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 EY378606 Inspection date 06/03/2009 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 2008. She lives with her parents and adult brother in the Newton Aycliffe area of County Durham. The house is situated close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding plus two bedrooms and the family bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has three pet rabbits.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six 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 old. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder regularly works alongside another registered childminder at the same premises.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of her local Childminding Network Group and the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed in a family friendly home where the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that she is aware of children's individual needs. She has a basic understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and provides children with a suitable range of activities. As a result, children are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development. Most documentation required to promote the safe and efficient management of the setting is in place. The childminder is keen to develop the provision and is beginning to implement systems for monitoring practice and self-evaluation; however, 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 procedures to promote reflective practice, self-evaluation and identify priorities for development to improve outcomes for children  involve parents as part of the ongoing observation and assessment process  develop the use of assessments to clearly inform planning in order to support and extend children's learning.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 develop a record of risk assessments for all areas with which a child may come into contact with (suitable 28/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 premises) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register).

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provision

The childminder has a suitable understanding of the policies and procedures required to promote the care and welfare of the children. As a result, most required documentation is in place, including children's details and accident records. Resources are stored in low-level boxes, which enable children to access them easily. This actively promotes children's independence and self-esteem. The childminder ensures that children are kept safe as she does regular checks of all areas and has a clear health and safety policy in place. However, the record of risk assessments does not detail all areas with which children may come into contact. This is a breach of the specific legal requirements. Children are suitably safeguarded as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection and associated matters. This includes having a written procedure to follow with relevant contact details should she need to make a referral. Consequently, children

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provision

The childminder has an adequate understanding of her strengths and areas for development as a result of gathering feedback from parents. She shows a commitment to developing her practice through attending training and liaising with her local childminding network for support. The childminder recognises her strengths as offering a flexible service for parents but feels she needs to improve in all areas. However, as she has only been minding for a relatively short period, she has not yet fully developed procedures to monitor and evaluate the care and learning she provides.

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provision

The childminder is building appropriate relationships with parents and parents report very positively about her. She offers a very flexible approach, including adapting her hours of caring for children to meet individual family needs. Daily communication ensures a two-way flow of information so that parents are kept informed about their child's learning and care. The childminder provides parents with photographs and 'CD- ROMs' of the activities children take part in. However, parents are not fully involved in the assessment and observation process.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled at the childminder’s home. They are cared for by a childminder who is kind and caring to them. She gives them appropriate attention and responds to their individual needs. Space is suitably organised so that they can move around independently and safely. A satisfactory range of age appropriate resources is accessibly stored so that children can make choices about their learning and play. A variety of outdoor and indoor activities ensures that children receive a balance of activities, and provides plenty of opportunities for them to be physical. For example, they go for walks to the park, go to soft play leisure facilities and have fun exploring tunnels indoors. Early walking skills are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 encouraged with a range of 'push along' toys.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children benefit from suitable opportunities to learn about their local community. A variety of creative activities such as treasure baskets, provide very young children with opportunities for self-expression as well as developing their fine motor skills. Children are beginning to show an interest in books, and develop their senses as they explore 'touchy feely' books. Babies happily babble as the childminder talks to them as they begin to develop early language and communication skills. Very young child love music and singing and explore sounds with a range of musical instruments. The childminder interacts well with the children, she sits on the floor and helps them to develop very early problem solving skills by attempting to build with the bricks. She achieves a suitable balance of adult and child-led activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a suitable understanding of individual children's development and as a result, she is able to discuss their next steps in learning and development. This is combined with a satisfactory range of activities covering most areas of learning to ensure that children are making appropriate progression in their development. The childminder has started to develop some basic observations and she is beginning to identify learning priorities for children. However, assessments are not used to effectively inform planning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are suitably safeguarded at the childminder's home as she has a range of appropriate safety equipment in place and maintains close supervision of the children at all times. She has a good understanding of the importance of providing a healthy and balanced diet. However, parents provide all meals, snacks and drinks. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that all food is prepared appropriately and children's individual routines for sleeping and eating are adhered to. Effective hygiene procedures such as washing hands before meals and appropriate nappy changing procedures, further promote children's good health. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. (CR5.4) 28/03/2009  provide parents with written information regarding the procedures for safeguarding and complaints. (CR9 )(also applies to the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 28/03/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. (CR5.4) 28/03/2009  take action as specified in the childcare section of the report (CR9). 28/03/2009 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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