Noble, Suzanne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 318974 Inspection date 08/12/2011 Inspector Karen Tervit

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and their two adult children in Gosforth, Newcastle. Her home is situated close to local amenities including, schools, toddler groups and parks. Children have access to the entire house, but mainly use the ground floor. The family pet is a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age, of these not more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for one child in the early years age range on a part time basis before and after school.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has an appropriate first aid certificate and a relevant childcare qualification.

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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

All children and their families are warmly welcomed into a safe and stimulating environment, where they make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder works closely with parents to gather a wide range of information so as to be able to successfully meet children's individual needs. She uses detailed observations well to inform her practice. Systems for self-evaluation are developing, consequently, the capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement is good.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips  develop further the use of quality improvement processes, such as the Ofsted self-evaluation, as the basis of ongoing internal review  develop further links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to support the care and learning of the children in the provision.

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the early years provision

High priority is given to protecting children. The childminder has a good range of written policies and procedures in place, which are regularly updated and used to effectively safeguard children. For example, medication, equal opportunities and safeguarding children. Children are safeguarded by the childminder who has a clear understanding of her role in protecting children. She has attended further This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 training in this area and is keen to keep this up to date. All adult household members have been suitably vetted. Clear systems are in place for dealing with complaints, and the childminder makes sure parents know how to make a complaint. There is a wide-ranging record of risk assessments, which clearly highlights and minimises potential hazards within the home and garden. Although the childminder follows good procedures to ensure children are safe on outings,

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the early years provision

there is no written record of these risk assessments. The childminder is clear about procedures to follow should she need to evacuate her home in an emergency, she talks to children about this as well as having regular practices so as to raise their awareness.

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the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and committed to continually improving the quality of the care she offers, however she has only just started to evaluate the care and education she provides. She has completed a relevant childcare qualification and regularly meets with other practitioners to share good practice. Children's play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. The childminder has successfully addressed the recommendation from her previous inspection. Parents now receive a wide range of written information. A good range of play materials, including those reflecting difference and diversity, are organised at the children's height to encourage independence and free choice. Although, the childminder is not currently caring for any children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, she is aware of the importance of inclusive practice and implementing effective strategies to ensure all children are included.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are strong, helping children settle quickly and easily into the setting. They work closely together and information is consistently shared regarding the children's progress and development. For example, parents are able to contribute to their children's planning and the childminder often sends picture text messages of significant events. Parents complete questionnaires and their comments are positive about the care children receive. The childminder is in the early stages of developing links with other local settings that children attend, so as to ensure that children receive continuity in their care.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a good relationship with the childminder and approach her freely and confidently. Individual files for each child have been developed. These include photographs and detailed written observations. These are clearly linked to the areas of learning, with the next steps in children's learning being carefully highlighted. The childminder uses these to inform her planning to cover all areas of learning and takes very good account of children's interests. For example, children show an interest in the difference between tangerines and clementines so the childminder has planned a visit to the local supermarket to look at them. Children's artwork is attractively displayed in the kitchen giving children a sense of belonging. Children's understanding of difference and the wider world is effectively encouraged through activities, access to resources, and use of books. Children celebrate various festivals and special events, such as Christmas, Halloween and

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Diwali, developing their knowledge of similarities and differences of each other.

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and outcomes for children

Children love books and confidently tell adults which are their favourites. They are able to recount their favourite stories using the pictures. Children enter into interesting discussions with the childminder. For example, they talk about how adults have to pay tax and that this is used to fund hospitals and fire-fighters. They demonstrate their developing co ordination as they hop and practise their ballet skills as adults watch them. Children thoroughly enjoy being creative as they make Christmas streamers, successfully naming the different colours as they concentrate to make sure they follow the correct sequence. Good use is made of everyday opportunities to develop children's counting skills, such as seeing how many cars they pass on the way to school. Children proudly count to 30 and beyond and use a range of mathematical language, such as bigger and taller. They enjoy trips to places such as the library and parks.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment, where they are beginning to develop an understanding of good hygiene and personal care, as the childminder implements consistent routines. For example, they know they need to wash their hands before meals and snacks. A clear sick child policy helps to further reduce the risk of cross-infection and ensures children are cared for appropriately when ill. Meals and snacks are provided by parents, with the childminder offering activities and simple discussions to promote children's understanding of the importance of healthy eating. Systems are in place to gather information with regard to special dietary needs to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children are developing an understanding of keeping themselves safe, for example they know that they need to be securely strapped into their car seats and get out of the car at the pavement side.

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and outcomes for children

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 3 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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