Childminder in DarlingtonOfsted inspection, 3 Apr 2009

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 301070 Inspection date 03/04/2009 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 1991. She lives with her husband, adult son and daughter in the Cockerton area of Darlington. All ground floor rooms of the home and the first floor bathroom and one bedroom are used for childminding purposes. Children have access to a secure garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding four children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and her local childminding group and her local Childminding Network Group. She is also part of the Inclusive Network for Darlington.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder's friendly and caring disposition enables all children and their families to feel welcome and secure. Children’s individual care and learning needs are successfully met, as the childminder knows them very well, recognises that each child is different and builds up close relationships with them. The childminder provides a stimulating play environment with lots of activities based on children's interests which ensures all those attending have good opportunities to make progress. She is developing a planning system to further promote children's learning. Strong partnerships with parents and clear focus on close liaison with other providers are helping her to support individual needs with skill and sensitivity. The childminder evaluates her practice effectively and demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement, clearly identifying where updating of training may enhance her

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further?

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

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further?

 update the systems for recording complaints in-line with the Welfare requirements  further develop the planning of activities and systems for observing children including matching observations of the expectations of the early learning goals and next steps in development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder implements effective procedures for organising her provision. All required policies are in place, up to date and stored a way to promote confidentiality. This is combined with effective systems to record children's details, medication and accident records to ensure that children remain well protected. However, the complaints log has not been updated in line with the welfare requirements. Detailed risk assessments and regular checks of equipment further help to safeguard children. As a result of relevant training, the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, including procedures to follow should she have any concerns. Committed to development she attends regular training to further develop her practice and works very closely with her local childminding network. The childminder has positively addressed the recommendation highlighted at the previous inspection. This has resulted in her

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provision

ensuring children take part in regular fire drills to raise their awareness of what they should do in an emergency situation. Consequently, children are better protected. Self evaluation is effective, involves parents and plans for the future are well targeted to bring about further improvement to the provision and outcomes for children.

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provision

The childminder has built very good relationships with parents. She is sensitive to their individual circumstances and is passionate about meeting the family’s needs well. She talks to them daily about the activities their children have participated in and encourages them to be actively involved in their children's learning. Parents are provided with a wealth of very useful information about the care on offer through the Childminding Portfolio and their written information about the setting. Parents also receive regular newsletters in relation to activity planning during the school holidays. Children's records are readily available to keep parents well informed of their children's progress. Very positive comments in references and thank you letters value the childminder and state 'children are exceptionally well cared for' and she is 'extremely reliable and has high standards'. She is starting to build links with other providers to ensure she can offer continuity and coherence

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provision

where a child attends more than one setting, for instance when they go to nursery.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The good range of manmade and natural resources cover each of the areas of learning well. A good balance of child centred and adult led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for the children's age and stage of development. Resources are well organised in the play room so that children can self-select. This is supported by colourful posters and examples of the children's work to help promote children self esteem. Children have a strong sense of belonging due to the childminder’s warm and caring nature. As a result, children are happy and settled in the childminders care. The childminder interacts well with the children, she sits on the floor with them and constantly engages in their play. Constant chatter helps young children to develop speech and encourages early number and colour recognition. Her good understanding of their individual personalities

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promotes effective behaviour management. Children develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through a range of activities and resources which promote a positive outlook of the wider world. Computer games are provided, which are appropriate for the differing ages and stages of development of the children attending. These foster children's emerging information and communication technology skills well. Children freely access books from the easily accessible display and enjoy looking at them independently and with each other. They also enjoy trips to the local library to choose their own books. Effective use is made of the local area giving children a breadth of opportunities and a better understanding of the natural world. Examples of this are where they visit the local railway museum and the 'Discovery

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Museum'. Children have good opportunities to develop their fine motor skills and problem solving as they play with shape sorters and fit the railway and road tracks together. A variety of planned activities promote children's physical development and also provide opportunities for them to socialise with their peers. The children attend regular toddler groups, go for walks to the park and on trips to the local soft play leisure facility.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A variety of creative activities, including painting, exploring musical instruments and mark making in sand and water, promote children's self-expression whilst having fun. Children use their imagination well as they play with a range of dressing up clothes and small world resources. The childminder is developing a good understanding of the EYFS. She has observation records in place, which describe the activities which the children take part in. She has recently developed individual learning records which she is beginning to link to the areas of learning. She has a good understanding of the children's individual development and is able to talk about their next steps in learning, however, she has not yet fully implemented procedures to ensure that planning takes these into account.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of promoting children's health. She implements effective hygiene procedures along with clear sick child procedures to help reduce the risk of cross-infection. Children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene and are becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, they easily access individual colour coded towels to dry their hands. Children learn about making healthy choices and gain good social skills when eating together with the childminder as they talk about the food they are eating. A balanced and nutritious menu further promotes children's good health. All children are active or restful through choice and younger children sleep in-line with their individual needs and parents’ and carers’ wishes. Children are safeguarded well as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. Children are kept safe on outings as they learn road safety procedures

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and understand simple rules, such as using the crossing patrol when crossing the road. Children are cared for in a well-maintained environment, where toys and equipment are cleaned regularly. 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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