Childminder in Durham

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 313703 Inspection date 06/11/2008 Inspector Noreen Elizabeth Appleby

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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 1995. She lives in Langley Park, Durham with her two children, both of whom are over 16 years of age. All ground floor rooms and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes. The premises are easily accessible. Children have access to a secure outdoor yard and they have outings to local parks and recreational areas.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age at any one time. There are currently three children aged from one to three years on roll. The childminder also makes provision for children older than the early years age group, for which she is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She presently cares for five older children, aged six to 11 years.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has completed relevant first aid training and she demonstrates a sound awareness of her responsibilities for safeguarding children. Her home is warm, welcoming and suitably safe for children, although written risk assessments are not sufficiently detailed to rigorously identify all potential risks to children. Appropriate documentation systems are maintained with parents and carers to exchange details about their child’s individual needs, which ensures all children are equally valued and included. The childminder has also drafted some basic policy statements to inform parents and carers of the service, although these have not yet been updated to reflect Early Years Foundation Stage regulations. She is currently developing self-evaluations to identify her strengths and targets for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop risk assessments in line with statutory guidance  continue to develop procedures for making systematic observations and assessments of each child's achievements and involve parents and relevant professionals in this process to ensure all children are continually challenged and extended  continue to develop a system for self-evaluation to identify clear targets for further improvement  develop existing policies and procedures to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect current practice within the setting. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has set up suitable documentation systems, including a range of basic policies and procedures. These are presently being developed to include all relevant information in line with current regulatory requirements. The childminder uses them with parents and carers, as they discuss and agree information about the child to ensure the needs of individual children are suitably met. She is currently using the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance to develop planning, observation and assessment systems for children. She intends to include parents, carers and professionals in this process to support and extend children’s development consistently across all six areas of learning.

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provision

Formal risk assessments are adequate, although they do not make sufficient reference to outings. However, the childminder is vigilant in ensuring children are closely supervised and she takes appropriate steps to ensure their safety and welfare at all times. Premises are suitably organised to create a spacious, interesting environment which children explore freely and confidently. Regular cleaning routines and suitable sickness procedures contribute appropriately towards protecting children’s health needs. Children use individual facecloths and towels, which minimises the risk of cross-contamination.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of safeguarding issues and has appropriate plans in place to ensure children are suitably protected in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Children are also learning to keep themselves safe, for example, by practising the emergency evacuation procedure regularly and by using suitable road safety drills when the childminder takes them for walks. Since the last inspection, she has improved children’s health and safety by completing a relevant first aid certificate and obtaining parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. She is currently developing self-evaluation procedures to identify strengths and areas for continuous development, to further support outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are all happy and settled. They enjoy their time in the setting and have formed close relationships with the childminder, her family and other children who attend. The childminder demonstrates a basic understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements, although at present activities are not effectively planned to ensure all six areas of learning are consistently and methodically promoted. However, the childminder is developing sensitive routines for carrying out observations, which reflect on children’s spontaneous play. These will be used to contribute towards the assessment process and assist in planning the next steps in each child's learning. The childminder has set up an individual file for each child to monitor their learning and progress and to share information with parents and carers. She is sufficiently aware of children’s individual needs, interests and stages of development. She

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

provides them with a suitable variety of learning opportunities and gives encouragement and support, which motivates the children to learn. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children enjoy a sound variety of resources which are accessibly stored to stimulate their interest and allow them to make independent choices. They are developing personal skills as they readily explore the toys and equipment or as they discuss snack with the childminder and make healthy choices about what they want to eat. They are learning good manners as they sit at the table and feed themselves. They enjoy using small world resources as they play imaginatively together acting out familiar routines as they pretend to go shopping or make the tea. Some enjoy using construction bricks to build imaginatively. Others prefer art and craft activities, such as painting, drawing or using a variety of natural and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

man-made materials to create collages. They are developing social skills as they mix with adults and peers during visits and outings. Regular outdoor play opportunities ensure they have regular fresh air and exercise. This enhances children’s physical development and contributes towards promoting a healthy lifestyle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder works closely with parents and carers to ensure that children are suitably cared for. She provides a safe and supportive environment, which enables children to thrive. She uses appropriate techniques to create a kind, caring ethos and to manage children’s behaviour competently. Children respond warmly to the childminder’s positive and caring approach and they enjoy the encouragement and purposeful praise they receive. This enhances their self-esteem gives them pride in their achievements. 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? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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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