Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY382883 Inspection date 03/02/2011 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10 years, six years, and four years old in the New Silksworth area of Sunderland. The ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding excluding the main bedroom. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7am to 9am and 3.30pm to 6.30pm for 50 weeks of the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years range. She currently has two children on roll who are in the early years range. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years and there is currently one child on roll within this age group. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She escorts children to and from the local school and nursery.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm and friendly environment for all children and their families. She implements suitable procedures to gather information from parents in order to meet children's individual needs and create an inclusive environment. Appropriate use is made of the space to enable children to move around safely and access from a suitable range of age appropriate resources and this is combined with a suitable variety of activities covering all areas of learning. This is conducive to children making appropriate progress towards the early learning goals. Most documentation required to promote the safe and effective management of the setting is in place and systems for observations and assessments are developing. The childminder has some awareness of areas for development, however, she has only been minding for a short period of time and as yet, has not developed effective procedures to monitor and evaluate her

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further?

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

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further?

 complete a regular evacuation drill with details recorded in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  develop procedures to promote reflective practice and self-evaluation and identify priorities for development to improve outcomes for children  further develop systems to ensure effective continuity and progression of children's care and learning by encouraging other early years practitioners and parents to contribute to children's learning and development records This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  analyse the information gathered on the observation records more effectively to help plan 'what next' for individual children ensuring the information is matched to the expectations of the early learning goals  improve the system for recording children's attendance to ensure it is accurate at all times.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates an appropriate understanding of safeguarding children issues. This is supported by a written policy and a clear understanding of procedures to follow if she has a concern about a child. She has a suitable range of policies and procedures in place which underpin her practice and are shared with parents. Suitable systems are in place to gather all relevant information in order to meet children's needs, for example, dietary requirements and medical history. These are kept up to date and stored confidentially to further safeguard children. Children's welfare is appropriately promoted as the childminder and her family have had suitable checks completed. Daily checks, along with a detailed record of risk assessments, help keep children safe inside and outside of the home. Consent to obtain emergency medical treatment is in place and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This ensures that she can respond appropriately to

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the early years provision

accidents. The childminder has a detailed written evacuation procedure in place which is displayed for parents' information. However, as yet, the procedure does not include a practice fire drill to help raise children's awareness of what they should do in an emergency situation. Most documentation required to promote the safe and effective management of the provision is in place. However, the record of children's attendance lacks clarity at times.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an adequate understanding of areas for development. Although she has only been minding for a very short time, she does discuss practice with other childminders and has identified that she would like to develop her understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, she has not implemented effective procedures to further monitor and evaluate her setting in order to ensure continuous improvement. The childminder makes appropriate use of the available space within her home. She provides children with age appropriate resources which are rotated regularly to allow children to make confident choices about their learning and play. The childminder does not currently care for any children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, she demonstrates a positive attitude towards ensuring that all children are fully included at the setting and to gathering

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the early years provision

information in order to meet their individual needs.

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the early years provision

Appropriate procedures are in place to work with parents. A welcome pack, along with copies of all relevant policies and procedures, ensures that parents are well informed about the service the childminder provides. Parents are kept informed about their child's learning and care through regular verbal feedback. Although parents are aware of their child's learning journal they are not as yet, actively encouraged to contribute to these records. The childminder has a positive attitude This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to liaising with other providers for children on roll who attend other settings; strong links have not yet been forged to assist continuity of care and education.

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and outcomes for children

Children are at ease in the childminder's warm and welcoming home. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and children are making suitable progress in their learning and development. Systems for observation, assessment and planning are still in their infancy due to the limited time the childminder has been caring for children. The childminder has just begun to make observations of children in their play and record them in their learning journals. However, this information is not used to identify the next steps in their learning or linked to the areas of learning in order to clearly assess children's progress effectively. Children's awareness of their own and different cultures is being satisfactorily developed because the childminder acts as a positive role model. The childminder provides a suitable range of resources, activities and posters within the home which reflect different cultures and show positive images

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and outcomes for children

of diversity. At the time of the inspection children discussed the Chinese New Year talking about dragons, the Chinese flag and had noodles for tea. Children access a good range of books depicting different family dynamics and how they can express their feelings. The childminder praises and encourages positive behaviour and enthusiastically celebrates children's achievements; this helps to promote their self-esteem and confidence.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has an affectionate approach towards the children and regularly offers them cuddles. She builds on children's experiences through actively being involved in their play and learning. For example, she sits on the floor and engages well by talking, praising, smiling and laughing with the children. Consequently children enjoy her company; they are happy, secure and confident in the childminder's care. The childminder supports children as they complete the road track, encouraging them to develop basic counting and matching skills. Children are beginning to develop an interest in books. For example, they help themselves to their favourite stories which the childminder reads to them. This helps to promote communication skills. A variety of creative activities, such as play dough, painting and colouring, helps to promote children's self-expression while having fun. Walks and discussions about the weather introduce children to the natural

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and outcomes for children

world. Children are beginning to develop skills for the future as they play on the computer, interactive guitars and 'disc jockey' equipment, they also enjoy dancing to music from programmable toys. The childminder recognises what children enjoy doing and provides activities that promote and encourage their interests. For example, children love to use their imagination so a good range of small world toys including the toy kitchen is available for children to play with.

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and outcomes for children

Children are welcomed into the very clean and well-kept premises where they have sufficient space to play. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. Relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms, is in place and up to date. This positively safeguards children's well-being. Healthy snacks and meals This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are provided by the childminder and highlight the importance of making healthy choices. Regular use of the garden and outings to the park provide suitable opportunities for healthy exercise to encourage children's physical development and for them to understand the importance of being healthy and active. Children's knowledge about personal safety is encouraged as they discuss road safety when out walking. The childminder provides young children with good levels of adult

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and outcomes for children

supervision so they take appropriate risk as part of their development. 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 3 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 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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