Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 13/11/2014 12/03/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 Children make good progress in their learning and development because the childminder provides them with a variety of fun and interesting activities. As a result, children are engaged, motivated and show good levels of concentration in their play.  The childminder understands her responsibility to safeguard children and is knowledgeable about the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She is clear about the procedures to follow in the event of a concern, in order to protect the welfare of all children.  Children are provided with a warm, friendly and welcoming environment, which ensures they form secure attachments and positive relationships with the childminder.  Partnerships with parents are strong. This enables the childminder to support children effectively and ensure good quality information is shared to promote their learning and development successfully.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 The learning environment is not consistently rich in print to help children further develop their early reading skills and interest in the meaning of words.  Opportunities for young children to explore and investigate using all of their senses are not fully maximised. This is because they do not always have easy access to a wide variety of everyday objects and natural materials.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are:  scheduled at least once in every inspection cycle – the current cycle ends on 31 July

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed the premises, toys and equipment.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector talked to the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector reviewed relevant documentation, including the childminder's self- evaluation document, children's learning journals and a sample of policies and procedures.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of the childminder's qualifications and evidence of the suitability of all adult household members.  The inspector observed activities planned by the childminder.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of the views of parents through the letters provided for the inspection.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 2005. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder lives with her two older children in Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has two dogs. The childminder attends community groups and activities within the local area. She visits the shops and parks on a regular basis. She collects children from the local schools and pre-schools. There are currently four children on roll, three of whom are in the early years age group. Children can attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round, from 6am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. The childminder has a childcare

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Information about the setting

qualification at level 3. She is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 display signs and words where children can easily see them to further help them recognise letters and know that print carries meaning

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 enrich young children's opportunities for developing their senses, for example, by using natural objects and everyday items so that they can investigate and explore a wider range of sensory items and tactile materials.

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who attend

Children's learning and development is effectively promoted as the childminder has a very secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder carefully monitors children's progress through ongoing observations and uses this information to guide her assessments of the progress children are making and plan for their next steps in learning. Children visit the local library and attend a variety of community groups. This supports children in their personal, social and emotional development as they learn to play together and are developing friendships. Consequently, children are interested and keen learners and are making good progress in developing the skills they need to prepare them for their next stage of learning, such as, moving onto school. The quality of teaching is good and children learn through a positive balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder knows the children very well, giving their

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who attend

communication and language skills a high priority at all times. She provides good commentary of their play, asking open-ended questions and introducing counting as they play together, in order to extend their learning. For example, the childminder joins in as they play the fishing game. She skilfully models how to catch the various sea creatures using the magnetic rod, actively encouraging children to 'have a go' for themselves. She introduces new words to children, such as 'octopus', 'crab' and 'seahorse' as they enthusiastically count the number of items caught. The childminder uses a good range of puppets and props to extend children's interest in rhymes. Consequently, children spontaneously sing songs linked to the star and monkey they find in the basket. Children enjoy looking at books and independently select from the wide range available, with the childminder pointing to the words as she reads to them. However, there is room to

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who attend

improve the opportunities for children to further develop their early reading skills and interest in the meaning of words, for example by displaying words and signs and by labelling resources. Children particularly enjoy exploring the different 'mini beasts', such as spiders and snails a visitor brings to the toddler group they attend. The childminder builds upon this interest by providing children with magnifiers and bug pots so they can go on their own 'mini beast' hunt in the garden. Children have good opportunities to be physically active as they climb on the large apparatus in the local park.

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who attend

Partnerships with parents are strong. Parents receive regular information about their children's progress through verbal feedback, daily and weekly diaries and access to their children's individual learning journal. Parents' comments are highly positive and highlight how well children are progressing. The childminder completes the required progress checks for children between the ages of two and three. She shares these written checks with the parents, which enables them to see their children's learning and development progress. As a result, any gaps in learning and development are identified at an early stage and the childminder and parents work together to plan for children's future learning. Therefore, all children make consistent progress.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder provides a welcoming and homely atmosphere. Children are comfortable with her and approach her happily and with confidence. The childminder is kind, caring and attentive. As a result, the attachments between her and the children are strong and this successfully promotes children's emotional well-being. Effective settling-in procedures ensure children settle quickly. For example, children are allowed to bring their comforters from home to help them settle and young children sleep at similar times to those at home. Parents' comments are very positive about how quickly and easily children have settled with the childminder and about the fact she respects their likes and routines.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children play in a well-resourced, child-friendly indoor environment with clean, age- appropriate and well-maintained toys and equipment that effectively support their overall well-being and care. However, there are fewer natural resources suitable for younger children, to encourage them to investigate and explore using all of their senses. Children's behaviour is good as the childminder models positive behaviour. For example, the childminder speaks in a calm manner and listens closely when children talk. The childminder gives positive praise at every opportunity, which increases children's confidence and self-esteem. She shows genuine enthusiasm when they share resources with their friends and praises them for tidying up the toys. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks and make choices about the food they eat. The childminder often involves them in preparing these as they help to chop their own fruit and make healthy pizzas. The

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

childminder chats to them as they play about healthy foods and the importance of drinking water. As a result, children are beginning to understand the importance of healthy foods and drink.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children enjoy many activities within the local community. For example, they enjoy trips to the library and toddler groups where they experience new activities and play alongside other children, preparing them well for the next stage in their learning. Children have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They are able to access the suitably- resourced garden and play on the large equipment in local parks. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe. The childminder successfully practises her emergency evacuation procedures and talks to children about road safety when they are out on walks. Children know that they have to be careful with the fishing rods they use in their game in case they catch their friends' faces. Younger children learn to climb onto the sofa carefully.

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provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of how to meet the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. A comprehensive range of documentation is in place for the safe and efficient management of her provision. High priority is given to keeping children safe. The childminder is conscientious in reducing potential dangers and risks to children both in her home and when on outings. She has an up-to-date knowledge of the local safeguarding procedures. This ensures she can take appropriate action should she be concerned about a child. The required checks have been completed on the adults living in the home to make sure they are suitably vetted. The childminder has attended relevant training in safeguarding and first aid to ensure children's health and safety is well protected.

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provision

The childminder monitors the educational programmes for the children as she reflects on their learning and tracks the progress of their development. Self-evaluation is in place as the childminder can clearly identify her strengths and areas for future development. For example, she has plans in place to develop her garden further so children can have spontaneous access to an interesting outdoor space. She has positively addressed the recommendations from her last inspection and has also completed a childcare qualification at level 3, as well as a wealth of other relevant training. This demonstrates the childminder's commitment to her own professional development. Consequently, children benefit from her continually improving service.

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provision

The childminder has good partnerships with parents. Parents' written comments indicate a good level of satisfaction with the service the childminder provides. The childminder has regular contact with other childminders and professionals in the local area which enables her to share ideas and best practice. Children do not currently attend any other early years setting. The childminder is aware of the requirement to establish links with external agencies and other providers to ensure progression and continuity of care and education. She has already begun to prepare children for their move to school in September so this can be as smooth as possible. For example, children attend a toddler group attached to the school so they become familiar with the building and get to see their future teachers.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We re-inspect nurseries and pre-schools judged as requires improvement within 12 months of the date of inspection. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or

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Grade Judgement Description

is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. Met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY301653 Local authority Sunderland Inspection number 861760 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 4

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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