Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY281909 Inspection date 02/02/2011 Inspector Lindsey Pollock

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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 2004. She lives on the outskirts of Newcastle with her husband and her three children aged nine, seven and two years. The whole of the ground floor, one bedroom and first floor bathroom of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children on roll in this age group. The childminder cares for children Monday to Friday, all year round. The family have a cat.

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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 promotes children's welfare well in a safe and inclusive environment and they are making good progress in their learning and development. Partnerships with parents are strong and contribute significantly to ensuring that the needs of all children are met well. Effective systems are in place to evaluate the provision. This helps the childminder to monitor the service she provides and identify key strengths and minor areas for development. Consequently the capacity to maintain continuous improvement is good.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for summative assessments so children's progress can be tracked and the information used to inform future planning  practise the evacuation procedures with children to be sure the premises can be evacuated quickly and safely and so that children become aware of what to do in an emergency

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the early years provision

Children are safe and secure in the childminder's care. She completes detailed risk assessments which identify potential risks to children and the steps she takes to minimise these. The layout of the childminder's home allows for easy supervision of children whilst giving them space and independence. The childminder is aware of the emergency evacuation procedures. However, she has not practised these with the youngest children so she can be sure she can evacuate the premises quickly and safely and so that children become aware of what to do in an emergency. The childminder has a good awareness of safeguarding issues. She fully recognises her responsibility for protecting children. Checks have been This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 completed on all household members, to ensure they are suitable to be in regular contact with children. Anyone who has not been checked is never left alone with

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the early years provision

the children. Documentation is well organised and ready for inspection by appropriate persons.

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the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and strives to improve the service she provides. Effective systems for self-evaluation are in place. Parents are fully consulted both verbally and by questionnaires. Their views are valued and taken into consideration when evaluating practice. Children also contribute to this process. The childminder has a positive attitude towards development. She attends workshops and training arranged by the local authority and shares good practice at childminder network meetings. Good steps have been taken to bring about improvements to the service by addressing the recommendation from the last inspection. An accurate record is now maintained of children's attendance to help safeguard them. The childminder successfully organises her home and time to meet children's needs effectively. The organised and very well-resourced play area enables children to exploit their curiosity and become active learners. Toys are of high quality and easily accessible

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the early years provision

to children. These include resources which reflect our diverse society to help children develop positive attitudes towards others. Good use of local facilities provides further stimulus and extends their learning experiences.

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the early years provision

Positive relationships are in place with parents. Good systems for sharing information are in place. They include written policies, daily diaries, verbal feedback and text messages. These provide an effective two-way flow of information to ensure a consistent approach to children's care and learning. Parents speak highly of the provision, including comments such as 'I am delighted with the service we have received, the children have settled immediately into the calm, caring atmosphere' and 'I am very happy with the service provided'. Children do not attend any other settings, but the childminder is aware of the requirement to establish links with external agencies and other providers to ensure progression and continuity of care and education.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very settled, happy and relaxed in the setting. The childminder is warm and caring and children approach her confidently and with much affection. She provides a stimulating play environment for children whilst maintaining a homely, comfortable, atmosphere. She has a good understanding of the requirements for Early Years Foundation Stage and of how children learn. Consequently she is able to provide a wide range of meaningful activities that are fun and enjoyable for children. As a result, children are enthusiastic and active learners who effectively develop skills which contribute to their future well-being and development. The childminder monitors children's progress as they play and records the information. This helps her to plan for the next steps in their learning. As yet, systems for summative assessment have not been implemented to help with tracking children's progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children's social skills are developing well. They thoroughly enjoy the company of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the childminder's son and they play very well together. There are lots of opportunities for children to socialise outside of home. They meet with other children at toddler groups, childminder drop-ins, and sessions such as story time at the library. Although very young they behave well. They sit together happily at snack time, share resources well and remember to say 'please' and 'thank-you'. They are learning about safe practice. The childminder discusses how to behave in the home, for example, not climbing on furniture and how to cross roads safely. Children have access to very good range of books including both factual and fiction. They enjoy stories, such as 'The Hungry Caterpillar' and become fully involved in counting and naming the food he eats. The childminder skilfully uses

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and outcomes for children

songs and puppets to capture children's interest and imagination. They enthusiastically join in with 'Little Peter Rabbit' and excitedly look to see what is in Peter Rabbit's cabbage leaves. Outings in the local and wider community help children to become aware of the world in which they live. They go for walks along local bridle ways and visit the park. When time allows they go further afield such as outings to the Sage and to Seven Stories in Newcastle. The trip to the fish quay where they looked at the ships on the sea and enjoyed a treat of 'chips' was declared 'the best day ever' by one of the older children. Children successfully use a wide range of media and materials such as felt, cotton wool, paint, glue, sand and water and dough. They create lovely art work which is proudly displayed. Celebrating occasions, such as Diwali, Christmas and Chinese New Year, raises their awareness of their own and other cultures and countries.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder actively encourages good hygiene practices with the children. They learn about personal care routines, as they wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. High standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the home which helps to reduce the risk of cross infection. The children are well nourished. The childminder provides a menu that is well balanced and nutritious to aid their growth and development. They enjoy snacks of fresh fruit and main meals, such as, jacket potatoes and fish pie. Drinks are easily accessible to them throughout their stay, enabling them to remain refreshed and hydrated. 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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