Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 310050 Inspection date 12/04/2010 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 1997. She lives with her husband in the residential area of Benton in Newcastle upon Tyne. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home, except for the utility room and the bathroom on the first floor, is used for childminding. The childminder cares for children from Monday to Thursday from 7.45am to 5.30pm 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 at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding eight children in this age group. 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 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 positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. The wide range of activities offered ensure children have ample opportunities to make good progress in each of the areas of learning. Systems for monitoring progress are being developed. The childminder attends a range of training and links with an early years professional from the local authority, 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?

 develop further systems for monitoring children's progress.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended safeguarding training in the past and demonstrates a sound understanding of related issues. Consequently, children are well protected. Risk assessments take place daily within the childminder's home and for any outings undertaken. These effectively reduce the chance of accidental injury. The childminder's ongoing commitment to training has a positive impact on the quality of the care and education she provides. She has a playroom where resources are attractively displayed to inspire children to participate. These are stored at the children's height to encourage free choice and independence.

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the early years provision

Good relationships have been developed with parents. The childminder speaks to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 them on a daily basis about the activities their children have enjoyed. This is complemented with daily written diaries. Consequently, parents are able to continue their children's learning at home through highlighted experiences. Strong links have been made with other practitioners where children receive care and education in more than one setting. This has a positive impact on continuity and cohesion. The childminder has linked with other professionals in the past to ensure all specific needs are met well.

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the early years provision

The childminder evaluates the learning and development opportunities she provides well. She recognises her strengths as being the wide range of experiences she offers children and the relationships she has built with them. She also identifies the monitoring of children's progress as an area for development. The recommendation raised at the previous inspection has been positively addressed. This impacts favourably on children's welfare in the case of an emergency.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and implements it well. She uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour, which takes into account children's understanding and maturity. Children develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through a range of activities and resources which promote a positive outlook of the wider world. They benefit from a flexible routine, including a balance of child-centred and adult-led activities. Babies' communication skills are effectively promoted through some lovely interaction with the childminder, as she uses facial expression, tone and intonation. A wide range of books are available for children to enjoy independently or with the childminder. These are complemented with trips to the local library. A variety of shape-sorting resources and jigsaws nurture children's problem solving skills. They use

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and outcomes for children

information and communication technology to support their learning, including using interactive resources and accessing a computer. Effective use is made of the local area, giving children a breadth of opportunities. Children delight in using their imagination as they make a boat out of large cardboard boxes. A variety of creative activities, including painting, exploring glitter and enjoying the musical instruments, 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 photographs and observations. Links to the areas of learning are starting to be established. However, currently it is not easy to see progress towards the early learning goals in order to clearly inform future plans.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a well-maintained environment, where toys and equipment are cleaned regularly. Patio doors in the playroom enable children to benefit from natural light while playing indoors. They are kept safe on outings as they learn road safety procedures and understand simple rules, such as holding hands. Children experience good levels of supervision and appropriate safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced. They flourish as they access excellent stimulating opportunities for large physical play. These include visiting a variety of parks with extensive climbing equipment, exploring a soft-play centre This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and participating in different fun exercises in the childminder's home. They are active or restful through choice and sleep in line with their individual needs and parents' wishes. A varied and imaginative menu encourages children to have a

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and outcomes for children

really good awareness of healthy meal options. The childminder prepares meat from the local farmers' market and uses organic produce whenever possible. Positive, appropriate discussions with regard to healthy eating promote good lifestyle habits exceptionally well. Children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene and are becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, they use individual flannels, clean their teeth after breakfast and consistently wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Clear records are kept in respect of accidents and medication and these are shared with parents. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. She is fastidious with regard to ensuring infections do not spread amongst the children in her care. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent

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and outcomes for children

forms, is in place and up-to-date. This positively safeguards 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 2 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 1 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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