are strict, and they are only released to designated people. Risk assessment procedures are used very well to minimise or remove risks, and suitable records are kept. Appropriate This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safety equipment is provided. Security is very well maintained. The childminder

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the early years provision

evaluates the quality of her service very well and is able to identify areas for further improvement and set goals accordingly. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed. The childminder accesses relevant training to support her practice. For instance, she has completed training in respect of the EYFS and has renewed her first aid certificate. The required documentation is in place and very well organised.

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the early years provision

Space is very well used to create a welcoming environment. A good selection of resources and activities are made accessible to children within the constraints of safety. They are able to make choices and self-select resources. This helps nurture children's decision making and independence skills. The childminder understands the need to raise children's awareness of diversity and the wider world. She has completed relevant training and presents as a positive role model to children. A satisfactory selection of resources and activities are provided to help raise children’s awareness of diversity. For example, dolls with different skin-tones and books reflecting aspects such as, gender, disability and other cultures. The childminder uses discussion well to promote differences in a positive manner. Arrangements to support children who speak English as an additional language or those with special educational needs and/or a disability are satisfactory. The

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the early years provision

childminder is able to describe how she would liaise with other agencies and professionals, adapt activities, and seek pertinent training and assistance as necessary to support children accordingly.

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the early years provision

Suitable links are forged with others delivering the EYFS. The childminder exchanges relevant information with key people at the local nursery to help support children's continuity of learning. She works in harmony with parents and forms very positive working relationships with them. Induction procedures are efficient. Parents are very well informed of the service provided and policies and procedures are shared with them. Parents and children complete a series of visits to the childminder's home to enable all parties to become familiar with each other. Children are introduced gradually into her care and they settle very well. Pertinent information about each child's needs and abilities is obtained from parents and recorded. This allows the childminder to assess children's initial starting points effectively. Parents have access to their child's personal records and are encouraged to inform the childminder of any information that may impact on the

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the early years provision

care of their child. Effective systems are in place to keep parents up-to-date about their child's progress and the general events of the day. This is achieved through regular verbal feedback, telephone calls, individual daily diary sheets and scrapbooks. Parents are kept very well informed of any particular interests their child may have and of their favourite activities. This allows them to offer resources and activities at home to complement and support their child's learning. Feedback from parents is most positive and very complimentary. One parent said that 'she was kept very well informed about how her child was doing' and that she 'would recommend her childminder to others'. Comments received from written feedback included 'I am very happy with the care my child receives', 'My child's speech and vocabulary has developed brilliantly' and 'A brilliant childminder and very helpful to a first time mum.'

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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 demonstrates a suitable knowledge of the EYFS and uses it well to support her practice. She shows good instinct and ability in respect of supporting and nurturing children's learning and development. They are able to learn at their own level and pace and progress very well. A good variety of adult- led activities is provided to promote and reinforce children's learning. For instance special creative activities, team games, physical play activities such as Sticky Kids, story-time and song-time. Children go on regular outings to the local parks, shops and library. They visit places of interest such as, Washington Wetlands Centre, the Glass Centre, the beach, Monkwearmouth Railway Museum, Whitehouse Farm and soft- play facilities. Younger children attend playgroups several times each week. These outings provided additional opportunities for children to socialise and to develop an awareness of the local community and wider world. Ongoing observations are used

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and outcomes for children

very well to allow the childminder to build a sound understanding of children's individual capabilities. She plans a good selection age appropriate activities and learning experiences, which are flexible in response to each child's interests, needs and identified goals. Satisfactory records are maintained in respect of individual children's learning and progress. The childminder interacts very warmly with children and shows a real interest in what they say and do. She readily acknowledges and celebrates children's efforts and achievements. For example, a young child's ability to recognise and name primary and some secondary colours correctly. This positive reinforcement promotes children's confidence and self- esteem.

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and outcomes for children

Children approach the childminder confidently and seek comfort and reassurance from her. They are contented and happy. Hygiene standards are good, the childminder uses relevant policies and procedures very well. For instance, those in respect of the care of a sick or injured child, the administration of medication and accident management. She uses daily routines well, such as, hand washing at appropriate times along with positive role modelling to encourage children to adopt good hygiene practices. The positive benefits of healthy eating and an active lifestyle are well promoted. Children go for daily walks and play outdoors each day, weather permitting. A good selection of resources and activities are provided to support children's physical development. Parents are consulted closely about any dietary needs their child may have and these needs are well met. Children have access to fresh drinking water and other suitable drinks throughout the day.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is very well managed through the calm and consistent use of age appropriate strategies. For instance, the childminder gives older children simple explanations and reminders of the boundaries, and distraction tactics are used effectively with younger children. Good behaviour is acknowledged and praised as a means of reinforcing and promoting such behaviour. Children respond positively to this and they are very well behaved. The childminder helps raise children's awareness of safety very well. For example, house rules and boundaries are explained simply to help children develop an age appropriate awareness of the need to keep safe. Children practise fire drills and road safety. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 talks to children about matters such as, stranger danger and the need to stay close to her during 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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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 3 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 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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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