Childminder in Middlesbrough

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 EY315560 Inspection date 28/04/2009 Inspector Elaine Marie McDonnell

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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 registered since October 2005. She lives in the Coulby Newham area of Middlesbrough with her husband and their four children, who are aged 18, 15, 12 and 10 years. The family home is close to a local countryside centre and the childminder walks to the local St. Augustine's School to drop off and collect children.

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Description of the childminding

Minded children have the use of the whole ground floor of the house, plus the bathroom on the first floor. There is also an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. There are a small number of children with mild disabilities attending the setting. There are currently no children with any learning difficulties or who speak English as an additional language. The premises and garden are accessible.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for up to three children in the early years ag e group at any one time. She is also on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently 17 children on roll aged between 18 months and 12 years; all are cared for on a part-time or occasional basis. Six children are in the early years age group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are making progress in all areas of learning and development. However, there are limited planned opportunities to promote children's problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills and their knowledge and understanding of the world. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to promote inclusion and an inclusive and welcoming service is provided. A system for self-evaluation has been introduced and the childminder has identified areas for future development. She maintains the capacity to promote the continuous improvement of the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide more planned activities to promote children's problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills  provide more planned activities to promote children's knowledge and understanding of the world.

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provision

All records and documents required for the safe and efficient management of the provision, including some good policy and procedure documents, are available, well kept and up to date. The attendance record and observation indicate that adult to child ratios are maintained. The childminder demonstrates a good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of how to ensure confidentiality within the setting.

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provision

The childminder has a very positive attitude towards personal development and has attended additional training since the last inspection. For example, first aid, birth to three matters, supporting inclusion, welfare requirements, self-evaluation, observation, planning and assessment, as well as training relating to the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is also half way through a National Vocational Qualification at level 3.

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provision

The childminder ensures the continuous improvement in the quality of care and education. She has introduced a process of self-evaluation and has identified some areas for future development, such as relating to promoting children's physical skills and overall health and developing their individual portfolios. She has made good improvements since the last inspection as the recommendations raised have been fully addressed. This has had a positive impact on the care of the children, as they are now more effectively safeguarded due to the childminder's increased awareness and knowledge of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She demonstrates a good understanding of child protection issues.

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provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents and carers. Parents are kept informed of their child's development and progress through regular discussions. They also have access to their child's observation books. Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child, particularly when the child first starts to attend. For example, the childminder finds out about children's individual needs, preferences and abilities during initial visits.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The learning environment satisfactorily helps children to progress towards the early learning goals. For example, there is a wide range of toys available in the lounge. However, these are not all easily accessible for children as some boxes are piled on top of others, so some children cannot independently access what is underneath.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about keeping safe when practising road safety techniques during walks to school. They have good opportunities to be active and have access to large physical play equipment in the rear garden. They participate in singing and action sessions indoors on a daily basis. Children begin to understand the benefits of physical activity and a healthy diet through discussions and they receive healthy and nutritious meals and snacks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a satisfactory range of planned, purposeful play and exploration, both in and out of doors, including visits to soft-play areas and social groups. Planning takes into account children's individual interests as the childminder is aware of what they like to do. Information from observation and assessment is satisfactorily used to ensure that children achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and capabilities. However, the 'next steps' for children's learning are not always clearly followed through to inform planning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are busy and occupied and enjoy playing with the resources available. They make some progress in communicating and literacy. Although they do not have access to a computer, there is a varied range of other programmable and electronic resources available to contribute to children's future economic well-

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

being. There are limited planned opportunities, however, to promote children's problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills and their knowledge and understanding of the world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder involves parents and other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage by liaising with nursery classes and schools that minded children also attend. She finds out about what they are learning at school and extends the learning in her home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Additional development needs are identified and provided for. The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with additional needs and demonstrates a good understanding of how to promote inclusion for all. Children are well-behaved and the childminder demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of how to manage behaviour appropriately and promote a positive environment. 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? 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

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