Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 305678 Inspection date 28/04/2010 Inspector Cathryn Parry

p.1

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.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and three children aged 18, 16 and nine years in a residential area of Sunderland in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. She has a fish as a pet. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7.30am to 6pm for 48 weeks of the year.

p.4

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 three 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.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides an exceptionally warm, safe and stimulating environment for children. She demonstrates an unquestionably positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. The extensive range of experiences she offers ensures all children have ample opportunities to make good progress. She is constantly developing her outstanding practice, including the observation and assessment process. She is an active member of a childminding network and links closely with an early years professional from the local authority to effectively maintain continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further systems to involve parents as part of the ongoing observation and assessment process.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has attended safeguarding training and demonstrates a really sound understanding of related issues. Consequently, children are very well protected. She carries out robust risk assessments on a daily basis both within her home and for any outings undertaken. This clearly reduces the chance of accidental injury. Her ongoing commitment to training and her passion and enthusiasm for her chosen career have truly positive impacts on the high quality of care and education she provides. The massive range of activities and resources are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attractively displayed for children to easily access to encourage free choice and independence. They are also thoughtfully rotated to inspire children to participate.

p.4

the early years provision

Extremely effective relationships with parents ensure individual needs are clearly met well, which promotes stability. The childminder discusses with parents the activities their children have enjoyed, as well as provides written diaries and takes many photographs to share with them. Consequently, parents are fully informed of the experiences their children have enjoyed. She is proactive in encouraging parents to be involved in their children's learning at home through highlighted activities. The childminder has had experience of liaising with other professionals to meet children's specific needs in the past and is more than willing to do this again. There are currently no children attending who access care and education in more than one setting. However, the childminder has liaised with other practitioners in the past when this has occurred. She demonstrates a substantial understanding of the benefits of sharing relevant information to ensure continuity

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder confidently and eagerly discusses the systems she has in place for evaluating the service she provides. She gains feedback from parents verbally and with written questionnaires. The childminder keenly welcomes all responses in order to further develop the unmistakably excellent learning and development opportunities she offers. The recommendations raised at the previous inspection have been successfully addressed, which impacts positively on children's welfare.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has attended a truly impressive range of training courses, which results in her having an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is accomplished in implementing it extremely well. The childminder uses a carefully considered 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 imaginatively planned activities and resources which promote a positive outlook of the wider world, for example, they visited the local mosque. The childminder is very adaptable to children's varying needs, for example, she uses some really lovely facial expressions, tone and intonation when communicating with babies. She is forward thinking and committed to providing an inspiring environment. This includes

p.5

and outcomes for children

dedicating a room within her home for quite play with attractively displayed books and comfortable seating, as well as resourcefully equipping the garden so children gain the optimum from outdoor play. Activities are extended so children learn while having a great deal of fun. An example of this is where they plant and nurture sun flowers, measure and monitor their growth and then explore the petals to develop their senses. Children delight in participating in creative activities, such as painting, exploring a wide range of musical instruments and enjoying the sand and water. The childminder is very well organised and has a comprehensive knowledge of the children in her care. She has a flexible routine and plans experiences taking into account children's interests and their capabilities. She has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 developed individual files with photographs and observations linked to the areas of

p.5

and outcomes for children

learning and identifying next steps to inform future planning. Currently, parents are not clearly involved in the observation and assessment process, which has a very slight negative impact on gaining a true picture of children's achievements.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are welcomed into a child-orientated home, which is comfortable, clean and well-kept. Large windows throughout the areas used by the children enable them to benefit from natural light while playing indoors. Children experience unquestionably high levels of supervision and a comprehensive range of safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced. Their knowledge about personal safety is encouraged by gentle reminders from the childminder to be careful when using the slide, road safety activities and regular fire drill practices. This positively contributes to children developing a sense of danger and how to keep themselves safe. Children flourish as they access excellent opportunities for large physical play. Babies and toddlers are successfully developing their locomotion and balance skills through a selection of push-and-pull toys. Children are active or restful through choice and sleep in line with their individual needs and

p.6

and outcomes for children

parents' wishes. Their well-being is enriched through accessing a healthy diet. A varied and imaginative menu encourages children to have a good awareness of nutritious meal options and gives children opportunities to try new foods. Children are consistently learning about the importance of good personal hygiene and are becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. Brushing teeth after lunch and hand washing forms an integral part of their routine. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms, is 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

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8