Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

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 EY298027 Inspection date 10/03/2009 Inspector Sandra Davies

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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 was registered in November 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and ten years. They live in a bungalow in an established residential area of New Marske, close to local amenities, woods, shops and schools. The whole of the premises are used for minding, with the exception of the main bedroom. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have two pet guinea pigs. Minded children have supervised access.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom three children may be in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is currently minding four children under five years and one child under eight years on a part time and full time basis. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. Children are walked and driven to local schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds an appropriate level three childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is also a member of the local childminding network and has taken part in a quality assurance scheme.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children make good progress in their learning and enjoy their time in the setting. Children are safe and secure and there are good arrangements to help children learn about the local community and the world around them. Effective links with parents help to involve them in their children's care and education, and they are kept well informed of their progress. The childminder also works with other providers to ensure that children's individual learning and welfare needs are met. The childminder is beginning to implement a system of monitoring and self evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the complaints procedure, to include details for contacting Ofsted, including the address  ensure that evacuation drill includes all minded children on a regular basis  develop the system of self-evaluation to continually improve practice and outcomes for children.

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provision

All documentation, policies and procedures, required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are maintained, ensuring that the needs of all children are met. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has not yet clearly identified her strengths and weaknesses through a self-evaluation process. However, parents views on the service offered have been sought through a questionnaire. She has shown an ability to make necessary improvements as shown by fully addressing the recommendation from her previous inspection. The childminder is keen to extend her professional development and has taken appropriate childcare qualifications and courses.

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provision

Parents are provided with copies of policies and procedures and are well informed about their child's achievements and progress. However, the complaints procedure does not include the address for contacting Ofsted. They are able to access their child's individual learning file. The childminder liaises with other providers to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care. Information on individual children is obtained when they start to attend and the childminder ensures that she pitches activities to suit the varying ages and abilities of the children. This inclusive practice ensures that all children have their welfare needs met and achieve as well as they can regardless of their background.

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provision

The premises, both indoor and outdoors, are child orientated with good quality resources well displayed and easily accessible. Risk assessments for the premises and outings have been carried out and actions taken to manage or eliminate risks, ensuring children's safety. Steps taken to promote children's good health and well being are effective. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. As a result children are well safeguarded.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The learning environment helps children to progress towards the early learning goals and children are very well supported by a kind, caring and enthusiastic childminder. Activities are planned, both indoors and outdoors, with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities that result in children being active learners, creative and thinking critically. Adult-led activities include a transport theme and cake making. Child-initiated activities observed included making a den with blankets and playing at washing dolls and soft toys. Children have their own learning journey and activity planning, ensuring that each child receives an enjoyable and challenging experience across the areas of learning. A documented system of observation and assessment is in place and activities are individually targeted to ensure that they achieve as much as they can in relation to their capabilities. Parents and other providers are actively involved in the children's

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

learning and development. For example, the childminder obtains information from the local nursery class on what topics and themes the children are covering. Resources are readily available allowing children to make choices and become independent.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's self-care is encouraged as they put on their coat and shoes and become more independent at toileting. Good manners are encouraged and the children are very polite and well behaved. Language development is good and the childminder constantly talks to the children, questioning and encouraging speech development. Children are given lots of opportunities for mark making with chalk on a white This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 board and when playing office for example. Counting rhymes and counting on a daily basis are part of the routine, counting fruit as they put it in the bowl, for example. Children weigh and measure as they make a cake and talk about the round shape of a wheel or the sun. There are regular visits to the local woods where children feed the squirrels and also visits to the beach. Children learn about different countries and religions, such as celebrating the Chinese New Year. The

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder followed through a child's interest in Africa and carried out activities around this topic. Children have taken part in activities based around the seasons and a piece of ice was brought into the house for children to examine and discuss as it melted. They have helped to grow tomatoes and water them. There are opportunities for physical activities, helping with balance and co-ordination; indoors when dancing and outdoors in the garden or on apparatus at the park. Children do junk modelling, painting, mixing colours to see what happens, enjoy role play and playing musical instruments. A range of interactive toys help develop their awareness of information and communication technology.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are helped to behave in ways which are safe for themselves and others as they learn about road safety and using equipment safely. They take part in fire drills. However, not all children have an opportunity to take part on a regular basis. The childminder helps children to be active and understand the benefits of physical activity. A child, after running round asked the childminder to feel how quickly her heart was pounding. They are beginning to understand and adopt healthy habits such as good hygiene practices and the importance of healthy eating. For example, when making funny face sandwiches from healthy foods. The children are well behaved and have opportunities to play with other children, join in and make friends. Their independence and self-esteem is promoted as they make choices about food, activities and outings. They are developing skills which will contribute to their future economic well-being as they access programmable resources, make

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

progress in literacy and numeracy, and begin to understand the wider world through their play and communications. 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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