Childminder in Redcar and ClevelandOfsted inspection, 18 Jun 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 312750 Inspection date 18/06/2009 Inspector Christine Tipple

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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 1998. She lives with her husband in Guisborough and she is close to local amenities and the school. The childminder uses the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden and covered area at the side of the property for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children under eight years, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant she may care for a maximum of six children under eight years of whom four may be in the early years age range. The childminder also offers care for children aged over five to 12 years. Currently she has six children on roll, of whom one is in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the local childminder's network support group and the National Childminding Association. She has a childcare qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children are fully engaged, highly motivated and interested in an exceptionally well managed child-centred environment. The childminder's secure knowledge of all areas of learning and of each child's needs and interests fully supports them to make very good progress. The excellent range of information which is shared with parents enhances all aspects of the children's care and learning very effectively. The childminder is fully committed to improving her provision and this is reflected in a detailed approach to her self- evaluation. This identifies areas to extend and develop, which she has continued to review from the last inspection. This ensures the childminder continues to provide a high level of quality care and learning offered on a day to day basis for all the children.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 further extend the opportunities for parents to contribute to their children's learning.

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provision

The childminder is highly organised and efficient in her approach to all aspects of her childminding provision. This is reflected in her excellent range of policies and procedures which are very well presented and clear in detail and are fully shared with parents. The very comprehensive risk assessments cover all areas children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 access and use both indoors and outdoors. These promote children's safety and welfare at a consistently high level. The childminder ensures all information she provides is regularly reviewed and checked to maintain current practices and guidelines. This commitment by the childminder to provide a professional approach to the care and learning provided for the children is exemplary.

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provision

The partnerships established with the parents is excellent. The process of settling in is sensitively managed by the childminder to ensure children and parents feel secure. The childminder provides a wealth of information which enables them to be fully informed about the care their children receive on a daily basis. The ongoing sharing through both verbal and written diaries about their children on a daily basis further enhances this for them. The notice board and the children's photograph gallery offer parents an insight into the varied and imaginative fun activities which are offered and how these link to the learning taking place. The individual children's files reflect a true commitment by the childminder to promote children's learning. The use of photographs and related information provide parents with a comprehensive picture of what their children are doing and what this means in relation to their ongoing progress which they fully appreciate. The

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provision

childminder has taken on board parents comments through her daily contact and the questionnaires and this resulted in adding more detail with each photo taken of their children at their play. This enables parents to be more informed about the area of learning taking place and this continues to be reviewed. The childminder, through her own evaluation identified that parents do not have ongoing opportunities to contribute to their children's learning which further support the link with home.

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provision

The childminder has continued to reflect on her practice and has a strong commitment to attend regular training which extends and develops her knowledge and skills. This is further enhanced through her self-evaluation which is a detailed account of all areas of the childminders work with the children. This clearly identifies the childminders many strengths, but recognises that to maintain quality requires ongoing development and improvement. The provision of a covered area at the side of the house to offer all year outdoor play was recognised as a need for the children by the childminder and this has been well received by them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have a wonderful range and selection of resources and equipment which fully promote and enhance their development in all six areas of learning. This is managed very effectively in safe and secure surroundings which has an excellent impact on how children's motivation and interests are well supported in all that they participate in. The caring and warm relationships formed with the childminder and the children is reflected in their enthusiasm and eagerness to access all that is provided on a day to day basis. Each child's needs and interests are valued and nurtured by the childminder very effectively. This ensures the children are self- assured and confident which enables them to maximise their learning and progress very well. Children have very good access to the activities and resources which fully promotes their independence and ability to make choices in what they do. The childminder provides a level of structure and routine in the day and this supports

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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 the children's positive behaviour but does not reduce the challenges and spontaneous play opportunities. The childminder provides a sensitive, skilled and caring approach with the children in supporting their different ways of coping with changing situations. The childminder has excellent learning files for the children which are very informed and detailed. These cover all areas of learning and provide wonderful photographs, observations and assessments which ensure children's next steps to progress are clearly identified. These continue to be reviewed and developed by the childminder and shared with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The ongoing physical activities and fresh air for the children is daily throughout the year with the excellent use of the childminders outside play areas. In addition to this children have regular outings in the community to activity centres, walks and parks which all enhance the range of equipment and social experiences the children receive. The access to a very good range of tools and smaller equipment along with outside activities fully promote all areas of children's physical skills and abilities. This pro-active approach links to the children developing various levels of responsibility for their personal safety and care. The childminder provides positive activities and visits to the emergency services to develop children's knowledge and understanding of keeping safe when out playing as well as crossing the road or using car seats when on outings. The children play a full part in the evacuation

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

procedure which is practised on a regular basis. The childminder promotes and provides children with a range of good healthy foods through their snacks and meals. She cooks mainly from fresh produce and works with the children to taste and try different foods, such as fruit and vegetables. This enables them to experiment and develop their choices in what they eat. Children enjoy home made fish cakes and there is the addition of three different vegetables with their meals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are fully supported in their language and speaking skills. Time is given by the childminder to ensure she listens to them and enables them to express themselves in a safe way. Very good use of books and stories enable children to participate and be involved. Mark making is well promoted with the children, they use a variety of equipment and writing utensils. This includes, clip boards, pencils and written lists, such as menus which enables all the children to take part. The outside has a large blackboard which has letters and numbers to enable children to practice using phonics and in their recognition of letters associated with their names. Children enjoy creative play and can select from a very good variety of different mediums and resources. Children paint, use tools to cut, shape and print with and design and make collages and junk models. Children thoroughly enjoy the activities which provide excellent opportunities for them to recognise shapes and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

colours, to match objects, to count and to use numbers throughout their play. The excellent visual displays, games and songs, develop recognition and enable children to link numbers to objects. Children enjoy seeing nature and the world around them; to investigate and explore through nature walks. Children enjoy their role play and have an excellent selection to choose from which fully enhances their imagination; to play hospitals, cafés, to dress up or play shops. Children bake on a regular basis, they make jelly which showed a high level of concentration in getting this into the bowls without spilling. Children enjoy using tools to build with, shape and enjoy fixing and building with construction resources. Small world activities encourage and promote their imaginative ideas, to act out and express themselves confidently. The childminder provides positive information and resources that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

reflect the wider world and enable children to take part in a range of celebrations through the year. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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