Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY342267 Inspection date 16/03/2010 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 14, 12 and nine years in the residential area of Washington in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. She has a dog as a pet. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7am 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 five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant, the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 10 children under eight years, of whom no more than six may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers a warm and friendly welcome to all children and their parents. She demonstrates a very positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. The wide range of experiences offered gives ample opportunities for progress to be made. Links with other providers, where children receive care and education in more than one setting, are being developed. The childminder links with early years professionals from the local authority, as well as other childminders, to ensure continuous improvement is maintained.

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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 ensure continuity and coherence by sharing relevant information with other practitioners, where a child receives education and care in more than one setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to safeguarding children. Consequently, they are well protected. Risk assessments take place within her home as well as for outings. This results in the chance of accidental injury being reduced. The childminder's ongoing commitment to training has a positive impact on the quality of care provided. Children’s play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 resources.

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the early years provision

Effective partnership with parents ensures individual needs are met well, which promotes stability. The childminder informs them on a daily basis of the activities their children have enjoyed. This enables them to continue their children's learning through highlighted experiences. The childminder is willing to liaise with other professionals to meet any specific requirements. Links with other providers, where children receive care and education in more than one setting, are not well established. This impacts negatively on continuity and cohesion.

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the early years provision

The childminder effectively evaluates the learning and development opportunities she offers. She gains feedback from parents to broaden her view of the service provided. The recommendation raised at the previous inspection has been positively addressed. This impacts favourably on keeping children safe from harm when they are playing in the garden.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has attended training on the Early Years Foundation Stage and effectively implements it. Children behave well and are beginning to understand the consequences of unacceptable words and actions to others. The childminder has good strategies in place for managing behaviour, which are appropriate to the children's ages and stages of development. Her confident approach to equal opportunities contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with access to a selection of related resources and the celebration of different festivals. Children are happy, settled and relate well to the childminder as she joins in with their play. A very good balance of child-centred and adult-led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for their ages and stages of development. They are good communicators and hold lively conversations with each other and the childminder. Children explore shape, and sort and match

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and outcomes for children

objects regularly through fun activities, for instance, when playing with different metal shapes and magnets. They use their imaginations well and this is developed into extended and purposeful play. Children have a growing understanding of the living world through a variety of well planned and spontaneous activities. Examples of this are when they observe the birds in the garden and on walks in the woods, as well as feeding the ducks at the park and looking at insects under the magnifying glass. A variety of creative activities, including manipulating play dough, cutting and sticking, promote children's self-expression while having fun. The childminder plans activities around children's interests and capabilities. She has developed individual files which contain observations linked to the areas of learning. The next steps in children's learning are identified to effectively inform future plans.

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and outcomes for children

Children are kept secure through good procedures for entry into the childminder's home, including the use of a password system when needed. Safety equipment is in place, reducing the risk of accidents. Children are kept safe on outings as they learn road safety procedures and understand simple rules, such as holding hands when crossing the road and always wearing seat belts in the car. Large windows in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the conservatory enable children to benefit from natural light while playing indoors. They are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs and have regular opportunities to take part in large physical play. This includes exploring the variety of outdoor resources in the garden. Parents have the option to provide the meals for their children. The childminder complements these with nutritious snacks, which include fresh fruit. Children have a growing awareness of healthy

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and outcomes for children

food options, which is fostered through positive, appropriate discussions. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. They are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene and are becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. Brushing teeth and hand washing form an integral part of their routine. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms, are in place and up-to-date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being. 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 2 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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