Barker, Gail

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 305468 Inspection date 13/06/2011 Inspector Sharon Greener

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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 1999. She lives with her husband, an approved childminding assistant who occasionally supports her and their three sons aged eight, 14 and 20 years. They live in the residential area of Grangetown in Sunderland. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered on 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. The childminder is currently minding two children in this age group. There are four children on roll aged five to over eight years. The childminder cares for children weekdays from 8am to 6pm for 48 weeks of the year. Links are made with others delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. The

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Description of the childminding

childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

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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 and parents are welcomed most warmly into an inclusive environment, where the childminder recognises each person as an individual. She works very effectively with parents and others to support children's learning and development. Children have access to a broad range of resources and learning experiences and they make extremely good progress. The service, care and education provided are effectively evaluated to support continuous improvement. The required documentation is in place and overall is very well maintained.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain written consent from parents in respect of the use of public transport  ensure that details of medication administered to children are recorded in a permanent manner which can not be erased.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very good understanding of how to safeguard children from harm. A written policy is shared with parents to ensure that they are aware of the procedure. Strict procedures are in place for the collection of children. Security of the premises is very well maintained. Positive steps are taken to minimise or remove risks. The childminder conducts a visual check of the premises and resources prior to children's arrival each day. Monthly risk assessments are completed and records kept. Appropriate safety equipment is provided. Regular This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 fire drills are completed and smoke detectors tested and records kept. The childminder has a very good understanding of relevant policies and procedures such as, the action to take regarding an uncollected or lost child. Her knowledge of how to manage a complaint is good. Effective systems are in place to monitor and

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the early years provision

assess the service, care and education provided to help identify areas for further development and support continuous improvement. The childminder is very pro- active in seeking out training to further enhance her practice. The required records are in place and overall are very well maintained. Though, written consent is not obtained from parents in respect of transporting children on public transport. Some details regarding the administration of medication are written in pencil and could be erased or fade over time.

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the early years provision

Space is used exceedingly well. Child friendly storage systems provide children with extremely easy access to resources. This allows them to self select resources, make choices about their play and helps nurture their independence and decision making skills. The childminder understands very well the need to raise children's awareness of diversity. She has completed relevant training and presents as a positive role model to children. A good selection of resources and activities are provided which help children to develop an age appropriate understanding of the different aspects of diversity. Procedures to support children who speak English as an additional language or those with special educational needs and/or a disability are very good. She understands the importance of liaising with other professionals and agencies to help children fulfil their potential. Extremely good links are established with others delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to support

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the early years provision

children's continuity of learning. For example, the childminder works very effectively with teachers at a local nursery to ensure pertinent information is shared and accompanies children on visits to aid the smooth transition of children between settings.

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the early years provision

Effective induction procedures are in place and positive relationships are made with parents. The childminder obtains relevant information from them to allow her build a very clear understanding of children's needs and starting points. Children are introduced sensitively into her care and settle very well. Parents are informed of the policies and procedures in use and are kept very well informed about their children's learning and development and general events of the day. This is achieved through the efficient use of regular verbal feedback and parent's access to their children's records which include periodic written reviews regarding their children's learning. Parents keep the childminder informed of pertinent information that may impact upon the continued care of their children. They frequently contribute verbal feedback regarding their children's learning and progress to help inform planning. The childminder ensures that parents are kept well up to date

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the early years provision

regarding their children's interests. For example, one young child's interest in wheels and vehicles, and another's in numbers. This enables parents to work in harmony with the childminder to support their children's learning. Feedback from parents about the service provided is very complimentary. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has an exceedingly good understanding of children's learning and development needs. Very effective use is made of the Early Years Foundation Stage to inform her practice and children make extremely good progress. Each child is systematically and effectively monitored and assessed through the use of observations and information about each child's learning is recorded well. This allows the childminder to identify very effectively individual learning goals for each child to support the next step of their learning. A wide and varied range of activities and learning experiences are provided for children in accordance to their individual interests. A very good variety of adult-led activities are offered to compliment children's self chosen play. Younger children attend playgroup each morning. Regular outings to places of interest are arranged. For example, to a children's farm, the library, a local wetlands and wildfowl centre and various parks.

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and outcomes for children

These outings provide children with additional opportunities to develop their awareness of the local community, wider world and natural world and to socialise with others. Excellent use is made of questions and discussion to promote and reinforce children's learning. For instance, a very young child is actively encouraged to recall a trip to the airport and is able to describe how their parent got on a big aeroplane that went up into the sky. Very effective use of play activities and everyday tasks helps children develop an understanding of various concepts. For instance, a very young child counts and identifies colours with great confidence whilst examining flowers in the garden. Another enjoys making marks with water on the ground. Children have ample opportunities to problem solve, as shown by a very young child's ability to discover how to operate the winch to raise the lift when playing with a toy farm. The childminder praises children readily and

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and outcomes for children

such positive reinforcement helps nurture their confidence and self esteem which is high. Children are able to gain an awareness of the importance of helping preserve the environment. For instance, they learn about recycling house hold rubbish and grow vegetables in the garden.

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and outcomes for children

Exceptionally close, warm relationships are evident between the childminder and the children. As reflected in the way children interact very affectionately with her and turn to her for reassurance and guidance. Children are able to move freely from room to room and from indoors to the garden whilst under the childminder's very close supervision. The childminder makes very effective use of age appropriate behaviour management techniques to manage children's behaviour in a calm and consistent manner. Children respond positively and their behaviour is very good. Children's awareness of safety is very well promoted. For example, they regularly practise fire drills and road safety. The effective use of discussion helps to raise their awareness of matters such as, stranger awareness and the correct and safe use of resources. Hygiene standards are high. The childminder presents as a positive role model to children. They are encouraged to adopt good hygiene

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and outcomes for children

practices which are reinforced very well through familiar daily routines. The childminder has a clear understanding of relevant policies and procedures such as, those regarding the care of a sick or injured child, the administration of medication and accident management. Parents are consulted in detail about their children's medical and dietary needs and information is recorded. The childminder holds a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Level 2 Certificate in Food Safety and Catering. Healthy eating is very well promoted. A variety of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks are provided and parents are actively encouraged to support healthy eating if they provide food for their children. Fresh drinking water and other suitable drinks are provided. Children develop an awareness of healthy foods though activities such as, growing vegetables and cookery. They are able to rest and sleep in accordance to their own

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and outcomes for children

needs. The childminder acknowledges the importance of promoting an active lifestyle and the benefits children gain from access to fresh air. Children have opportunities each day to be physically active and to play outdoors. For example, they enjoy watering the plants in the garden, go for walks and visit local parks and soft play facilities. A good selection of resources and equipment is in place which allows children to develop and refine their physical skills. This helps promote and preserve their health and well-being. 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 1 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 1 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 1

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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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