Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY442755 Inspection date 29/08/2012 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 2012 and lives in Ashington with her husband and two children. The whole of the ground floor including the bathroom of the childminder's home are used for childminding. A rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the compulsory and voluntary Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children aged under eight years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. There are currently five children on roll of which three are in the early years age group. The childminder cares for children on weekdays throughout the year. The family has a goldfish.

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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 thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where children are valued and respected and their welfare and learning needs are well met. Systems for regular observation and assessment of children are in place, which she skilfully links to the areas of learning to support her in planning for their next steps. She works hard to keep parents fully informed, systems to encourage their contribution to children's development records are still in their infancy. The required documentation is in place including written policies and procedures. She has begun to reflect on her practice and recognises the need for 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?

 develop procedures for parents to be able to review their children's progress regularly and contribute to their learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an effective and straightforward written policy outlining the steps she would take should she have concerns regarding a child in her care. Thorough risk assessments are in place for all aspects of her care as well as a record of visitors 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 appropriate first aid training and this enables her to care appropriately for children should they become ill or in the event of any accidents. In addition, regular fire This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 evacuations are practised and detailed records are kept.

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the early years provision

Documentation is well organised, readily available for inspection and stored securely to protect confidentiality. The childminder fully recognises the importance of continuous improvement and has begun to identify areas for improvement to her provision. All essential records and well written policies are in place which parents receive copies of. This provides them with relevant information with regard to the childminder's role and responsibilities. The registration certificate is prominently displayed, as is a poster explaining how parents can contact Ofsted. The childminder makes good use of her space and resources and children are able to self-select resources for themselves. She displays a positive view towards equality and diversity and works hard to ensure she provides an enabling and inclusive environment for all.

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the early years provision

The partnerships with parents are good and they have access to a broad range of information including well written policies and procedures. They comment on the very good care their children receive stating, the children come home with smiles on their faces and that they are happy with the progress children make whilst being with the childminder. Children's learning journals and daily discussions keep them fully informed of their children's progress. Systems to encourage their contribution to children's development records are still in their infancy. Children who attend other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, benefit as the childminder is fully aware of the benefits of sharing relevant information. For example, she regularly requests teaching staff to share children's progress with her to enable her also to support their overall development.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder knows the children in her care very well and confidently describes their needs and stages of development. She bases her planning predominantly on children's interests and daily routines and encourages them to make their own independent choices. Children display curiosity and increasing independence as they select from the resources, which the childminder ensures are readily available to them. They display extremely warm and close relationships with the childminder which results in them fully enjoying their time spent with her. Effective use is made of observation and assessment, which the childminder skilfully uses to plan the next steps in children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children happily play alongside other children present and demonstrate their understanding well, of sharing and negotiating with one another. They make good progress in their communication and literacy skills as they confidently make their requests known. Babies also attempt to vocalize as they reach out to grasp toys and resources. The childminder listens carefully to the children repeating words and phrases back to them to further support their communications skills. The childminder provides the children with constant praise and encouragement which increases their desire to learn, in addition to raising their self-esteem.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate as being active learners and clearly display an interest in the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 environment and resources around them. They make good progress in their problem solving and numeracy skills as they confidently identify the number on the dice and correctly move the counter on the board game. Younger children are becoming aware of shape and measure as they successfully use shape sorters. They demonstrate good hand and eye co-ordination whilst developing their small muscle skills as they skilfully place pasta shapes into empty bottles. Children love the opportunity of being creative and proudly display the musical instruments they make using the various craft resources available. Babies demonstrate their imagination and creativity as they initiate a game of 'peek a boo' with the childminder. Children demonstrate very good re-call skills as they engage in a

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and outcomes for children

memory game with the childminder and develop skills for the future as they confidently use programmable toys. For example, babies clearly demonstrate their expertise as they press various buttons and gaze with wonder at the sequence of lights and music notes played.

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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 their own understanding. For example, she gently explains to the children they should not climb on the chairs and discusses with them the importance of road safety. They are provided with healthy and nutritious snacks and meals which fully comply with their dietary requirements and have access to regular drinks. They learn about keeping themselves healthy as they wash hands before snacks are provided. Children behave very well in the childminder's care and respond positively towards her. She encourages positive behaviour from them and uses effective methods to support their understanding. For example, they explain how they want to stay on the green traffic light because they want to be good for the childminder. She demonstrates

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and outcomes for children

realistic expectations in accordance with each child's age and stage of development and is a very good role model for them. 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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