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 EY370758 Inspection date 19/09/2008 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 2008. She lives in Darlington with her husband and her two children aged five and two years. All areas of the home are used for childminding purposes with the exception of the master bedroom. Premises are easily accessible. Children have access to a secure garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years. There are three children 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

All children are warmly welcomed and cared for in an inclusive environment so they feel valued and develop good self-esteem. They take part in a satisfactory range of activities which promotes their learning; however, the processes for observation, planning and assessments are not yet sufficiently developed or shared with parents to further promote children’s learning and development. Although there are some systems in place for self-evaluation and monitoring, these are not fully robust to ensure effective, continuous improvement in all areas.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the systems for self evaluation to monitor and develop practice  practise the evacuation procedures with children so they are aware of what to do in an emergency, and ensure the keys for locked doors are easily accessible  develop the use of observations and assessments, involving parents, to assist in planning for next steps in children's learning and development  continue to develop activity planning across all areas of learning.

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provision

The childminder takes appropriate steps to safeguard children. She fully understands her role in child protection and ensures children are supervised at all times. Written risk assessments are completed and revised as necessary; however, these have not highlighted the potential danger of only having one key for both external doors. The childminder talks to children about keeping themselves safe, for example, when crossing roads, but has not yet practised the evacuation procedures with them so they know what to do in an emergency. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 There is a regular two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents to ensure children’s needs are met. As a result the childminder has a sound knowledge of children’s starting points which enables her to provide appropriate activities to support their learning. As yet parents are not involved in

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provision

the planning and assessing processes for their child’s learning and development.

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provision

The childminder is keen to develop her practice and has a positive attitude to attending training to enable her to do this. She reflects on her practice and makes changes where needed, for example, changing routines for food preparation so she has more time with the children. She has not yet, however, fully developed the systems for self-evaluation and monitoring to allow her to further improve the provision.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make sound progress in their learning and development. They are happy, settled, and enjoy their time at the setting. The childminder knows the children well and is able to meet individual needs for care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A sufficient range of activities across the areas of learning are provided to support children’s progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has some awareness of what is required for their next steps, but is not yet using her observations and assessments fully to enable her to do this effectively. Children enjoy participating in the activities which are on offer. Their social skills are developing well as they visit local groups to socialise with other children. Exploratory and creative activities, like painting and shaving foam, are provided and children enjoy outings to places, such as the train museum, which helps to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. Their independence is developing successfully. Younger children insist on feeding themselves, and all children independently choose what they want to play with from the selection of resources that are made available to them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy an appropriate range of outdoor activities which helps them to learn about the importance of exercise. They play in the garden and are regular visitors to the park. High standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout all childminding areas, and the childminder uses everyday routines to prompt conversations about a healthy lifestyle and self-care. Children behave well. Younger children are beginning to learn about sharing, supported by the childminder, and older children have a growing acceptance of rules and boundaries. 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? Satisfactory The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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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? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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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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