Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY422796 Inspection date 28/07/2011 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 2011 She lives with her husband and two children aged three and six years. They live in the residential area of Whitelea Glade in Cramlington, Northumberland. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and the children's bedrooms located on the first floor are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged 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 one child in this age group. There are no children on roll aged over five years. The childminder cares for children weekdays from 7.30am to 6pm for 50 weeks of the year. Links are made with others delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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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

Parents and children receive a warm welcome from the childminder and they are recognised and valued as individuals. Positive relationships are forged with parents and others to support children's learning and development. Children have access to a good selection of resources and they make good progress. The childminder evaluates her practice effectively and identifies areas for further development to support continuous improvement. The required documentation is in place and 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?

 develop further systems for monitoring children's progress, including matching observations to the expectations of the early learning goals and the details of learning priorities identified for each child to support their learning  develop further systems to encourage parents to consistently contribute information about their children's development to help shape and inform planning and support children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how to safeguard children from harm. Parents read and sign a copy of the safeguarding policy to ensure that they are aware of childminder's responsibilities and the action she would take if required. Annual risk assessments are completed and a suitable record kept. The security of the premises is very well maintained and the childminder supervises This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children very closely. She has a good understanding of relevant policies and procedures, for instance, those in respect of a lost or uncollected child. Effective arrangements are in place to ensure that children are only collected by designated people and known to the childminder. The childminder shows a good understanding of how to manage a complaint. A written policy which includes the contact details for Ofsted is shared with parents. The childminder evaluates the

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the early years provision

service, care and education provided very well. This allows her to identify areas for further development and to promote continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

Good use is made of space. Children have easy access to a good variety of resources and activities. They are able to make choices about their play and self- select resources. This helps promote their decision making and independence. The childminder helps children to develop an age-appropriate understanding of equality and diversity. This is achieved through their access to an appropriate selection of resources and activities to help raise their awareness of the various aspects of diversity. The childminder presents as a positive role model to children and makes use of discussion to explain differences simply to children according to their age and ability. This nurtures a positive attitude towards diversity. The childminder acknowledges the importance of working with others to support children. Good links are made with other practitioners delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to support children's continuity of learning. Positive relationships are built with

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the early years provision

parents and effective systems are in place to ensure that they receive relevant information about the service provided. Induction procedures are good and the childminder shares pertinent information with parents whilst obtaining details of their childrens initial needs and capabilities. Through this the childminder is able to establish a very good understanding of each child's starting points. Children are introduced gradually into the childminder's care through a series of introductory visits to her home. This allows all parties to become familiar with each other and children settle very well.

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the early years provision

Parents are asked to keep the childminder informed of any pertinent information that may impact upon the continued care of their children so as to enable her meet their evolving needs. She keeps parents very well up to date regarding the general events of the day and other relevant information. This is achieved through the use of daily diaries, regular verbal feedback and parents' access to their children's records. The childminder encourages parents to support their children's learning by ensuring that they are kept very well informed of their childrens progress and any particular interests they may have. For instance, a young child's current interest in role play. Parents are beginning to contribute information about their children's achievements and developmental progress. However, this needs to be consistent so as to help effectively support the planning process.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder shows a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She supports children's learning and development effectively and they make good progress in their learning and development. Processes to monitor and record information regarding individual children's learning are developing well. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder is very well aware of the next step to take to support children's learning. However, this information is not consistently documented. She understands very well each child's current stage of development and progress towards the early learning goals. For example, her identified priority is to promote and enhance a young childs current interest in numeracy. Children have access to a good range of resources and activities which are regularly changed by the childminder to ensure children remain interested and stimulated to learn. Play

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and outcomes for children

activities, discussion and questions are used very well to enhance and reinforce childrens learning. Children are able to develop an age-appropriate understanding of mathematical concepts such as, shape, size, colour and numbers. For instance, during a mask making activity a young child is actively encouraged to count the number of pieces needed to create the mask and to name simple shapes and colours. The childminder praises the child's ability to do so enthusiastically. This positive reinforcement helps nurture children's confidence and self-esteem. Children's communication, language and literacy development is effectively promoted. For example, during imaginative play with a shop a young child is encouraged to think about the items they wish to buy. The child responds eagerly by naming items and then selects them from the display. During play children are encouraged to talk about and describe what they are doing. They are confident in

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and outcomes for children

their communication with the childminder and initiate conversation and ask questions readily. Close, warm relationships are evident between the childminder and the children for whom she cares. This is demonstrated in the way that children turn to her for support and interact affectionately with her. Children show regard for others, for example, they share toys and take turns.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder actively promotes the benefits of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. Children are offered a variety of nutritious meals and snacks, which they help to prepare within the constraints of safety. For instance, they make their own sandwiches at lunchtime. Fresh drinking water is available and other suitable drinks are provided throughout the day. Any medical or dietary needs a child may have are discussed in detail with their parents and relevant information is recorded. Each day children access fresh air and take exercise. For instance, they are frequent visitors to the local parks and children's play areas and they go for walks to green areas to look at wildlife. Children regularly visit soft play facilities. A good range of resources and equipment are in place to promote children's physical development. They are able to move freely into the garden via patio doors and enjoy playing outdoors. For example, using brushes and water to paint the garden

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and outcomes for children

shed and jumping on the trampoline. The childminder manages children's behaviour very well. She makes good use of age-appropriate tactics, such as distraction techniques with very young children and the simple explanation of ground rules with older children. The acknowledgement and praise of children's positive behaviour helps to promote and reinforce such behaviour. Children respond positively and their behaviour is good. The childminder helps children to develop an age-appropriate understanding of safety. For instance, through the use of discussion about matters, such as road safety, stranger awareness and the need to use resources correctly. Children receive gentle and timely reminders of the ground rules and this helps keep them safe. Hygiene standards are good. The childminder presents as a positive role model to children and encourages them to adopt appropriate hygiene practices. For example, hand washing after visiting the

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and outcomes for children

toilet and before eating. The childminder's understanding of relevant policies and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures is good. For instance, those regarding the care of a sick child, accident management and the administration of medication. This helps to promote and preserve children's health and welfare. 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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