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 EY362000 Inspection date 23/10/2008 Inspector Ann Coggin

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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 March 2008. She lives with her five children aged 19, 14, 10, nine and six in the Norton area of Stockton on Tees. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and children have access to a rear yard and garden for outdoor play. The toilet facilities are situated on the first floor. The family pet is a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years and Compulsory and Voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age and currently cares for five children part time in the early years age range.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a well organised environment which caters for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. All children and their families are warmly welcomed into the childminder’s home. Children enjoy their time with the childminder, who takes effective steps to plan activities to meet their various needs. However, the recording of the next steps in children’s learning is not clearly formulated. Effective links with parents and carers help to involve them in their children's care, learning and development, and are they kept well informed of their progress.

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further?

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

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further?

 use information gained from assessment of children's ability to help move them onto the next stage in their learning and development.  develop the written risk assessments to clearly indenfy any potential risks when on outings  ensure children's hours of care are accurately recorded.

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provision

Children’s safety is paramount to the childminder who takes great steps to safeguard and promote their welfare. For example, attending training on safeguarding children and having relevant guidance, policies and procedures in place. Children are further protected as the childminder takes positive steps to ensure that all adults living in the home who may have regular contact with children are suitably vetted therefore giving reassurance to parents. Written risk assessments are in place to ensure children are kept safe indoors, however, these are not fully maintained for outings.

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provision

The childminder is well organised with her documentation of relevant children’s This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 information, contracts, policies and procedures and these effectively support her within her childcare practices. However, children's hours of care are not accurately recorded. Good links are in place with parents and carers, resulting in children making good progress in all areas of learning and promoting their sense of security and well-being. Parents and carers are encouraged to share what they know about their child and information is sought regarding children's starting points. Observations and written assessment which record the children’s learning and photographic evidence, help to give a greater picture to parents. This effective working partnership with parents helps the childminder to clearly identify children’s individual development and learning needs, enabling her to work effectively with

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provision

the parents and any other agencies to ensure each child receives the best possible help where it is needed.

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provision

The childminder actively undertakes training and shares information with other childcare providers to assist her in delivering a professional service to children and their families. The childminder has begun to complete her self evaluation to monitor and develop her own progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is conscientious with regards to promoting children’s welfare, learning and development. Children learn the importance of keeping themselves healthy and safe through simple processes which are supported by the childminder. For example, hand washing before eating and not eating food which has dropped on the floor. Children actively take part in emergency evacuation procedures so they learn to keep themselves safe. Clear policies and procedures ensure that children’s health and welfare needs are met, for example, exclusion periods for certain illnesses ensure all children are safe from cross- infection. Children have good opportunities for both physical and outdoor play activities within the daily routine.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provide varied and healthy snacks for children and works in partnership with parents who provide their children's meals. All dietary requirements are obtained from the parents and further supported through the children’s information forms, which all help to assist the childminder in catering for individual needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's flexible approach to planning means that children's interests and needs are always included. Children are given great opportunities within the childminder’s home to make informed choices from the mixed selection of stimulating play materials which are easily accessible to promote children's independence. Photographic evidence shows children absorbed in their play. For example, playing with sand, making hand and feet prints and mixing different coloured paints, riding bikes and flying kites. Children enjoy going on walks, feeding the ducks and watching the trains passing the level crossing. The childminder ensures that the toys are suitable for the various ages of the children attending and adapts activities to meet their ages and stage of development. For example, there are different sized building bricks so young toddlers can join in as well as the more able and confident children. Through everyday play experiences the children get

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

great enjoyment and play opportunities to experiment and discover things, use This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 different mediums and materials to create works of art and to develop their early counting and language skills. They enjoy singing and playing with a selection of musical instruments. Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is promoted well as they explore growing sunflowers from seeds. The childminder notes children's favourite activities and play resources and ensures that these are utilised to extend their learning and increase their enjoyment of their time with her. She is beginning to establish systems for both formal and informal observations of children although they are not clearly linked to planning for new learning. The childminder ensures there is a balance of adult led and child initiated activities throughout the day.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have good opportunities to make choices and take decisions. They thoroughly enjoy being with the childminder and present as being very settled and happy. Children are very well behaved and the childminder has a very relaxed, calm and friendly manner, which promotes a relaxed, positive and friendly environment for all children. 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound 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? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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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 registration.

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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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