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 313795 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 1997. She lives with her husband, adult son and daughter 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 five 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 into a family friendly home where the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that she is aware of children's individual needs. Children are happy and confident with the childminder who clearly enjoys her work with the children and ensures they are safe and secure at all times. Children make sound progress in their learning and development and take part in a satisfactory range of activities which promote their learning; however, the processes for observation, planning and assessments are not yet sufficiently developed to impact fully on children's learning. 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

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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  further develop partnerships with parents and other providers in order to share information with them and involve them in their child’s continuous learning and development  develop the use of assessments to clearly inform planning in order to support and extend children's learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 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 premises) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 28/03/2009

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provision

Most policies and procedures required to effectively safeguard children are in place and stored to promote confidentiality and security. There are appropriate systems for recording children's details, medication and accidents, which are kept up-to- date to further ensure that children are suitably protected. The childminder undertakes a daily safety check to ensure the home is safe and secure; but she has not fully implemented thorough risk assessment and review procedures of all the areas children come into contact with, which is a specific legal requirement. The childminder supervises the children at all times to safeguard them and all persons in the home over the age of 16 years have completed the required vetting procedures. She is clear about the procedures to follow should she have any concerns regarding a child in her care. The childminder has a procedure in place, which relates to the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance.

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provision

The childminder adequately evaluates the care and education she provides. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed, as a result, all appropriate documentation is displayed and activity planning now includes opportunities for children to learn about a diverse society. She is just beginning to reflect on her practice and recognises the need for further training regarding the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS). The childminder recognises her strengths as being an experienced childminder and offering a flexible service for parents but feels she needs to improve in all areas. However, systems to clearly identify areas for development to improve outcomes for children are not currently part of the self-evaluation process.

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provision

The childminder has suitable procedures in place to ensure that parents are kept informed about the service that she provides. Parents can access most relevant information and are kept up-to-date about their child's care through regular verbal feedback. However, the childminder has not fully developed procedures to ensure that parents are aware of their child's progression towards the early learning goals. She has not implemented any clear procedures to work with other organisations providing the EYFS to promote continuity of care and learning for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play and move around all areas of the home identified for their use. The childminder presents the resources to enable children to make individual choices about where and what they wish to play with, for example, role play in the dining room and construction toys in the lounge. Children are happy and demonstrate a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sense of belonging in the childminder's care. They demonstrate a secure bond with her as they readily approach her for help or to sit on her knee. The childminder supports children appropriately as they play, giving regular praise and encouragement to promote their confidence and self-esteem. Older children chat freely to the childminder, enjoy activities such as playing picture ‘lotto’ games and demonstrate their enjoyment through chatter and laughter.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop sound relationships with their peers and other members of the household; they are well behaved and show consideration for others in their play. They gain an awareness of keeping safe through the daily routines and reminders from the childminder, for example, although children enjoy building with the bricks they are reminded not to use the small pieces when babies are near to them. Children are provided with regular opportunities to explore their local community, for example, they go for walks to feed the ducks, to the park and soft play facilities to play. This is supported by attending Childminding Network sessions to provide opportunities for children to socialise with their peers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a suitable range of activities to help promote their creative development. For example, they enjoy dressing up, colouring and exploring music and sounds. Activities such as, using building blocks, jigsaws and puzzles further helps to develop their problem solving skills. The childminder interacts well with the children; she encourages them to count and sound out letters. As a result, three year olds and able to recognise letters in their name and count and recognise numbers beyond 10. Children are beginning to develop knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live as they celebrate the Chinese New Year. They explore activities relating to food tasting and Chinese writing. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the children's stages of development and is beginning to use basic observations and as a result, she is able to discuss learning priorities for children. Consequently, children are making appropriate

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

progression in their development. However, assessments are not used to effectively to clearly inform planning in order to fully support and extend children's learning.

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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. This combined with discussions about road safety and fire safety helps children to begin to learn about keeping themselves safe. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that she is able to meet any dietary needs, although parents provide all meals, snacks and drinks. Effective hygiene procedures such as washing hands before meals and after using the toilet, further promotes children's good health. High standards of hygiene are maintained within the home. Children have regular opportunities to develop the large physical skills with a range of outdoor equipment in the garden. 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 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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