Childminder in Middlesbrough

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 EY285442 Inspection date 07/01/2009 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 has been registered since June 2004. She lives in the Marton area of Middlesbrough with her husband and two children, aged eight years old and five years old. The whole of the ground floor and two first floor bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder lives close to a number of local amenities including shops, parks and schools. The family has two pet guinea pigs and a hamster.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years old. She offers a full time service, including after school care and school holidays. She is currently caring for three children in the early years age group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and she is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder considers the uniqueness of all children, in relation to their welfare, learning and development. The children's needs are effectively met and they make sound progress. There are systems to observe children as they play and the childminder is working on improved ways, to link these more actively to planning next steps in learning and also to include other early years providers in this process. Positive steps are taken, to ensure that the provision is inclusive and values each child. The cooperative relationships that the childminder has with parents and carers, ensures that children receive consistency of care. The childminder is beginning to evaluate her practice but this is not fully developed. However, she continues to improve her knowledge and skills by attending training, benefiting the overall outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure all parents sign the consent record to seek emergency medical advice or treatment  use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities for each child and involve other early years providers in this process.  continue to develop the systems for self evaluation.

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provision

The childminder clearly understands her role in safeguarding children and a clear procedure is in place that she would follow, if she had any concerns about a child in her care. She has a comprehensive range of written information, about the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 service she provides and how this is organised, including detailed policies and procedures. The childminder maintains all required information about each child in her care, although, not all parents have signed the written consent records for the provision of emergency treatment. Children are provided with close supervision at all times, so that they are further protected. The childminder carries out 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.

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provision

The childminder has built strong relationships with parents and carers. They have access to detailed information in relation to the provision, such as a portfolio containing the childminder's policies and procedures. They are made aware of what activities the children are provided with and any achievements, through a combination of verbal and written communication. Parents provide valuable information about their children, such as their routines, likes, dislikes and any particular health or dietary requirements. Although the childminder is beginning to develop positive relationships with the local nursery, this is not clearly established to enhance children's welfare and learning and to inform the consistency of the support that children receive.

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provision

The childminder places priority on planning for inclusion and supports children effectively. She is committed to her own professional development and strives to provide good quality care. Her practice has been enhanced, by her attendance at a range of training opportunities and she is eager to develop her skills further. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed, with a positive impact on the outcomes for children. The childminder is hesitant about identifying her own strengths, but reflects sensitively upon her practice. However, systems for self evaluation to target areas for improvement, are not clearly developed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have formed strong relationships with the childminder and they are confident and secure, in a stable routine that mirrors their own. The childminder plays and talks with children constantly, she listens closely to their ideas and encourages their suggestions for activities. She is fully attentive to their conversations, effectively promoting language and social skills. As a result, children are making sound progress with their learning in all areas. The childminder knows the children well and has a sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and child development. Observations show what children have been participating in, but assessments have yet to be developed, to show clear priorities for children's individual learning. Children access available resources freely, enabling them to explore and enjoy experiences in all areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident and enthusiastic learners, enjoying delving into the buttons box, as they sort and count the different sizes. They are developing good communication skills, through conversations with the childminder during play. They are very eager to be imaginative with small world play, taking a particular interest in dressing up in various costumes. They enjoy being creative and have opportunities to develop their own ideas with a range of resources, such as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 painting, dough, baking and collage materials. The childminder includes problem solving in activities, such as construction, when children also assemble and join, to build the railway track and fit jigsaw pieces together. Children have fun playing with the pop-up game, as they learn to share and take turns. Early reading and writing skills are developing well, as children practice their mark making with dot-

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to-dot writing materials and they explore early phonics, as they write and sound the letters in their names.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy trips out, where they have new experiences and they explore the world around them. They have fun at the local park, as they feed the squirrels and other animals. 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 and the importance of behaving sensibly, whilst travelling in the car. Children's health is promoted effectively through the childminder's routines and practices. They are offered mainly home cooked meals and snacks and they are given ample opportunities for fresh air and exercise. The childminder helps children to understand the importance of healthy eating, for example, by helping to butter toast at breakfast time and helping to prepare lunch. Children confidently express that fruit and vegetables are good for you. Children are well behaved and they learn about the importance of valuing and caring for each other regardless of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

differences, for example in appearance, family background or opinion, effectively supporting good citizenship. They explore a range of topics, relating to celebrating various festivals and they explore a good range of books from the local library, about different cultures. 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? 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: 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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