Childminder in South Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY266923 Inspection date 28/09/2011 Inspector Eileen Grimes

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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 2003. She lives with her adult son in the Biddick Hall area of South Shields. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 an exceptionally stimulating and welcoming environment for both adults and children. The wide range of activities and resources available together with her indepth knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage ensure that children's individual needs are met and they make good progress in their development and learning. Close and trusting relationships are developed with parents and carers where information is freely shared. She has established professional relationships with other providers, which ensures continuity and cohesion. She has given careful consideration to all aspects of her practice. She completes a detailed evaluation which allows her to identify areas for development to improve her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the safeguarding policy to include procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation against a household member.

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the early years provision

The childminder gives high priority to ensuring the children in her care are well protected and safe at all times. She has a very sound understanding of safeguarding procedures and ensures these are updated as required. A safeguarding policy is in place, however, this does not include the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation against a household member. All adults within the home have appropriate checks in place. Detailed risk assessments are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 completed for inside and outdoors and these are regularly reviewed. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are in place which support her childminding practice. These include a complaints policy which together with the parents poster displayed ensures that parents are aware of how to raise any complaints.

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the early years provision

Space and resources are exceptionally well organised and maintained to provide large spaces for children to complete activities. Children are able to move freely between the lounge and the kitchen, and outdoors. They are able to freely select their preferred resources. The childminder promotes equality and diversity in all areas of her practice. Through the wide range of excellent resources available she develops children's understanding of the wider community.

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the early years provision

The childminder evaluates all aspects of her practice, through the National Childminding Association Quality First Scheme. This provides her with the opportunity to identify her strengths and weaknesses. She has accessed a wealth of training to enhance her knowledge and understanding of all areas, and this improves her practice and has a positive impact on outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

She has established very strong partnerships with parents. She ensures that they are kept informed about all aspects of their child's care by taking time at the start and end of the day to talk with them. All appropriate records are in place and parents are encouraged to read, contribute and comment on children's development files. She has a sound understanding of the importance of working in partnerships with other agencies and provisions the children in her care attend. And ensures that this partnership working promotes continuity and cohesion.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a comprehensive range of social skills through playing with their peers and from an early age children are encouraged to make decisions and independent choices with resources. The environment is exceptionally well organised with toys and play materials at child height and easily accessible. The childminder uses observations and assessments very well to recognise each child's interests and to identify the next steps in their individual learning. She ensures that all activities provide children with challenge, and as a result, they are making good progress towards the early learning goals. She shares information about children's development with their parents so that they can continue to support learning at home. The childminder provides children with resources which encourage them to develop their investigation skills, such as, digging for worms in the garden and watching how they curl up and move. They are developing a good understanding

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and outcomes for children

of the relationship between the spoken and written word through reading and mark making. Young children are becoming increasingly able to use their language and communication to convey their own thoughts, feelings and needs.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is highly innovative at providing a range of purposeful activities which develop children's excellent understanding of healthy lifestyles. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understand the importance of hand washing after playing outside, before meals and snacks. They talk about how to wash hands paying attention to finger nails where bugs can hide. Children are provided with a variety of healthy meals and snacks which are freshly prepared by the childminder. They understand the importance of drinking plenty of water especially after exercise, and drinks are always available. Children are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves safe both in the home as they move around and on outings. Children tidy away toys after activities to provide space and make safe for others. The childminder discusses other issues, such as car safety.

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and outcomes for children

The strong promotion of children's self-esteem and social skills, together with the high levels of independence they are developing, helps to prepare them for the future. Behaviour within the setting is very good. Children understand what is expected of them and respect these boundaries. In addition, the childminder provides a positive role model, by her calm quiet approach. The childminder maintains a current first aid certificate enabling her to deal with any minor accidents that could occur. Appropriate procedures are in place to deal with sickness and to administer medication. 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 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 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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