Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY408694 Inspection date 24/07/2012 Inspector Anthea Errington

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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 2010. She lives with her partner and son in Blyth, Northumberland. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home, including the bathroom and small bedroom on the first floor, are used for childminding. A rear garden is available for outdoor play. 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 five children aged under eight years. She also cares for children over eight years. The childminder cares for children on weekdays and weekends throughout the year. There are currently six children on roll of which two are in the early years age group. The family have a pet dog.

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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 has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and systems for regular observation and assessment of children are in place. These are linked to the areas of learning and used to identify children's next steps of learning. She is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children are valued and respected and ensures their welfare and learning needs are well met. The required documentation is in place including written policies and procedures. Purposeful links are being developed with parents, but systems to encourage their contribution to children's development records are still in their infancy. The childminder fully recognises the importance of continuous improvement to improve overall outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop partnerships with parents, sharing information with them and involving them in their child's continuous learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder is fully aware of her role and responsibilities with regard to the children in her care. She has appropriate written policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and she ensures parents are aware of these at the onset of a placement. In addition, she clearly demonstrates a thorough understanding of procedures she would follow in the event of a child going missing or being uncollected. Thorough risk assessments are in place for all aspects of the care she provides which reduces the risk to children. There are well-maintained systems in place to record attendance, as well as the effective recording systems for medication administration and accidents. The childminder has completed This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriate first aid training and this enables her to care appropriately for children should they become ill or in the event of any accidents.

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the early years provision

The registration certificate is prominently displayed, as is a poster explaining how parents can contact Ofsted. Documentation is very well organised and required records are in place, readily available and stored securely to protect confidentiality. The childminder fully recognises the importance of continuous improvement and has completed a record of self-evaluation; she has identified a number of training courses to further develop her knowledge and skills. The childminder makes excellent use of her space and resources and children are beginning to self-select for themselves, as all resources are clearly labelled with both words and pictures and are readily accessible to all children. This helps to increase and develop children's independence. Good use is made of observation and assessment, which the childminder skilfully uses to plan for the next steps in children's learning and development. She displays a positive view towards equality and diversity and

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the early years provision

works hard to ensure she provides an enabling and inclusive environment. Children learn of the wider world through the provision of planned activities and access to very good resources.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly motivated and ensures purposeful relationships continue to be developed with parents. Children's learning journals, daily discussions, text messages and phone calls keep them fully informed of their children's progress. Systems to encourage their contribution to children's development records are still in their infancy. There are currently no children in the early years age group who attend other settings at present, however, the childminder is fully aware of the importance to share and exchange pertinent information to ensure children's progression of learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder bases her planning predominantly on children's interests and daily routines and encourages them to make their own independent choices. She demonstrates a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and knows the children in her care well.

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and outcomes for children

Children are becoming confident to express themselves and constantly chatter with the childminder, clearly making their requests known. She supports their language further as she carefully listens to them and repeats words back to them. They practise mark making skills as they chalk outdoors and marvel at the patterns they make in the sand tray. They thoroughly enjoy sharing stories with the childminder who engages their interest further using puppets and story sacks. Children demonstrate their problem solving skills well as they carefully use plastic knives to cut up the toy fruit. They identify they have two pieces and carefully match them together. They practise their counting skills as they use the staircase and are supported with their number recognition from a display of numbers in the outdoor area. Children have lovely opportunities to learn about the natural world as they enthusiastically play outdoors. They are fascinated when they see a small spider

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and become excited as they see it move. They have recently planted sunflowers and help the childminder to care for the various plants. Children have access to a very good range of resources to support their understanding of the wider world. These include dolls, small world figures, dressing up clothes and arts and crafts. The childminder is extremely respectful towards the children and interacts fully with them throughout their play. They engage in imaginative role play together and the childminder asks purposeful questions to extend their understanding further. For example, she discusses and identifies with them the 'food stuff' they collect in their trolley and baskets. Children clearly enjoy making music and listen carefully to the notes they play on the keyboard and they display great pride in themselves as they successfully play notes using the toy trumpet. Children are

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and outcomes for children

confident in their use of programmable toys and clearly know which buttons to press to operate the various resources. This supports them in their information and technology skills providing them with skills for future success.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is fully committed and takes all reasonable steps to ensure the children's welfare needs are met. The childminder teaches the children to keep themselves safe, and works with them in developing effective practices to ensure their safety and well-being. For example, she encourages them to use the staircase safely as they carefully negotiate the steps. Children are provided with healthy and nutritious snacks and meals which fully comply with their dietary requirements. They learn about keeping themselves healthy as they regularly play outdoors and have many opportunities to run and explore in local parks and beaches. This in turn provides them with good opportunities for fresh air and exercise and to gain control of their bodies. Children respond positively towards the childminder who has realistic expectations in accordance with children's ages and stages of development and is a very good role for them.

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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 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 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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