Childminder in Durham

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 EY103542 Inspection date 20/03/2009 Inspector Janet Fairhurst

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and their 17 year old child in the Neville's Cross area of Durham. Her home is close to local amenities, shops, library, park and schools. The ground floor area is the main area used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, as well as the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. A total of six children may attend at any one time. There are currently 10 children on roll. Of these, three are in the early years age group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association as well as the local Childminding Network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children's care and learning needs are promoted to a consistently high standard and their welfare is assured at all times. As a result, children are making excellent progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder shows an overwhelmingly positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment and liaises closely with parents and other providers to meet children's individual needs. She is highly committed to continuous improvement of her provision through regular training, and the development of clear systems to monitor children's play and learning.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 consider dating children's collection of artwork as another way to monitor their progress.

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provision

Children are cared for by a childminder who has an excellent understanding and knowledge to effectively promote their learning and development and is outstanding in promoting children's welfare. The childminder has completed a wealth of training courses to ensure she is up-to-date with current practices and is committed to further development through training. Taking on a lead role in a local authority pilot scheme to promote good quality care, the childminder is extremely pro-active and willingly shares her exemplary practice with other childminders. Policies, procedures and routines are all very well established and are reviewed very regularly. The childminder is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safeguarding children. Risk assessments are very detailed to ensure children are able to play safely, this includes management of the garden and outings. Fire drills

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provision

are practised regularly to ensure children are familiar with the evacuation procedure. Issues raised in the last inspection have been successfully addressed. She has established effective links with the local authority to help monitor and evaluate her practice and is an active member of the local childminding network.

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provision

Children benefit from the excellent partnerships established with parents. The childminder provides a comprehensive welcome pack for parents which delivers an accurate reflection of her provision. They are also provided with a wealth of information to keep them included and informed about their children's progress. Parents' comments accurately reflect the setting. For instance, one stated that 'the childminder provides an excellent service', while another said that 'my son is thriving'. The highly effective links with others involved in children's care and education ensures consistency in all aspects of children's care and learning. The childminder has developed a highly effective self-evaluation system which reflects the views of parents and children. As a result, the childminder has a very clear view of what works successfully, is highly proactive and has excellent capacity to improve.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from the childminder's very secure knowledge and understanding of the EYFS and in-depth awareness of each child's stage of development and needs. Regular detailed observations, feed into assessments of what children know, can do and understand. These in turn feed into the planning and consequently identify children's next steps for learning very well. These are shared with the children's parents. The impact on the children's achievement and progress is significant, as their developmental needs are met very well, with an interesting and innovative range of activities and resources. Each child is encouraged to collect their own artwork in a file, however, their work is not dated to help show how well they are progressing. Children's learning and development is very well supported by the childminder who provides a very good balance of increasingly challenging tasks. These help children achieve, as do activities which the children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

can initiate for themselves. Children who are learning English as an additional language make exceptional progress because of the support they receive towards developing skills in communicating. This is due to the excellent way the childminder interacts with the children, helping them to make suggestions and share their ideas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children respond excitedly to the range of activities offered to them, they are curious, inquisitive and keen to learn. They thoroughly enjoy problem-solving, exploring and participating in outdoor activities. This means their personal, social and emotional development, alongside their skills in physical pursuits and being creative, are progressing extremely well. Their knowledge and understanding of the world around them are very good. They know that changes can occur in ingredients and materials, for example, from their experiences of making bread. They acquire skills which will be useful to them in the future, through the use of role play and from their interesting visits where they meet other people. They hold This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 simple conversations with adults, express their views and readily take responsibility as they help to tidy up.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The learning environment is exciting and stimulating, and allows children to learn through play. The children showed enjoyment and excitement, whether learning how to prepare a sandwich, singing, reading stories or observing birds in the garden with binoculars. Role-play activities such as dressing up and access to a wide range of good quality books are a key reason why children achieve so well in their language development. The childminder plays alongside the children, role modelling correct use of language, and explaining the sequences of what has to happen, for example, when making a sandwich. This approach really helps children to make good progress in various area of developing, such as their understanding of new vocabulary, mathematical concepts such as sequences, and social skills as they interact with each other.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder successfully makes the most of every learning opportunity, children very quickly learn to celebrate different cultures in the community around them, for example, enjoying Divali celebrations and Chinese New Year. She is an excellent role model for the children. Relationships are a clear strength and all children are valued and provided with outstanding support. She offers an abundance of encouragement and praise to build self-esteem and confidence. Children are very well behaved. They are polite and say please and thank you spontaneously from a very early age.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are adopting a healthy lifestyle. Very good hygiene is part of their daily routine and they understand the importance of eating healthy food as they get involved in the preparation of nutritious snacks to develop their understanding and interest in healthy eating. Their well-being is promoted very well through the high standards of health and hygiene maintained. Children take a very active role in learning about keeping safe. For example, working together to make a robot to help encourage road safety as each child who followed the road safety rules is rewarded with a sticker which they then post into 'Millie the robot'. Children's physical development and fitness is promoted extremely well. Regular opportunities for children to play in the garden and enjoy local outings ensure they have a good balance of indoor and outdoor experiences, and enjoy fresh air and exercise. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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