Childminder in Darlington

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 EY303986 Inspection date 03/02/2009 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 years and seven years old in the west end of Darlington, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the house is used for childminding, with the exception of the master bedroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder has a hamster as a pet.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the school and pre-school. She is a member Darlington Childminding Group and the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder organises her home effectively to provide children with a comfortable and stimulating place to play and learn. Children receive individual care and attention from the childminder who has a good understanding of how to ensure all children feel included and fully considers the uniqueness of all children, in relation to their welfare, learning and development. The childminder has a successful and natural rapport with children and she supports their development through her experience and knowledge of their different stages. The cooperative relationships that the childminder has with parents and carers, ensures that children receive consistency of care, however, systems to share information with other early years providers is not fully developed. Although the childminder is not over confident at using methods of self-evaluation, she treats her childminding work responsibly and accesses training

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems with other early years settings to ensure effective continuity and progression for children by sharing relevant information  develop the use of the Ofsted self-evaluation form and quality improvement processes as the basis of ongoing internal review.

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provision

The childminder has built up a detailed range of well written policies to outline clearly her procedures with regard to health and safety and she regularly updates This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the information to ensure it reflects any changes. She attends training courses in essential areas, such as knowledge of first aid to update her skills. Child protection is another area in which she refreshes her understanding so that she could act appropriately if she were to have concerns for a child. A well written policy and range of reference materials are to hand should a child protection issue require attention.

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provision

The childminder maintains her good standards in the care and education of the children. Children are provided with close supervision at all times, so that they are further protected. The childminder is proactive about monitoring her resources and in the way she conducts a risk assessment of the home. She carries out very thorough risk assessments of the indoor and outdoor environment and regular outings, in order to minimise potential hazards to children, these are clearly dated and signed. The childminder places priority on planning for inclusion and supports children effectively. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed, with a positive impact on the outcomes for children. The childminder works steadily to improve her practice, though is not yet confident about using self-evaluation to identify her own strengths and weaknesses more thoroughly.

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provision

The childminder successfully organises her range of documents to support her work with families. She collects neat files of useful information to ensure she has comprehensive details of the children in her care. This ensures that she works well with parents and carers to respect the wishes of the families with whom she maintains long associations. Parents receive both written and verbal feedback on a daily basis. They write very complimentary details about the standards of care their children receive as they complete questionnaires relating to the 'Every Child Matters' framework. As a result, the childminder continues to improve outcomes for children. The childminder strengthens her partnership with parents by sharing developmental records of children and encourages parental input by asking them to comment in writing regularly about children's progress and achievements. However, systems to liaise with school and pre-school staff is not established to

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provision

ensure continuity of care and education.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop secure and happy relationships with the childminder who is sensitive to their emotional needs. The childminder reminds even the youngest children about good manners and politeness so that good behaviour patterns develop from an early age. Children have clean and comfortable rooms for play where they can access a range of very stimulating toys and activities. The childminder ensures children's interest remains active by rotating equipment from her extensive range. Toys are easily accessible in order to promote children's independence. Children are becoming inquisitive learners as they explore colour and texture with play-dough. They explore their senses as they smell spices, such as nutmeg and cloves, and have good fun creatively incorporating glitter into the play-dough. They take an active part in early mark-making as they begin to write and sound letters in their name. They write with a purpose as they use their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

imagination making lists in all the areas in the main playroom. Children love books and 'story sacks' and regularly visit the local library and the local mobile library This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 unit. They explore music with a range of musical instruments and recently explored sounds and rhythm with the 'thumb harp'. The childminder caters well for all children and it is especially evident from displays that they enjoy art and craft activities. Children recently visited the local 'ceramic centre' to experience making their own pots.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning about healthy life styles and display their knowledge in attractive wall displays. The childminder meets children's needs for nourishment and drinks during the day, and she includes various cookery sessions in the programme of activities. Children also use the cookery activities to celebrate their birthdays together and to learn about different cultural festivals during the year. Very recently children celebrated the Chinese New Year and enjoyed a very interesting visit to an Oriental Museum and activity planning, included tasting noodles, spring rolls and lichees. Children also made their own 'fortune cookies'. They help to prepare lunch and are very inquisitive as they mix the eggs and milk for scrabbled eggs. They watch the butter melt in the microwave and observe the 'bubbles' as they beat the eggs together. Problem solving activities are incorporated well in cooking and baking activities as children count how many eggs

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

are needed. and weigh and measure the ingredients. Children develop an understanding of healthy food and the natural world as they grow a range of fruit and vegetables such as cucumber, cress, tomatoes and strawberries. They plant and water the seedlings and watch them grow. Children can recall the events as they read their 'growing books' which contain photographic evidence. They are learning to respect others and to develop awareness of the wider world. The childminder focuses on making children welcome in her home, with significant aspects like individual hand towels or photographic displays. Promotion of children's self esteem is paramount as they help to set the table for lunch and clear away afterwards.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder covers all six areas of learning in the range of activities and resources she offers children. She has a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage materials and completes detailed observations of children, relating achievements to an area of learning and clearly planning the next steps. Children progress well in their learning and development. The childminder forward plans activities, but is flexible enough to go with the interests of the children when they express their own ideas. Children have a varied week, which includes regular opportunities for energetic play and outings into the community, such as the local park, nature walks and soft play facilities. Children play in a safe environment and the childminder makes effective use of the space in her home to cater for the children. She ensures, for example, that magnetic cupboard locks enable active and inquisitive children to explore safely as they take part in activities within the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

kitchen. The childminder helps the children to understand about keeping themselves safe when they are out and about, for example, they learn about safely crossing roads. Promoting safe practices is incorporated well into activity planning as children learn about safety through activity planning and explore 'beep beep' project. The project incorporates play with 'props' such as a zebra crossing and traffic lights. Children also created their own 'props' such as a crossing patrol sign and marked out a zebra crossing in the garden. 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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