Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY430991 Inspection date 27/01/2012 Inspector Shirley Peart

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in July 2011. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives in south west Denton, Newcastle upon Tyne, with her husband and children aged five and three years. The home is situated in a residential area close to local schools and shops. The ground floor of the home, which includes toilet facilities, is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play and there are two pet guinea pigs on the premises.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to take a maximum of four children.and there are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years age group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are treated as unique individuals and are cared for in a welcoming environment by a lively, caring childminder. Documentation is very professional and well organised, and routines support children's care, learning and welfare very well; therefore they make good progress. She has friendly relationships with parents and is aware of how to work in partnership with other professionals as necessary. She has some good plans for the future although has not yet formalised her self-evaluation fully to support continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 carry out regular evacuation drills and record details of any problems encountered  develop self-evaluation systems to show how plans and improvements benefit the quality of the provision and promote good outcomes for children.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder clearly understands her responsibilities in dealing with any child protection concerns so that children are effectively safeguarded. Her written safeguarding and complaints policies are shared with parents at the start of a placement, so that they are clear about her role. Good written risk assessments, visitors' record and daily diaries underpin her practice very well to ensure that children are safe. Although she has had a run through of her fire evacuation plan she has yet to practise this with the children.

p.4

the early years provision

As well as completing all relevant childminding training the childminder has also This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 completed a nationally recognised safeguarding course and a safety course entitled 'Whoops', thus taking a professional approach to her new business. She has a very good range of written policies and procedures which are effectively shared with parents. She is also currently undertaking a level 3 Childcare course to help her improve her knowledge and understanding and is very ambitious. She has some clear, good plans for the future to help improve the outcomes for children, for example to develop the indoor environment to make a dedicated playroom. However, as she has recently commenced childminding, she does not yet use a self-evaluation format to help her formalise her plans in relation to the specific outcomes for children.

p.4

the early years provision

All facilities within the home are on one level, therefore suitable for any child or parent with mobility difficulties. She has some toys and books depicting different cultures and positive images and she knows that children learn about the wider world by carrying out activities and undertaking outings in the community, for example, by visiting the local Indian clothes shop. She follows her equal opportunities policy and would not stereotype her toys and equipment. She would challenge any inequality comments to ensure that no one is discriminated against. All of the toys are age appropriate, easily accessible and in good condition and she generally changes her toys around so that children remain interested and stimulated.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder does not currently care for children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities or any children who attend other settings; however, she understands the importance of working closely with outside agencies as necessary to ensure that children's needs are appropriately met. The childminder has friendly relationships with parents and provides them with comprehensive information about her provision. She keeps an open dialogue by using written daily diaries and welcomes telephone calls and text messages from parents throughout the day. She finds out about children's individual needs, routines and development to help her establish care tailored to each child's requirements. She follows on from routines that parents want so that she works very well in partnership with them.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has made a very good start in helping children to learn and develop by using the Early Years Foundation Stage in practice successfully. Each child has a lovely learning journey file which contains photographs, observations and 'my special moments' snippets which are effectively linked to the six areas of learning. These show how children enjoy and achieve through a range of stimulating play, exploration and sensory experiences. The childminder provides a good mix of adult-led and child-initiated play and relevant outings. Her planning is flexible as children are young and still settling in, but she does plan different activities to give them various experiences. For example, providing wet spaghetti play to encourage babies to explore and use their senses. The childminder is currently caring for twin babies and she recognises the uniqueness of each one, what they enjoy doing and what their personalities are like. She is an enthusiastic,

p.5

and outcomes for children

lively childminder, therefore children are very content, happy and feel secure. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 make choices as they decide where to go in the home and crawl towards toys that interest them, which demonstrates that they feel safe to explore. They show a strong sense of belonging and have good relationships with the childminder. They relate very well to her during play as they interact verbally and physically. This interaction supports their learning and development very well as she chats all the time, which encourages them to use their early language skills as they babble and 'chat' back to her.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder, for example they laugh and giggle during interactive play as she pulls them up to stand and lifts them above her head. They crawl towards the vertical interactive activity centre and independently press buttons by themselves to make the sounds and lights work. Children have a good sense of security. They are confident to approach the childminder and unfamiliar adults as they get used to their presence. As children cared for are under one-year-old the childminder is well aware that it is her responsibility to keep them safe. She uses relevant child safety equipment, such as baby monitors and stair gates and she observes them closely. For example, when babies crawl off the rug onto the wooden floor and sit up she puts a cushion behind them to ensure that they have a soft surface to land on, should they tip backwards, so that they remain safe. The childminder works in conjunction with

p.6

and outcomes for children

parents to provide food for their children. She prepares and cooks fresh wholesome food, such as dinners and vegetables, which are then pureed for babies. She gives babies lots of eye contact when bottle feeding and puts them down for a nap as part of their routine; however, if they do not settle she quickly gets them up and reassures them. They receive daily fresh air as they are taken for walks and she uses a triple or double buggy as necessary. Overall, this practice ensures that children's well-being and personal care needs are very well met. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8