Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 506986 Inspection date 30/03/2011 Inspector Shirley Peart

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 1991. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives in a residential area in Blyth, Northumberland with her husband. The ground floor of the home and a first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear yard for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to take a maximum of six children. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) age group. The childminder also offers care to five children aged over five years. All children attend on a part-time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a level 3 childcare qualification.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for by a highly competent, experienced and dedicated childminder who recognises and values each child's uniqueness and individuality. Therefore, they benefit from excellent care and learning opportunities so that they make very good progress. Their health, welfare and individual needs are extremely well met as she works very well in partnership with parents and other professionals involved in the children's care. She continually reflects on her practice and has clear, exciting plans for the future to develop the provision further.

p.4

further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

p.4

further?

 continuing to put the identified plans for improvement in place.

p.4

the early years provision

Safeguarding children is of paramount importance. The childminder clearly understands her role in responding appropriately and effectively should she have any concerns about a child by following government legislation and her clear policy and procedure. Comprehensive risk assessments for indoors, outdoors and outings, daily safety check lists and effective use of child safety equipment, ensure that children are safe. The childminder uses self-evaluation very well as a useful tool to help her identify what she does well and what she would like to develop. She has clear, realistic and challenging plans for the future, so that improvements identified can help her to develop her service further to benefit the children's care and partnership with parents. She has addressed the recommendations from the last inspection very well, which further promotes children's welfare. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Resources and the environment are bright, very well maintained, child friendly impeccably organised and highly enabling. Therefore, children move around the home, freely accessing the low-level sturdy play equipment such as play kitchen, puppet theatre, work bench and pre-school activities, such as jigsaws at the small table and chairs. Although the back yard area is small, this is excellently set out so that children chalk on the mounted chalk board, care for plants and play in the sand/water tray. Children are actively involved in recycling as they sort used items into separate bags, which teaches them to care for the environment. The childminder respects each child and gives them all the same opportunities, ensuring that her activities are suitable for all to join in. For example, one of the things she provides is left handed scissors. She is competent to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children with English as a second

p.5

the early years provision

language, for example, by learning key words in their first language. There is also a very good range of resources that help children learn and understand about differences and culture, such as small world figures on crutches and in wheelchairs, traditional costumes, dressing-up clothes and factual children's books.

p.5

the early years provision

Parents are given a comprehensive welcome pack and her certificates are prominently displayed in the entrance lobby. She gathers good information through her 'all about me' documents to find out children's needs and interests. She exchanges information daily, but if parents are in a hurry she will use different means to communicate, such as electronic messages. Questionnaires are highly positive and include comments such as, 'my child is well ahead and is progressing well' and 'the childminder provides an excellent service'. The childminder has a very good relationship with the local nursery and is proactive in developing partnerships with the school to ensure that effective partnership working benefits the children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to use the Early Years Foundation Stage in practice. Ongoing observations and assessments help her to plan for the children's next steps. For example, each child's learning journey contains photographs and anecdotes to show what they do, which areas of learning the observation links to and what the childminder will provide next. Daily routines and practices ensure that children learn effectively through meaningful ways. For example, young children were observed to spontaneously count the stairs as they go up to the bathroom and correctly put the numbers into the jigsaw clock, counting up to 12 correctly. The provision is extremely well organised so that children take part in an excellent range of outings, child-initiated and adult-led play. For example, they have regular trips to the nearby park, beach and toddler groups and visit specific child-friendly farms and gardens.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Excellent interaction and relationships are in place. The childminder responds to children and supports their enjoyment and learning exceptionally well as they spontaneously throw their arms around her neck for cuddles during play. Children are very confident. When the childminder introduces visitors they are lively and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 animated stating 'hello' and they repeat simple words and phrases to try and explain that they have been unwell. Children clap instinctively when they successfully complete a jigsaw, which shows that they are highly self-assured even at a young age. They receive meaningful, positive praise and lots of attention from the childminder which raises their self-esteem very well. Because of this positive attention, they sustain their play extremely well for long periods as they are fully supported by the childminder. Therefore, they cut, press, prod and poke the play

p.5

and outcomes for children

dough making shapes and 'cakes' using the real candles. When children find a finger puppet mouse to play with from the puppet theatre, the childminder asks them what song they usually sing. Children confidently recite 'Hickory Dickory Dock' by themselves, demonstrating the correct actions too.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are very secure and feel safe and comfortable in the childminder's care, and have formed close, natural bonds. For example, children shout her name and grab her hand to take her into the next room stating 'come on!' They learn about road safety through regular routines and when the childminder asks children why they stop at the kerb and what they need to look for they shout 'cars!' Children's behaviour is excellent as they are fully occupied and happy to be with her. She encourages children to adopt good manners and reminds them to say 'please' and 'thank you' when they ask for something. They benefit extremely well from healthy practices as they are out everyday for fresh air and exercise and are encouraged to manage their own care needs independently, such as finding and using the tissues. The childminder encourages parents to supply healthy packed lunches for the children and she is in the process of producing a book aimed at parents and

p.6

and outcomes for children

children about how to adopt healthy lifestyles. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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