Childminder in Darlington

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 301001 Inspection date 24/11/2008 Inspector Lindsey Pollock

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 1990. She lives with her husband and two adult sons in the Cockerton area of Darlington with local amenities in walking distance. The ground floor and bathroom on the first floor of the home are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for five children under eight years, on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. She attends local parents/toddler groups, library, and parks.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, the Darlington Childminder Group, and she runs a parent and toddler group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a welcoming, inclusive environment where their uniqueness is recognised and valued. Their welfare is promoted well, and they make good progress in their learning and development. Partnerships with parents contribute significantly to ensuring that the needs of all children are met; however, parents and carers are not fully involved in the cycle of observation, assessment, and planning. The commitment of the childminder to developing her childcare knowledge means that the capacity 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?

 continue to develop the systems for documenting observations and assessing and planning to help plan for children's next steps in learning and extend the ways in which parents and other carers are involved in this process  develop the use of the outdoor environment to help all aspects of children's development.

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provision

The childminder is experienced and strives to provide good quality care and education. She is beginning to use effective self-evaluation systems to help her improve her practice and she demonstrates a positive commitment to developing her skills and knowledge through training. She is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which all children are able to fully participate. She works closely in partnership with parents to ensure that children's individual needs are met and that the regular sharing of information enables her to be responsive to children's changing needs, circumstances, and interests. Parents are well informed about the provision, the activities provided and daily routines, through daily This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 conversation and access to the childminder's policies and procedures. They speak very highly of the care their children receive.

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provision

Children's welfare is fully safeguarded. The childminder has a secure knowledge of how to protect children, and attends regular training to ensure she is aware of any changes in procedures. Detailed risk assessments help to eliminate potential hazards on the premises so that children are safe. The indoor space of her home is utilised well to create a child friendly, welcoming environment but the outdoor environment is not yet used to its full potential to help all aspects of children's development. Children's work is proudly displayed and an accessible, wide variety of good quality toys and equipment, promote children's learning and independence well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop warm relationships with each other and with the childminder. Good use is made of displays of children's art and pictures to ensure that all children feel valued and included. The childminder is beginning to build a 'learning journey' record for each child, which charts a record of children's progress based on observations, and helps her to plan for their next steps. However, these are still in the early stages of development and are not yet shared fully with parents and others to have maximum impact on children's learning. Children are very proud of these learning records and point out examples of their work.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. They enjoy their play whether it is adult or child-led and are growing in independence and confidence as they feed themselves, manage their personal care, and initiate their own play. They are skilful communicators and are developing very good speaking and listening skills. They ask many questions and engage in sustained conversations. Even the youngest children express themselves well and make their needs known.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Practical activities such as gardening and visits to interesting places such as museums and parks help to develop children's knowledge and understanding of the world. They are able to use computers to support their learning, confidently using the mouse and printing documents. They love singing and happily perform songs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are given boundaries, rules, and limits so they can distinguish between right and wrong. They are extremely well behaved and polite even reminding each other to say thank-you. Their health is promoted well. All areas of the childminder’s home are clean and good hygiene routines are followed to prevent the spread of infection. Children are learning about what foods are good for them as they grow their own vegetables and eat varied, nutritious meals. Overall, children are making good progress, are happy, settled, and well cared for. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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