Childminder in Darlington

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 507002 Inspection date 26/05/2009 Inspector Carys Millican

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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 was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and her adult family in Hexham, Northumberland. The family has one cat. The whole ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear 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 range. She is currently minding seven children in this age group. The childminder is also registered to care for older children. The childminder provides care from 07.30 to 18.00, Monday to Friday throughout the year. There are local schools and nurseries close by which minded children attend. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools and pre-school group and attends local toddler groups in the area.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds an early years qualification and is registered with the local authority as a support childminder. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and Northumberland Children Come First Network. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children benefit from the individual care and attention they receive from this experienced and well qualified childminder. They enjoy themselves as they play in the homely environment where there individual needs are met within safe and secure surroundings. Children make independent choices and decisions throughout the day as they access appropriate resources and activities that follow their interests. Children benefit from the good working relationships established with parents. Systems are in place to exchange information, however, there is limited written information regarding children’s starting points or comments made by parents. Documents, policies and procedures, self-evaluation, observation, and assessment methods are in place, however, some adaptations are required.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop the following systems; the collecting of children's starting points from parents; identify children's next steps in future planning; and encourage parents to comment on children's development and help with their child's learning at home  update the safeguarding children policy in line with the requirements in the EYFS statutory guidance and the Local Safeguarding Children Board and include the contact details of the local authority and police This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  continue to develop reflective self evaluation to identify areas of strentgh and areas for improvement to allow for continious improvement.

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provision

The childminder holds an early year’s qualification and has many years experience caring for children. She organises her childminding service to meet the individual needs of parents and organises her day so children’s care and welfare is promoted. Children make steady progress in their development and learning. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of each child’s individual needs and interests and builds on these to provide interesting and stimulating play opportunities for them. All the required record keeping documentation is maintained including a set of written policies and procedures which are made available for parents and implemented in her everyday practice.

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provision

The childminder is highly motivated and dedicated to her childminding service. She has attended numerous additional training courses to keep herself up to date with any changes in childcare practices and to develop her own knowledge and understanding. She has made a start in the self evaluation process and understands the importance of regularly reviewing her childcare provision for the benefit of children. However, she does not identify her own strengths and areas for improvement or show how continuous improvement improves the outcomes for children. Previous recommendations have been addressed to improve the outcomes for children under being healthy.

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provision

Children are safeguarded. The childminder regularly attends refresher child protection training and is secure in her knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow if she was concerned about a child’s welfare. Although a written safeguarding policy is maintained it requires updating in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory guidance, the Local Children Safeguarding Board details and the contact details of the police. Written risk assessments are completed to ensure children's safety indoors, outside and on any outings the childminder undertakes with the children. Children complete regular fire practices and the procedure is displayed. Registration records ensure children are collected by named persons and procedures are in place to ensure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy themselves and settle easily in a relaxed homely environment. They are confident learners who follow their own individual interests and make independent choices about their play and learning by deciding what resources and activities they wish to complete on a daily basis. This is supported by the childminder who skilfully challenges and extends their learning and development using open ended questioning techniques and ensuring that appropriate resources are made available which meet these interests. Children enjoy making large floor puzzles, looking at books and singing songs. They thrive on the interaction they receive with the childminder who reinforces their language and communication This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 skills constantly as they play together. Children experience many outdoor activities such as walking to and from school and to town to visit the many social groups

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from the good relationships established with parents. Letters from parents express a high regard for the care and service the childminder provides for their children. The childminder obtains information from parents regarding children’s health and welfare needs, individual interests and preferences. She completes daily diaries for parents in which she records children's care, routine and the activities undertaken during the day which are loosely linked to the six areas of learning. There are limited comments in these documents made by parents or information on how parents can help with their children’s learning at home. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation stage and completes observations and assessments linked to development and the six areas of learning. However, the next steps identified in these documents are not used to inform the future planning for individualised learning. The childminder has

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

established links with the local school in order to complement the learning taking place.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well behaved. They socialise with others and begin to understand the importance of sharing and taking turns. The childminder uses positive praise constantly during activities to thus promoting children's self esteem and confidence. Children are encouraged to help tidy away toys helping them to learn about how to look after things and consider the safety of others as they play. Children‘s benefit from the good role model set by the childminder and the procedures implemented to ensure children gain an understanding about healthy living and hygiene practices. Children enjoy snack time sitting together in the kitchen eating their pieces of fruit. Their health and well being is discussed with parents so that they are provided with healthy options at snack and meal times. Drinks are accessible to children at all times. 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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