Childminder in South Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY405289 Inspection date 01/12/2010 Inspector Jacqui West

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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 assesses 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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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 2010. She lives with husband and two children aged 11 and 14 years. They live in the residential area of Jarrow, in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Registers. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged 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 two children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years and is currently minding one child in this age group. The childminder cares for children each week day from 8.00am to 6.00pm for 49 weeks of the year. The childminder has completed a level three diploma in home-based

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Description of the childminding

childcare and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. The childminder escorts children to and from the local school and has established suitable links with staff to support children's learning.

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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

Children feel secure as the childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for all children and their families. She demonstrates a positive attitude towards providing an inclusive environment. Children benefit from a wide range of fun activities which the childminder plans to meet their individual needs. Procedures to observe and assess children are developing well. Systems to evaluate her practice are effective and she has a good understanding of her areas for development. The childminder works very well with parents and is developing positive links with others to ensure that children's needs are met.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the planning of activities and observing of children to plan the next steps in their learning  develop relationships with other settings that children attend for coherence of learning and development by sharing relevant information with each other.

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the early years provision

Children are protected well. The childminder has attended safeguarding training and demonstrates a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and procedures to follow should she have any concerns. She ensures that all relevant telephone numbers including emergency contacts are readily available. This helps This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to effectively safeguard children. Their welfare is assured as the childminder and other household members have had suitable checks completed. Detailed risk assessments take place on a daily basis within the childminder's home and for outings. She ensures that children are kept safe on outings as she implements effective procedures, such as holding hands, parental consent forms and she encourages children to discuss possible dangers while on outings. Consequently, the chance of accidental injury is effectively reduced. Children take responsibility

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the early years provision

for their own safety and that of their peers. For example, during a cutting activity the older child commented that sharp scissors are not safe for the younger child to use. Child-friendly storage systems on the ground floor level allow children to self- select resources and make choices about their play as age appropriate. This helps foster their decision making and independence skills.

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the early years provision

The childminder implements well maintained systems to record children's details. These are all up-to-date and stored to promote confidentiality. She demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion. She works closely with parents from the start of the placemnet to ensure that she is fully aware of and able to support children's individual needs. Parents receive a detailed prospectus that includes information about the overall service provided. A pro-active relationship between parents and the childminder results in them being well informed of the activities their children have enjoyed. Consequently, they are able to continue their children's learning at home through highlighted experiences. The childminder has begun to develop procedures to share information with other providers. For example, children take leaves into nursery to enable them to share the activities they enjoy. However, these are not yet fully developed to fully promote continuity for children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder shows a positive attitude towards her career. She is motivated and committed to developing her practice to promote outcomes for children. She has attended regular training such as, safeguarding and hygiene awareness and implements good practices. The childminder has completed a self-evaluation form, which has enabled her to focus on the service she offers. Space is well organised and provides children with easy access to a good variety of activities and learning experiences. The childminder uses the local environment and resources to compliment those within the home.

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and outcomes for children

Children's learning and development is well supported which leads to them making good progress. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are happy, settled and relate very well to the childminder. Strong relationships have blossomed during the short period of time the children have attended. The childminder joins in play on the children's level which extends their learning. For example, discussions further children's knowledge of colour. She skilfully adapts activities to include children of different ages and abilities. The childminder manages the children's behaviour very well. She is consistent in her approach taking into account children's ages and stages of development. Positive role modelling by the childminder and a range of resources encourage children's growing knowledge of equal opportunities. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

benefit from a flexible routine including a balance of child-centred and adult-led activities. The childminder listens to the children and provides appropriate activities at the child's request.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop their social skills as they attend several toddler groups, they are encouraged to interact positively with others. Young children confidently choose their own activities, for example, they set out the shopping basket and play food to play shops. This gives children the opportunity to use their imagination. Children develop an awareness of colours as they identify them through everyday play situations. Older children explore further as they identify shapes and colours on flash cards, such as, diamonds, orange and blue. Children's communication skills are appropriately fostered through various activities. Children sing songs as they play. They thoroughly enjoy mark making and craft activities. Children spend a considerable amount of time at their choosen activity. Children develop good hand and eye coordination as they cut, use glue sticks and pencils. Their knowledge of a wider world is well developed. Regular outings are made into the local

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and outcomes for children

environment, for example, feeding the ducks and collecting leaves and conkers. Resources at the local playgroup and library provide opportunities for children to use information and communication technology to support their learning. These include a range of programmable toys and computers. The childminder is very aware of the children's interests and capabilities. However, systems to record, monitor and assess the children development are still in their infancy.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment, they develop an understanding of good hygiene practices, for example they are reminded to cover their mouth while coughing. They are encouraged to enjoy healthy snacks and meals including, yoghurt, fresh fruit and pasta. Children are encouraged to develop healthy lifestyles, they walk regularly to the local park where they test and develop their physical skills as they climb the equipment. They are active or restful through choice and sleep in-line with their individual needs and parent's wishes. Good procedures are in place to minimise the spread of infection. For example, children use individual towels after washing. A clear sickness policy is in place alongside an abundance of information on health issues to support parents queries. Children experience good levels of supervision and all safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced. The childminder has all the required policies and procedures

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and outcomes for children

in place to ensure that children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded and promoted. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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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