Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 318931 Inspection date 01/02/2011 Inspector Anthea Errington

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and their two adult children in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently three children on roll of which two are in the early year's age group. She cares for children on weekdays throughout the year. The family have tropical fish.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's extremely caring and supportive relationships with the children as well as her extensive knowledge of childcare underpin the excellent progress they make in their learning and development. She is consistently committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children have their individual needs very well met. She has a clear knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and good systems to observe and assess children are in place, which ensures their next steps of learning are skillfully planned for. Strong, purposeful links have been developed with parents ensuring they are kept well informed.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensuring dates are consistently recorded on the recorded observations of children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear and straightforward written policy outlining the steps she would take should she have concerns regarding a child in her care. Thorough risk assessments are in place for all aspects of her care which reduces the risk to children. She teaches children to keep themselves safe and has worked with them in developing simple house rules to ensure their safety and well-being. This helps children to feel safe, confident and secure. As well as this, children take part in regular fire drills and practice road safety, which helps them to feel safe and teaches them effective ways to stay safe.

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the early years provision

Documentation is very well organised, readily available for inspection and stored securely to protect confidentiality. All essential records and well written policies are in place which parents receive copies of. This provides them with relevant information with regard to the childminder's role and responsibilities. The registration certificate is prominently displayed, and Ofsted's contact details are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 held in the childminder's policy file. The childminder fully recognises the importance of continuous improvement and her ongoing commitment to training has a significant, positive impact on the high quality of care and education provided. She thoroughly embraces training and uses the skills she has acquired to provide lovely activities for the children to enjoy. In addition, she welcomes parents' views, providing them with opportunities to comment on her care through

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the early years provision

the use of questionnaires and ongoing dialogue with them.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly motivated and ensures first class relationships with parents are maintained. Contracts are used to set out clearly the expectations of both parties and daily discussions are held and diaries are completed to ensure parents are fully informed of their children's time spent with her. In addition, she provides learning journals which include photographs, observations and assessments which are mostly dated to show progression of children's learning, both at home and on the many outings they participate in. Consequently, parents can contribute towards their children's learning from the clear information provided to them.

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the early years provision

Very good links are made with other providers and the childminder maintains good relationships with staff members to exchange pertinent information to help support children's overall learning and development. The childminder shows an extremely positive attitude towards equality and diversity and all children are encouraged to participate in the full range of available activities. They are taught to respect other people and have access to a very good range of resources, as well as attending many community run groups to further develop their awareness and understanding of the wider world.

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and outcomes for children

Children are provided with a wealth of exciting opportunities and resources to enable them to make very good progress across all areas of learning. They display extremely warm and close relationships with the childminder which results in them fully enjoying their time spent with her. Good use is made of observation and assessment, which the childminder skillfully uses to plan the next steps in children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are provided with very good opportunities to develop their social skills, and regularly attend play sessions at local community centres where they have opportunities to play and share with children of similar ages and various cultures. They receive purposeful support from the childminder so they feel safe, valued and secure, which increases their desire to learn. Children are becoming confident communicators and make their requests known to the childminder using verbal and non-verbal communication. Young children reach out to her for comfort and she readily responds to them with warmth and affection. They display great interest in the 'look and see' books and are beginning to turn the pages over in sequence. Children have lovely opportunities to develop their imagination and creativity as they are given many opportunities for imaginative play. For example, they have access to superb resources including various materials to construct

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 exciting play spaces and dens. Children make very good progress in their problem solving and numeracy skills as the childminder provides them with superb opportunities. For example, children are beginning to understand the value of money as they use it to pay for items and receive change, whilst out shopping at local shops. Young children think critically and attempt to complete puzzles with support from the childminder. The childminder skilfully builds on children's many interests to extend their learning. For example, she recognises children's interest in shapes, particularly in circles and provides them with exciting resources to continually challenge them. Children have very good opportunities to develop their information and technology skills as they access an extensive range of programmable toys such as mobile phones, cameras, digital photo frames and

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and outcomes for children

computers. Children display great interest in their surroundings as they continually point towards the infared alarm system. In addition, they are provided with lots of opportunity to experience the natural world as they regularly play in the garden and local parks.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is fully committed and places utmost priority to ensure the children's welfare needs are met. Children are provided with healthy and nutritious snacks and meals that fully comply with their dietary requirements. They help to grow their own fruit and vegetables and delight in the tastes and smells of the various produce. In addition, regular hand washing, the policy for sick children and the childminder's food safety qualification, helps to contain the spread of illnesses. Children respond positively towards the childminder who has realistic expectations in accordance with children's ages and stages of development and is a good role model for them. They flourish in the childminder's excellent care and the positive experiences they receive support them in developing skills for future success. 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 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

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Stage

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

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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

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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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