Childminder 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 EY248599 Inspection date 08/12/2008 Inspector Elaine Marie McDonnell

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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 April 2003. She lives with her husband and their eight year old son in the Ingleby Barwick area of Stockton-on-Tees. The house is situated within easy distance of local amenities including schools, park, shops, playgroup, nursery and toddler group. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes plus the bathroom on the first floor. There is also enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play and all areas are accessible.

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Description of the childminding

The family have a rabbit, some tropical fish and a hamster, which minded children have supervised access to. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for children in the Early Years age group and is also on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently 16 children on roll, aged between one year and 12 years, most are cared for on a part-time basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provision is effective in meeting children's needs and they are making good progress in their learning and development. However, information gained from observation of children's ability and development is not effectively used to support moving them onto the next stage in their learning. The learning environment is well organised and the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to promote inclusion. She has addressed recommendations from the previous inspection and has the capacity to maintain continuous improvement. However, the process for self evaluation is not yet established.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that information gained from assessment of children's ability is effectively used to inform individual activity plans  establish an effective process of self-evaluation to help identify areas for continous improvement.

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provision

All required records and many good practice policy and procedure documents are available and support the good organisation of the provision. An effective process of self-evaluation has not yet been implemented, however, the childminder has made improvements since the previous inspection. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards personal development and has attended many additional training courses since the last inspection, including first aid. Further training in relation to the Early Years Foundation Stage and self assessment is planned for the near future. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder works well in partnership with parents and carers. Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child and are kept informed of their child's development and progress through regular discussions and through the use of individual diaries and photographic evidence. Parents receive good

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provision

written information about the provision including some policy and procedure documents. The childminder also receives written information from the local school relating to current themes and topics that the children in her care are involved in.

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provision

Appropriate risk assessments are conducted by the childminder and action is taken to ensure a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment for children. Children's welfare is well promoted. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and procedures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children's learning well by being involved in their play with them. Children are happy and settled and enjoy the good range of activities and resources which are readily available for them. Activity planning is satisfactory and is linked to the six areas of learning. Children's ability is observed and assessed by the childminder, however, information gained is not effectively used to inform individual activity plans.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are busy and occupied and are observed enjoying their play, such as when involved in role play, craft activities and listening to stories. The childminder teaches them about keeping safe, for example, children discuss road safety when on outings and also learn safety issues relating to getting in and out of the car.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder teaches children to be active and to begin to understand the benefits of physical activity and a healthy diet. For example, they discuss why exercise is important and how certain foods give them energy to play and run around.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder helps children to be active learners by asking relevant questions to promote their thinking and language skills. She encourages them to work independently and with each other and children are observed being cooperative and friendly with their peers. The older children show concern for babies and get a drink of water for them when they wake from a nap.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that children have opportunities to make choices and decisions, for example, about what they want to play with and about what snacks they would like. Children have a positive attitude to learning and enjoy the resources available, they are busy and stimulated throughout the inspection.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder helps children to begin to understand the wider world through different activities. For example, they are involved in a varied range of activities and learning experiences relating to other cultural backgrounds and celebrations, as well as celebrations and events from their own background. The childminder helps children to make progress in communication, literacy, numeracy, and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 information and communication technology. They have good access to various electronic and programmable toys and older children also have use of a computer and electronic games, with parents consent.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has experience of caring for children with disabilities. There are currently no children on roll with any learning difficulties or who speak English as an additional language. However, the childminder has a very positive attitude towards caring for children with additional needs and demonstrates a good understanding of how to promote inclusion for all children. Overall, an inclusive and welcoming service is provided. 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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