Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY340279 Inspection date 14/03/2011 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 2006. She lives with her partner and four children in the rural village of Rochester, Newcastle upon Tyne. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years. There are currently four children on roll, of whom three are in the early year's age group, cared for on a part-time basis. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor, which includes the bathroom and excludes the utility and computer rooms. A fully enclosed area to the front of the property is available for outdoor play. She cares for children on weekdays throughout the year.

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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 is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children are valued and respected. The childminder has a very good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides children with a broad range of activities to support their learning and development. Clear and effective systems are in place to observe and assess the children. These are clearly linked to the areas of learning and show progress made towards children's next steps. The secure relationships formed with parents are good, which enables information to be shared effectively. The childminder is beginning to reflect on her practice recognising the need for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop procedures to promote reflective practice, self-evaluation and identify priorities for development to improve outcomes for children  ensure correct ofsted contact details are included in all documents.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear and straightforward written policy outlining the steps she would take in the event of her having any concerns and fully understands her role in safeguarding children. Thorough risk assessments are in place for all aspects of the care she provides which reduces the risk to children. There are well maintained systems to record attendance, as well as effective systems for medication administration and accidents. The childminder has completed appropriate first aid training and this enables her to care appropriately for children should they become ill or in the event of any accidents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has begun to reflect on her practice and recognises the importance of continuous improvement. She has attended and arranged relevant training to continue to support her knowledge and skills to improve outcomes for

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the early years provision

children. In addition she has completed the scheme 'Quality First' which supports her in identifying aspects for improvement. The childminder makes very good use of her space and resources. Children move around the space confidently and choose independently from a wide range of good quality age appropriate resources. The childminder knows the children well and ensures appropriate activities are planned which are based on their individual interests to further develop their leaning. Suitable systems to observe and assess children to evaluate and monitor their learning needs are in place and used effectively to plan for their next steps of learning. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards equality and diversity, ensuring that all children are fully included and gathers relevant information in order to meet their individual needs.

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the early years provision

The partnerships with parents are good. The childminder shares information with them daily as well as completion of diaries to inform them of their children's progress. In addition they have access to all relevant policies and procedures and contracts set out clearly the expectations of both parties. However, Ofsteds contact number is currently incorrect in the complaints procedure. Detailed observations and assessments of children provide information with regard to progress they make towards the early learning goals. Consequently, parents can contribute towards their children's learning at home from the clear information provided to them. The childminder is fully aware of the importance of maintaining links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has developed effective links, which ensures children's continuity of learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She knows the children in her care very well and confidently describes their needs and stages of development. She provides them with a broad range of activities to support their overall learning and well-being.

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and outcomes for children

Children make very good progress in their personal, social and emotional skills. They are very happy to share resources with one another and take turns. They have lovely opportunities to mix with children of similar ages and stages of development as they regularly visit local toddler groups. Children are confident communicators and clearly make their requests known. They display pride in their paintings stating 'it is a big crane'. This in turn provides children with good opportunities to be creative and practice mark making skills. Children have access to a wide range of interesting and age appropriate books. They listen to stories intently which the childminder reads to them before their afternoon nap. They point to recognised characters in the books and love the interaction as they share the books together. Children are becoming aware of shape, measure and size and with support from the childminder they successfully identify which small world

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and outcomes for children

figures will fit into the toy bus and aeroplanes. Children clearly love imaginative This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 play and the childminder skilfully builds on their interests to encourage their learning. They display a keen interest in wheeled vehicles which the childminder ensures are always available for use. For example, children paint using the print from the wheels of small cars which further encourages their creativity. Children have good opportunities to discover the natural world and regularly enjoy walks in the surrounding woods and countryside. They visit the nearby countryside park, Bolam Lake where they have great fun feeding the ducks. In addition, they have good opportunities for free play and exercise which fully supports their overall health and well being. The childminder ensures children are provided with good opportunities to learn about their local community and they have recently visited

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and outcomes for children

the local police station. The childminder ensures that interactive toys are kept in good working order. As a result, children access programmable toys which in turn support their information and technology skills.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is fully committed to ensuring all children's welfare needs are fully met. They are provided with healthy and nutritious foods that fully comply with their dietary requirements. They enjoy nutritious meals and choose healthy snacks, such as carrot and apple, and have access to regular drinks. In addition, the childminder ensures children are fully protected from known allergies. The policy for sick children helps to contain the spread of illnesses as does regular hand washing. Children receive purposeful support from the childminder so they feel safe, valued and secure. They demonstrate their feeling of being safe as they approach the childminder for comfort and reassurance. They behave very well in the childminder's care and respond positively towards her. She has realistic expectations in accordance with children's ages and stages of development responding towards them with patience and purposeful care.

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and outcomes for children

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 2 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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