Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY400081 Inspection date 12/07/2010 Inspector Sharon, Amelia Robson

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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 has been registered since 2009. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder. They live in a residential area of High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. The property is within walking distance to local amenities, including schools, toddler groups, parks and transport links. The children have access to the whole of the ground floor and the first floor toilet and bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has a pet cat.

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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 group. When working with her co-childminder they may care for a maximum of eight children under eight years and a maximum of six children in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for four children, all of whom are in the early years age range.

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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 is very committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children are valued and respected, and where their individual needs are met fully. She has good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which ensures she provides children with effective support to enable them to make very good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has a very good capacity to improve the service she provides, as she evaluates her practice and her detailed policies and procedures. Very strong relationships have been developed with parents and some links have been made with other providers used by the minded children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop procedures to ensure their is a regular two-way flow of information with all providers used by the minded children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very good understanding of her role in safeguarding children in her care. She has recently completed safeguarding training, therefore, her knowledge is extremely comprehensive and up to date. She has detailed written policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and she ensures parents receive a copy of these, as well as discussing this at the onset of a placement. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder has effective procedures in place regarding the safe collection of children, lost children and security in general. The children's safety is given priority as she ensures effective risk assessments are in place for all the areas used by the minded children, both indoors and outdoors. Outings, including walks to and from school and the use of the car, are included in the risk assessment, which ensures hazards for children are minimised.

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the early years provision

Areas in the childminder's home are extremely well organised, with a dedicated playroom available for the minded children. There is an extensive range of toys and resources available which covers all areas of learning and a wide age range. Extremely child-friendly storage systems help to promote the children's independence and allow them to make their own choices. The children are valued and their differing backgrounds and abilities are respected. Through the range of resources and activities provided, as well as the childminder being a positive role model, children are encouraged to learn about the wider world and to respect difference.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are very strong, their contributions are valued by the childminder and she keeps them well informed about all aspects of their children's development and achievements. Detailed information from parents is used well in planning, which ensures learning opportunities are provided that meet each child's individual needs. The childminder uses observations at introductory visits, as well as discussion with parents, to assess the children's starting points. The children's development files are shared with parents and they are clearly linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage. Parents receive detailed information at the onset of a placement, including the childminder's comprehensive policies and procedures. The childminder has started to make some links with other providers, including talking about activities the children have been involved in, however, procedures are not fully in place.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very proactive in ensuring her knowledge regarding learning and development and childcare is detailed and comprehensive. She has attended a number of courses, including safeguarding and food hygiene. She has clearly identified areas for development within her service, as well as highlighting her strengths.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has very good systems in place to ensure all children make good progress across all areas of learning. She has detailed observation records in place and these are clearly linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage. She plans activities according to the children's individual needs and to ensure each child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Flexible weekly plans allow the childminder to respond to the children's interests and she ensures each child is happy and engaged in their learning and play. The children's independence is promoted, as they are encouraged to make their own choices from the extremely wide range of toys and resources available, and there is a good balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities. The interaction between the childminder and the minded This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children is very good, and she ensures she takes opportunities to help them

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and outcomes for children

develop their skills and learning. For example, as one of the minded children brought along a book on insects, the childminder arranged for the children to have a 'bug hunt'. The children had great fun using the 'bug hunt' equipment to find insects in the garden, and then looking in the book to match the pictures to their insects. They also had the opportunity to make their own spiders in a craft activity.

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and outcomes for children

The children make good progress with their social skills and building confidence as they have opportunities to visit different groups, including a local childminder drop- in centre. They participate in outdoor activities regularly, with visits to parks and the fish quay, as well as using the well-resourced garden on a daily basis, where they enjoy using the wheeled toys and playing in the sand pit. The childminder encourages children to use information and communication technology, with access to a computer, as well as electronic toys, including a calculator and telephone. The children enjoy cookery sessions with the childminder and recently made their own pizzas for lunch; she uses these sessions to encourage early maths, as well as introducing children to new vocabulary and utensils. A wide range of resources is available to help children learn about the wider world, including books, dolls and small-world people.

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and outcomes for children

Good health and well-being are promoted well, as the childminder uses her knowledge of the children's dietary and health needs appropriately. The childminder uses her comprehensive written policies and procedures well, including those regarding accidents, medication and the care of a sick child. Hygiene procedures are promoted, as the childminder ensures children are aware of the reasons for washing their hands and they all have their own hand towel in the bathroom, which helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. The children learn about healthy eating as the childminder ensures she provides children with healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, and she uses the knowledge she gained on her food hygiene course appropriately. The children are encouraged to play safely in the childminder's home and clear 'house rules' are in place. The childminder talks to children about road safety, as well as encouraging them to follow safety

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and outcomes for children

procedures while out and about with her.

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and outcomes for children

The children have very good relationships with the childminder and they are very happy and settled in her care. She is very patient and responsive to each child's individual needs, and she ensures they feel comfortable and secure. The children are very well behaved; they have good manners and respond positively to the childminder's routines and consistent boundaries. She knows the minded children very well and methods used for behaviour management are appropriate to their ages and understanding. The children are encouraged to help with tidying up, and through the positive role model demonstrated by the childminder they are learning to take turns and share. The children respond very positively to the praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder throughout the day. 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 1 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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