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 EY332572 Inspection date 19/02/2009 Inspector Vivienne Dempsey

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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 2006. He lives in Wolviston Court area of Billingham with his co-childminding wife and their children aged eight and four years. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. He lives close to a number of local amenities including shops, parks and schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When working with another childminder he may care for no more than 11 children under eight years. There are currently 18 children on roll. All children are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder is currently minding three children in the early years age group. He also offers care to children aged over five years. He offers a full-time service, including after school care and school holidays.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. He is working towards a National Vocational Qualification in Childcare, Learning and Development at level 3. He is a member of the Association of Billingham and Norton Childminders group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. All children are included and the childminder knows children well. The childminder works closely with his co- childminder and parents to ensure he meets all children's need effectively. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, resulting in children making good progress towards the early learning goals. Close partnership with his co-childminder and parents fully supports and extends children's learning and development. The childminder is able to assess his strengths and areas for improvement well and is keen to develop his already good practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop links with other partners to fully complement the education and care the child receives in other settings.

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provision

The childminder and his co-childminder work well as a team and share responsibilities very well. The childminder is proactive in implementing recommendations from his previous inspection, improving outcomes for children. He is eager to develop his knowledge and understanding of how children learn and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 develop. For example, he is currently attending a qualification in children's learning and development at level 3, helping him bring about further improvement to the provision and outcomes for children.

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provision

All the required documentation is in place and completed as required to maintain confidentiality. The childminder has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place, which give a clear indication of how he operates and an overview of his everyday working practice. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and to whom to report any concerns. He ensures a safe and secure environment for children and written risk assessments are undertaken on a regular basis, reviewed regularly and include outings. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and a first aid box is in place, enabling him to act quickly in the event of any minor accidents. Records of accidents and administration of medication are maintained and parents sign to acknowledge entries, further helping to safeguard children.

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provision

There are good working relationships with parents. Information about the setting, activities and policies and procedures is shared effectively with parents. Children benefit from the two-way sharing of information about their needs and daily routines. This ensures that children receive good continuity of care. There is good information collected from parents regarding children's starting points and capabilities in order to move them on in their learning and development. However, systems to link with other partners are not yet fully developed to complement the education and care children receive.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. He is sensitive to individual needs and responds well to children's verbal and non-verbal requests. This helps children to develop a good sense of security and belonging. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. As a result, children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. In conjunction with his co-childminder, he has developed written observations of what children do and enjoy. These are linked to all areas of learning and are assessed to demonstrate children's learning and development. Observations are shared with parents, keeping them informed of their child's progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A good range of activities, outings and resources is available to promote children's learning in all areas. Children enjoy visiting local places of interest, such as Newby Hall and Preston Park. This helps to develop their knowledge and understanding of the local area. Toddlers have fun playing with and counting the farm animals, which helps to develop their awareness of numbers through play. Resources are stored at a low level so that children can initiate their own independent choice and decision making during the day. A range of interactive toys is available to help develop children's awareness of information and communication technology. A good range of mark-making resources is available and pre-school children enjoy using the felt tips to make pictures while developing their writing skills. Toddlers enjoy making marks in the rice and glitter play and talk confidently to the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder about the marks they have made. All children regularly take part in baking activities. The childminder and co-childminder have developed picture recipe cards to allow toddlers and pre-school children to 'read' the recipes with support. This helps develop children's pre-reading skills very well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder understands the importance of providing children with fresh fruit and varied nutritious meals to promote their healthy growth and development. Regular drinks are offered throughout the day to prevent children from dehydrating. The childminder provides a range of activities to raise children's awareness of healthy foods. This helps to promote an early understanding of healthy options and a healthy diet. For example, children take part in healthy food tasting activities and are encouraged to eat the healthy snacks provided. Children develop an understanding of dangers and how to stay safe. For example, the childminder talks to them about road safety on outings, helping children behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others. 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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