Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 301718 Inspection date 10/06/2010 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 13 years in the residential area of Cramlington in Northumberland. 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 5.30pm during term time.

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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 five children in this age group on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends a toddler group 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 demonstrates a warm and friendly nature, which is conducive to making all children and their parents feel welcome. She shows a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment, ensuring she can meet all of the needs of those attending. The wide range of experiences she offers makes sure children have ample opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding. Systems for planning activities and monitoring children's progress are being developed. The childminder attends training to ensure continuous improvement is effectively maintained.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the planning of activities and monitoring of children’s progress, including identifying the next steps in their learning  develop further systems to involve parents as part of the ongoing observation and assessment process.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended safeguarding training and demonstrates a sound understanding of related issues. Consequently, children are well protected. Risk assessments take place daily to reduce the chance of accidental injury well. The childminder's ongoing commitment to training has a positive impact on the high quality of care and education she provides. Resources are stored at the children's height to promote free choice and independence. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Good relationships have been developed with parents. The childminder speaks to them on a daily basis to ensure they are fully informed of the experiences their children have enjoyed. They also have access to their children's individual observational files. This enables them to continue their children's learning at home through highlighted activities. The childminder is very willing to link with other

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the early years provision

professionals to meet children's specific needs. She has built strong links with other practitioners that provide care and education to children in other settings. This promotes continuity and cohesion.

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the early years provision

The childminder clearly evaluates the learning and development opportunities she provides. She gains feedback from parents verbally and with written questionnaires, to give her a broader view of the service offered. The recommendations raised at the previous inspection have been positively addressed. This reduces the slight chance of children being injured through accessing loose speaker wires.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has attended training on the Early Years Foundation Stage and implements it effectively. She ensures that each of the areas of learning is covered well. A very good balance of child-centred and adult-led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for the children's ages and stages of development. The childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour, which takes into account children's understanding and maturity. 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 resources and meaningful activities. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are happy to participate in the variety of activities provided. They use information and communication technology to support their learning, for example, when accessing carefully chosen computer programs and interactive resources. Effective use is

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and outcomes for children

made of the local area, giving children a breadth of opportunities. Activities are regularly extended. For example, when a child brought a toy octopus in from home the childminder encouraged the children to count the tentacles, research sea creatures on the internet and in an encyclopaedia, and make related pictures. This inspires children to be creative and increases their knowledge of the natural world. Children’s communication skills are fostered well through various activities including songs and rhymes. The childminder plans activities taking into account the children's interests and capabilities. She knows each child in her care very well. Individual files have been developed which include photographs and observations linked to the areas of learning. They do not currently identify the next steps in children's learning or clearly show the involvement of parents in the ongoing observation and assessment process. This has a slightly negative impact on

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and outcomes for children

informing future planning and monitoring progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children are welcomed into clean and well-kept premises where they have ample space to play. They are safeguarded well as the childminder’s home is secure at all This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 times. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children. Routines, such as tidying away toys from the floor, encourage children to take responsibility for their own safety. Children are kept safe on outings as they learn road safety procedures and understand simple rules, such as holding hands. A range of safety equipment is in place, which effectively reduces the risk of accidents. Children flourish as they access good opportunities for physical play, including exploring large climbing equipment in the park. They are active or restful through choice and sleep in line with their individual needs and parents’ wishes. Parents have the option to provide their children's meals. Otherwise the

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and outcomes for children

childminder is willing to prepare meals and snacks including fruit, sandwiches, salads and breadsticks. Children are encouraged to be healthy as they learn how to wash their hands and they know the reason why they are not to put soothers in their mouth if these have fallen on the floor. The childminder implements good procedures for nappy changing to ensure children's personal care needs are met well. Her good relationship with parents and effective procedures, ensure children are cared for appropriately when ill. This reduces the risk of the spread of infection. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent 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 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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