Childminder, Out-of school day care in Stockton-on-Tees

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 305720 Inspection date 18/03/2009 Inspector Andrea, Jane Lockyer

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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 1984. She lives in a house with her husband in the Billingham area of Cleveland. Local amenities and public transport systems are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor areas are used for childminding purposes. Access to the first floor is restricted to the use of the bathroom. There is a suitable rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for seven children, four of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder receives support and training opportunities from the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment in which children and parents feel safe and valued. She is developing her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has a positive attitude towards making improvements to her practice. Systems to plan activities and assess children's progress are beginning to be developed. Good relationships with parents means the childminder meets children's needs well. Insufficient priority is given to documentation, which means some essential policies are not in place and not all recommendations from the last inspection have been met.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure that planning covers all areas of learning, and observations and assessments are used effectively to ensure children are continually challenged and their learning extended across all areas of learning.  ensure that the complaints procedure contains the correct details for contacting Ofsted  provide a range of resources and opportunities to raise children's awareness of the diverse society in which they live and value differences.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 keep a record of risk assessments carried out both in and out of the premises and for outings ( Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 18/04/2009  obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children (Promoting good health) 18/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Although most essential records are in place, there is no written risk assessment for outings or the garden, which is a specific legal requirement. However, the childminder is vigilant in her supervision of children on outings and whilst playing outdoors to ensure their safety. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to safeguard children's welfare and act on any concerns she may have. A good written policy shared with parents ensures that they are fully aware of her role and responsibility regarding child protection. The environment is suitable, safe both indoors and outdoors, and well resourced, which means that children thrive in the supportive environment.

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provision

Good partnerships with parents have been established. The childminder arranges a settling in period to develop good relationships with parents and children, and to gain detailed information about the children. This enables her to meet children's individual needs well. Daily communication with parents keeps them suitably informed of their children's care, welfare and progress. Parents are provided with a good information package, which keeps them well informed of all aspects of the childminder's practice. However, the complaints procedure has the incorrect contact details for Ofsted.

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provision

The childminder takes appropriate steps to evaluate and monitor her provision,. She has made some improvements since her last inspection, such as providing children with their own playroom and organising resources for independent access, updating her policies and procedures, and attending training. However, not all recommendations from the previous inspection have been met; for example, she has still not obtained parents' written consent to administer medication to their children. She has identified some targets for future improvement, such as the introduction of parental questionnaires, developing a range of resources to raise children's awareness of diversity and continuing to develop her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, relaxed and growing in confidence in the childminder's care. She provides a gentle warmth and kindness which enables children to develop a sense of security, trust and self-esteem. They clearly enjoy hugs and cuddles with the childminder and spontaneously offer her affection. She is sensitive to their needs and values them as individuals. All children receive good levels of support, praise and affection.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the EYFS learning and development requirements and children are making steady progress towards the early learning goals. Planning, observations and assessments are not yet effectively linked with all six areas of learning and the early learning goals. This means that experiences to promote the next steps in the children's development, and to show their progress are unclear, and not all areas of learning are being fully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promoted. However, the childminder is developing sensitive routines for carrying out observations as children play. These will be used to contribute towards the assessment process and assist in planning the next steps in children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a varied range of activities that promote and enhance their development and skills, such as painting, model-making, dressing up, looking at books, playing word and number games, and exploring sounds with musical instruments. They particularly enjoy imaginative and role play activities as they act out scenarios that are familiar to them, such as putting the 'baby' to sleep in her cot, feeding the 'baby' and making cups of tea and meals at the kitchenette. They are supported well by the childminder who shows good awareness of when to allow the children to develop and extend their own play and when to become involved. She sensitively brings in counting of objects, recognition of colours and shapes as they play. The childminder supports the development of children's language well; she actively engages children in conversation, sensitively reinforces pronunciation of words, asks open questions and encourages children to describe

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

what they hear, see and want. She uses songs, rhymes and books to support young children who are developing their language skills. Children thoroughly enjoy taking part in singing and action rhymes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have good opportunities explore their own community and the natural environment as they take part in a good range of well planned outings to places of interest, such as the marina, local historical quayside and museum, nature trails, woodlands, farms and the beach. Children enjoy collecting natural materials from their trips to make collages with when they return. There are limited opportunities for children to develop an awareness of the diverse society in which they live and value differences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing a good understanding of a healthy lifestyle. They have daily opportunities to be active and enjoy the fresh air as they play games in the garden, dance and play ball games in the park. They take part in fire drills and learn how to cross roads safely. The childminder gives them gentle reminders throughout the day to be careful and how to use equipment safely. Older children independently wash their hands, clean their teeth and help to keep toys clean. Discussions with the childminder about foods that are good for you help children to begin to understand about a healthy diet.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play well together; they share, take turns and show kindness towards each other. They have good opportunities to further their social skills as they visit the local toddler group and go on outings with other children and childminders. 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? 3 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? 3

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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? 3 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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