Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY348214 Inspection date 23/03/2011 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 2007. She lives in Sunderland with her husband and two children aged 11 and four years. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home and the loft playroom are used for childminding. 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 five children aged under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently four children on roll in this age group who attend at various times. She also provides care for older children. The childminder cares for children all week, all year round. The childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. The family have guinea pigs.

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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

Children are cared for in a positive, nurturing environment. The childminder promotes their learning and development successfully through well-planned activities. All children are valued for their individuality and treated with equal respect and concern. This enables them to feel fully included. Good relationships with parents promote continuity in children's care. The childminder is proactive in developing her practice and enjoys caring for children. 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?

 further develop systems for observation and assessment for all children in the Early Years Foundation Stage so their progress can be tracked and the information used to inform future planning  keep a record of potential risks and the steps taken to reduce these for all venues visited during childminding.

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the early years provision

The childminder completes regular training to update her knowledge of safeguarding procedures. She fully recognises her responsibilities and is confident about the procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child. Checks have been completed on household members to ensure they are suitable to have regular contact with children. Her home is safe and secure and good steps are taken to reduce potential risks to children. Risk assessments are documented to help her monitor safety. The childminder makes sure children are safe when attending different groups. However, she does not keep a record of the potential This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 risks to children associated with these venues. Documentation is well organised and confidentiality is maintained. The childminder is first aid trained and keeps appropriate records of any accidents and administered medication.

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the early years provision

Effective systems for self-evaluation are in place and are beginning to have a positive impact on the childminding practice. The childminder is enthusiastic and is very keen to provide the best possible care for children. She has made good progress since the last inspection and has addressed the recommendation made. She seeks feedback from parents and children and is starting to use the Ofsted self-evaluation form to help her identify areas for development. The childminder provides a welcoming, homely environment where children have space to move around freely. They confidently choose the toys they wish to use from a varied selection of good quality items that are set out for them. These include resources which reflect our diverse society to help children develop positive attitudes towards others.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are good and they are fully informed about the care of their children. For example, through daily verbal communication and also diaries for some children. Extremely positive comments from parents, by way of letters, responses to questionnaires and cards, confirm their satisfaction with the level of care and education the childminder provides. These include comments such as 'the childminder respects my daughter as an individual has opened her home and family to her' and 'the childminder treats my children as if they were her own'. Good links are in place with other settings. These are developed through shared information and discussions. This helps to promote children's care and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's care. They obviously love being with her and also enjoy the company of her family. One older child comments 'I like coming to the childminder's because I have loads and loads of fun'. She has an increasing understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This helps her to plan and provide a fun and interesting range of activities to help the children make progress across all areas of learning. Play opportunities are provided at home and also within the wider community so that all aspects of children's learning is promoted. The childminder is beginning to document observations and assessments. However, these systems are not yet fully established to help her assess children's progress so she can identify the next steps for their development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning how to share and play considerately with others. Attendance at groups and opportunities to play together at the childminder's home promote their social skills. They behave well and the childminder manages their behaviour in a calm, consistent and kind way. She reinforces good behaviour with clear praise. Children are very much valued as individuals and the childminder strives to make sure each child feels special. For example, each child's birthday is celebrated and each has their own coat peg. This raises children's self-esteem and gives them a sense of belonging. Children have access to a good range of books which they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 love reading with the childminder and also by themselves. Children's physical development is well promoted. They skilfully use a wide variety of equipment, both at the childminder's home and at parks and at various groups. They join in

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and outcomes for children

exercise sessions enthusiastically, being 'funky monkeys'. They are learning to appreciate music as they happily join in 'time for rhyme' at the local children's centre. They go on many outings both in the local community and further, including special trips to Winter Wonderland and Adventure Valley. They are learning about the importance of healthy eating as they enjoy nutritious meals and snacks. Activities, such as making their own pizzas, also raise children's awareness of what foods are good for them. Children use their senses to explore materials and objects using sand and water and during messy play activities. They enjoy construction activities, laughing as their brick towers fall down.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is well promoted. The childminder encourages self-help skills and independence from an early age. Young children learn to wash and dry their hands before eating and the childminder acts as a good role model in her own hygiene practices. They have many opportunities for fresh air and exercise during the day. They use the childminder's garden and also enjoy trips to the park. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they play. For example, children help to tidy away toys and learn to sit at the tables when eating. Children participate in regular fire evacuation drills so they know what to do in an emergency. 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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