Childminder in South Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY281325 Inspection date 30/06/2011 Inspector Jacqueline West

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged three, nine and 14 years in the residential area of South Shields in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed yard for outside play. She has a dog, rabbit and two guinea pigs as pets. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7am to 6pm for 48 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 age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years and is currently minding three children in this age group. This childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

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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 provides a warm and friendly environment to all children and their families. Children benefit from a wide range of fun activities which the childminder plans to meet their individual needs. As a result, they are making good progress towards the early learning goals. Parents are provided with a range of information about the service she provides. Good systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the service, resulting in continuous improvement being effectively maintained.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop procedures to promote further communication of information, knowledge and expertise between parents.

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the early years provision

Children are well protected. The childminder has attended safeguarding training and demonstrates a good understanding of associated issues. She has a detailed range of policies and procedures in place which are used effectively to safeguard children. The childminder ensures that all relevant telephone numbers, including emergency contacts, are readily available. This helps to effectively safeguard children. Detailed written risk assessments and regular checks of all areas and equipment are in place. Consequently, the chance of accidental injury is effectively reduced. The childminder shows a positive attitude towards her career and she is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 highly motivated and committed to developing her practice to promote outcomes for children. She attended regular training, such as Highscope and food hygiene. She has also recently achieved a level three qualification in children's care, learning

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the early years provision

and development. The available space is well organised and provides children with access to a good variety of activities and learning experiences. Some child-friendly storage systems allow children to self-select resources and make choices about their play. This helps foster their decision making and independence skills.

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the early years provision

The childminder liaises effectively with parents and positive working relationships are forged. Pertinent information about children's requirements and starting points is acquired from parents. Through this the childminder establishes a sound understanding of children's initial needs and abilities. Parents receive a range of information about the service she provides, such as copies of the policies and procedures, a daily diary and ongoing verbal communication. This enables learning to continue at home. However, information shared about the learning and development requirements does not fully inform parents of the range of planned, purposeful activities that effectively aid children's learning. There are no children currently attending who receive the Early Years Foundation Stage elsewhere; however, the childminder is aware of the importance of forging good links in order to promote continuity of care. The childminder effectively evaluates her practice.

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the early years provision

She gains feedback from parents to give her a broader view of the service she offers. She also recognises that she can improve her childminding by looking more closely at the assessments of children's learning. The recommendations raised at the previous inspection have been fully addressed. This has a positive impact on children's well-being.

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and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and are eager to participate in the variety of activities provided. They have good opportunities to socialise with others as they attend toddler groups and enjoy trips in the local community. Children are well behaved and respond positively to the childminder's praise and encouragement. Children develop an understanding to the wider community through regular outings and well-planned activities. For example, they prepare foods from around the world. This is complemented with access to a wide selection of resources including dressing up clothes, dolls and play people. Children benefit from a flexible routine, including a good balance of child-centred and adult- led activities. Children effectively use their imagination and this is developed into extended and purposeful play. For example, the children dress up as chefs and role play as they help to prepare lunch. Children's communication skills are

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and outcomes for children

effectively fostered through various activities including reading stories and singing. Young children make their needs known through pointing and making noises, the childminder responds quickly and encourages simple words to be copied. A variety of creative activities, including cooking, play dough and sticking, promote children's self-expression while having fun. They explore shape, sort and match objects regularly through everyday activities. Children have good opportunities to learn about living things as they take care of the family pets and explore the world around them when in the park. Children access a good range of age-appropriate This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 resources to extend their knowledge of information communication technology. For example, they take photos using a digital camera and smile with delight at their achievement. The childminder plans activities around children's interests and

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and outcomes for children

capabilities. She makes regular observations and collates these in individual files with photographs. These show progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children are safeguarded. Her home and back yard are secure at all times, and this is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children. Children explore safely, using very well maintained resources. The childminder provides a wide range of opportunities for the children to be active. For example, they regularly visit the local parks and play areas, which helps to develop their large physical skills. They choose when they are active or restful and sleep in line with their individual needs and parents' wishes. Children understand and adopt healthy habits and clean their hands before snacks and lunch, which helps to prevent the spread of infection. The children develop an awareness of healthy eating as they visit the local shops to buy foods including fresh fruit and vegetables. Drinks are readily available, which helps to keep children hydrated during the day, The

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and outcomes for children

childminder's good relationship with parents and sound procedures ensure children are cared for appropriately when ill. This reduces the risk of the spread of infection. All 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. 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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