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 313451 Inspection date 10/03/2009 Inspector Sharon Greener

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children, though her children spend time away from home due to their work. They live in the residential area of Horden, Peterlee in County Durham. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s home are used for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years. There are five children on roll aged from one year to five years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 07.00 to 19.30 for 50 weeks of the year. She has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She takes and collects children from the local schools and nurseries and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of provision is satisfactory. Children and parents are welcomed into a warm, child orientated environment and children make satisfactory progress. The childminder forges effective relationships with parents and good links with other professionals to meet children's individual needs well. She evaluates her practice suitably and is able to identify sufficiently well areas for development so as to promote continuous improvement. The majority of required documentation is in place and is well maintained.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the system of recording details of accidents preserves confidentiality  ensure details of risk assessment completed for the rear yard area are fully recorded.

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provision

The childminder reviews her practice mentally and identifies aspects for further development sufficiently well. She has a satisfactory understanding of policies and procedures, which are used well. For example, she understands the procedures to be followed regarding a sick, injured, lost or uncollected child. She shows a good knowledge of the action to be taken to safeguard a child from harm and has completed relevant training. The majority of the required documentation is in place. Suitable risk assessments procedures are in place, however, records relating to outdoor areas are not fully recorded and accident records do not preserve confidentiality. A suitable complaints policy is in place. The childminder has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sufficient awareness of how to manage and record complaints. Visual risk assessments are completed prior to children's arrival each day. Security within the

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provision

home is well maintained and children are very closely supervised. Appropriate safety equipment is in place. Resources and equipment are clean and in good order.

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provision

Good quality written information about the service is provided and policies and procedures are shared with parents. The childminder works in harmony with parents to tailor their children's gradual introduction into her care. Relevant information is obtained from parents to enable her to establish a good understanding of each child’s needs and starting points. Consequently, children settle very well. The childminder observes and monitors the developmental progress of children. This information is retained mentally, though some very brief notes and photographs are kept. This allows her to satisfactorily assess the current and evolving capabilities of each child. Through this process she is able to suitably identify and plan the next step in each child's development. Play space is well organised and children have easy access to a satisfactory selection of activities and resources.

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provision

Parents are kept very well informed of their children's progress and the events of the day. The childminder talks to them about their children's current interests, favourite toys and preferred activities. For example, a very young child's interest in playing with building blocks and filling and empting containers. Sharing such information allows parents to support their children's learning at home. Written feedback from parents is extremely complimentary about the service provided. The childminder establishes good links with teaching staff at the local nursery to facilitate the exchange of relevant information. This helps support children's continuity of learning and care. For example, the childminder uses books and resources contained in the 'Talk-talk' bags provided by teachers to support children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder shows a satisfactory understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has completed relevant training. A suitable range of adult-led activities are used to compliment children's free play and support and extend their learning. For example, the childminder initiates story sessions, some creative activities, group games such as dominos, and takes children on frequent outings. Children go for daily walks and are regular visitors to local parks, the library and the Whacky Warehouse adventure play facility. They have access to a satisfactory selection of resources and equipment to promote their physical development. Play space is well organised and child-friendly storage systems enable children to self-select activities and resources within the constraints of safety. This helps promote their decision making and independence skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes satisfactory use of conversation and questioning to support and extend children's thinking and learning. Children's mathematical, communication, language and literacy skills are well promoted. For example, a young child was encouraged to describe what they were making with dough and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 described how they were making a man. The child was promptly praised. This nurtures children’s confidence and self-esteem. Children are well supported and sufficiently challenged and make satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. They able to develop an understanding of the wider world and equal opportunity through access to a suitable selection of resources and activities to help raise their awareness of such matters. The childminder presents as a positive role model. She understands sufficiently how to support children with additional

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

needs. Good links are built with other professionals and agencies as necessary to ensure children’s needs are well met. The childminder works closely with parents. For example, she has taken young children to attend routine health checks at the request of working parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Hygiene standards are very good. Children’s health is very well promoted. Physical and outdoor play is actively promoted and the childminder recognises the positive effect such activities have on children's well-being. She holds a level two food safety certificate and a gold smoke free environment award. Healthy eating is actively promoted. The childminder discusses children's individual dietary needs with parents and relevant information is recorded. Meals and snacks are varied and nutritious. Children are able to make menu choices. For example, they choose form a variety of sliced fresh fruit and vegetables at snack-time. Fresh drinking water is easily accessible and other suitable drinks are offered throughout the day. Babies are fed in keeping with their individual routine. All children are able to rest and sleep in accordance to their own needs. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of behaviour management strategies. Age appropriate tactics are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

used well. Children respond positively and are well behaved. Relevant safety matters are discussed with the children in keeping with their age and level of understanding. For example, the need to use resources correctly, road safety, not approaching strangers. Security within the home is well maintained. Suitable safety equipment is in place. 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? 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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