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 301034 Inspection date 10/11/2008 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 has been registered since 1990. She lives with her husband and her adult daughter in Darlington. The house is within walking distance of local amenities including schools, park, shops and Darlington town centre. All ground floor rooms and the master bedroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed rear yard available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association and The Darlington Childminding Group, and has successfully completed the National Childminding Association quality assurance scheme 'Quality First'. She is registered to care for six children under eight years. There are currently seven children under eight years on roll.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder welcomes children into a child-centred environment where she recognises the uniqueness of every child in her care. She identifies their individual needs and plans stimulating learning experiences for them, which helps them make good progress towards the early learning goals. Children's welfare is promoted well with good attention given to their safety. The childminder works hard to foster positive relationships with every child's family in order to meet the needs of children. Effective systems are implemented for identifying strengths and weaknesses in the provision. As a result, 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?

 ensure all documentation is available for inspection  develop the way in observation, assessment and planning is documented so this is clearly linked to the areas of learning.

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provision

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children, and detailed risk assessments ensure that children remain safe, both in the home and on outings. Required records, policies and procedures are in place and implemented effectively to promote children's welfare, however, not all are available for inspection. The childminder effectively uses the space in her home to create a child friendly, welcoming environment. Children's work is proudly This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 displayed and an accessible, wide variety of suitable toys and equipment, promote children's learning and independence well. Children can easily find and choose what they want to play with, and confidently move round the setting making themselves very much 'at home'.

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provision

The childminder fully recognises the importance of continual improvement. For example, she attends a wide range of training courses with the local authority, and acts quickly and effectively to any recommendations made at inspection so these have a positive impact on children's welfare. She uses self-evaluation systems successfully to help her improve practice and clearly identifies areas for development.

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provision

The childminder understands that families are important and makes sure that everyone who enters the setting receives a friendly welcome. They work together to support and extend children's learning and development, and talk regularly about their child's progress. Clearly displayed information, newsletters and written policies ensure parents are fully informed of the provision. Written and verbal feedback indicates parents are extremely happy and satisfied with the care their children receive.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in all areas of their learning. Activity planning is based on children's individual interests and abilities resulting in them being motivated and fully engaged in their play. The childminder has made significant efforts to introduce the learning and development requirements of the Early Years framework into her practice, but has not yet gained a thorough understanding of the how to document observation and assessments, so these are clearly linked to the areas of learning to help her plan children's next steps.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very self-confident and have formed warm, caring attachments with the other children in the setting and with the childminder. They are becoming skilful communicators and happily chat and sing as they play. The childminder encourages their love of books by ensuring there is a good range available, by taking them to the library and by reading stories to them on a daily basis. Imaginative play is actively encouraged and the children engage in sustained role play making 'cups of tea', and making 'telephone calls' in the home corner. They continually use numbers and mathematical language in play and everyday activities. For example, they count the pieces of fruit at snack time, look at house numbers when out walking, sing number rhymes and talk about size and shape as they sort and weigh decorative pebbles.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is supported through the maintenance of good standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the setting. Children play and eat in clean, warm surroundings. Furniture is the right size for them to sit in comfort. The childminder ensures that children have clean towels and flannels to help reduce the risk of cross infection. They learn about road safety on their walks and they are reminded not to talk to strangers. They are given tasty, nutritious meals and healthy fresh This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 fruit snacks. They are encouraged to take regular drinks throughout the day and the childminder helps them to understand that this is good for their health. 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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