Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY357861 Inspection date 03/02/2011 Inspector Jacqui West

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 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.

p.1

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 2007. She lives with her husband, her nine-year- old and her eight-year-old twins in the residential area of Fenham in Newcastle. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home, together with the bathroom on the first floor, is used for childminding. There is an enclosed yard for outdoor play. The family has two cats as pets.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of three 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 four children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. Currently there are no children on roll in this age group. The childminder operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm for 48 weeks of the year. She attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

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 genuine commitment towards inclusion, and this is evident throughout all aspects of her provision. The wide range of activities and outings offered ensures each area of learning is covered very well. As a result, children make good progress towards the early learning goals. The majority of the documentation is well recorded. Systems to evaluate her practice are effective and she has a good understanding of her areas for development. Consequently, continuous improvement is effectively maintained.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 review the risk assessments to identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked further  continue to develop systems for recording children's progress, including matching observations to the expectations of the early learning goals and identifying learning priorities.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder shows a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, and procedures to follow should she have any concerns. She has all the appropriate policies and publications in place. Consequently, children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 protected. Security is well maintained. Strict procedures are in place regarding the collection of children. Written risk assessments and regular checks of all equipment are in place and children are well supervised. However the risk assessments do not fully identify all hazards, for example, the hearth may be a tripping hazard for children who attend, given their ages. The childminder implements well-maintained systems to record children's details. These are all up-to-date and stored to promote confidentiality. Children access a wide range of play opportunities both indoors and out. They move around confidently throughout the provision making

p.4

the early years provision

individual choices from the low level storage.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of equality and diversity. For example, children attend planned group sessions where they access a wide range of toys and resources to raise their awareness of the wider world. The childminder liaises effectively with parents and positive working relationships are forged. Effective induction procedures ensure that children's admission is gradual and tailored to meet their needs. Consequently, children settle very well. Parents are kept fully informed of their child's progress, through ongoing verbal feedback, photographs and the use of detailed daily diaries. They are actively encouraged to support their children's learning. They are kept well updated about their child's current interests and favourite activities. There are currently no children attending who access care and education in more than one setting. However, the childminder is aware of the importance of partnerships with others

p.5

the early years provision

and has systems to enable her to enhance opportunities for children's learning and development. The childminder demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards her career. She is motivated and committed to developing her practice to promote good outcomes for children. This is achieved through ongoing research on the internet, sharing positive practice with other settings and being inspired by their ideas. An example of this is where the children make kites and take them to the park to fly. The childminder has fully addressed the recommendation raised at the previous inspection. This has resulted in her improving safety further by practising the emergency evacuation procedure. Consequently, children's welfare and safety are promoted well.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and implements it very well. The flexible routine, varied activities and well planned outings ensure each area of learning is covered extremely well. Children are starting to understand what is right and wrong through the childminder's consistent positive approach and close supervision. Children are happy and confident. They have good opportunities to socialise with others as they attend toddler groups. They are beginning to understand the need to share and take turns as they swap popular toys in play. Children are fully involved and interested in their chosen activities, for example, they play imaginatively and dress up as fire fighters. Children's communication skills are developing well. Young children can form complex sentences and make their needs known. Younger children express themselves through making noises and gestures. Children develop a awareness of

p.5

and outcomes for children

colours as they identify them through everyday play situations, for instance 'my This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 coat is blue'. A variety of creative activities including sand, water and painting promote children's self expression whilst they have fun. Children develop an understanding of living things as they engage in planting activities and explore the changes in the weather and seasons. Regular outings to places of interest further stimulate children's interest, such as to the museum, farm and garden centre.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Thoughtful planning enables children to be actively involved in a wide range of fun activities. A portfolio of photographic evidence demonstrates the wide range of activities on offer linked to the areas of learning. Individual observations and assessments of the children's learning are recorded and linked to the next steps of learning. However, these are not well organised or fully developed to effectively inform future planning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's knowledge about personal safety is encouraged by gentle reminders from the childminder to pick up the toys so they do not trip, by road safety activities and by regular fire drill practices. This positively contributes to children developing a sense of danger and how to keep themselves safe. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to good health. They have daily opportunities to test and develop their physical skills through a variety of play opportunities, such as regular walks and visits to the local park and soft play centres. They are learning the importance of personal hygiene through the established routines in place. Children develop a growing awareness of healthy eating as they take part in imaginative food related activities such as picking strawberries and making fruit smoothies. They enjoy nutritious meals and snacks including a varied range of fresh fruit and vegetables. All relevant documentation with regard to health,

p.6

and outcomes for children

including consent forms and information on specific dietary needs, is in place and up-to-date. This positively safeguards 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

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 3 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

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