Childminder in Hartlepool

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 321701 Inspection date 28/04/2009 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 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 a registered childminder since 1989. The childminder is registered for six children and is presently caring for four children, of which three children are in the early years age group. Children attend on a full and part-time basis. Currently the childminder is caring for one child over eight years of age. The childminder lives with her husband and their adult son. They live in the town centre area of Hartlepool. The house is situated within easy distance of schools, shops, park, toddler groups, nursery and playgroups. Most of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder collects children from the local primary school. The family do not have pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is committed to promoting children's welfare. She implements good procedures to monitor and evaluate her provision and is fully aware of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) welfare, learning and development requirements. All children and their families are warmly welcomed. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children's individual needs and works closely with parents to ensure their needs are met well. Children are very happy and settled in her care and the childminder ensures they receive an enjoyable and stimulating learning experience.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further procedure to risk assess outings, for example, review assessment before embarking on each specific outing.

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provision

The childminder has developed good links with parents, collecting and sharing information and ensuring that they remain actively involved in their child's ongoing care, learning and development. Daily diaries and verbal feedback ensures parents are kept informed about the activities and routines their child is involved in. Key information is collected from parents at the initial meeting and parents sign to say they have read and understand the wide range of policies and procedures that are in place. She has developed good relationships with local schools, for example, when children start school she writes to the school to inform them of who she is and the role she plays in children's welfare. This helps to promote consistency in children's future learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 All documents for the safe and efficient management of the provision are in place

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provision

and regularly maintained. For example, records of children's attendance are in place and accurately maintained and records for accidents and administration of medication are available. The childminder has good procedures in place to monitor and evaluate her provision, for example, parents are asked to complete regular questionnaires about the service the childminder offers. Children are also asked about their views of the provision and the childminder uses these views to develop resources available. She uses the Ofsted self-evaluation form to also monitor and evaluate her provision. She also works closely with other childminders and attends regular training to develop her practice, knowledge and understanding of the EYFS requirements, promoting outcomes for all children.

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provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and is aware of procedures to follow should she have any concerns about children. Risk assessments are in place to ensure all hazards to children both indoors and outdoors are kept to a minimum. Written parental permission is in place for the childminder to take children on outings and a general risk assessment is in place, however, this assessment does not always take into account the nature of the outing, which does not fully protect children on all outings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder clearly knows children well and has a good understanding of their individual development and learning needs. Children take part in a wide range of activities covering all areas of learning to ensure they make good progress. Development files are in place, which are beginning to show children's progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder interacts well with the children and makes good use of open ended questioning to develop their learning. Children have free access to all resources and confidently make choices about what they do, this helps to develop children's self-esteem and security.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are clearly happy and settled in the childminder's home. They enjoy taking part in, and listening to stories and are able to predict what happens next. For example, they giggle with glee when joining in with the story 'There was an old lady who swallowed a fly', using a doll and animals to tell the story. Children attend story and activity sessions at the local library, all of which helps promote children's language and literacy skills as well as making learning fun. Children are involved in a wide range of creative activities providing then with opportunities to explore while sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings. For example, pre-school children enjoy 'scrapbook' activities decorating pictures of activities they have taken part in and toddlers enjoy experimenting and making marks with paint. Children have good opportunities to learn about the world around them, for example, going for walks to the local parks and country side, pond dipping

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

activities and attending playgroup sessions.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Appropriate safety equipment along with practising regular fire drills and discussing road safety, helps children to learn how to keep themselves safe. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promotes children's health well, for example she provides a varied and balance menu and talks to children about healthy foods and gives children opportunities to make healthy choices. Consistent routines are in place to help reduce the risk of cross-infection and helps children to learn the importance of good hygiene procedures. 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

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