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 EY309191 Inspection date 16/06/2009 Inspector Linda Cook

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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 2005. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register for a maximum of five children under eight years. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age range who all attend part time. She lives with her family in a semi-detached house in Marton, Middlesborough. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor and an upstairs bedroom which is used for rest purposes and there is a rear garden which is used for outdoor play. The property is within walking distance of local amenities including primary school and nursery.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder effectively promotes children’s welfare and learning and she provides a safe and inclusive environment. Very good systems are in place in relation to planning and assessment. The children are happily engaged and occupied in a broad range of stimulating play activities and experiences. There is a good working relationship with parents and they are kept well informed of their children’s daily routines, care and learning. The childminder has developed effective systems in relation to self-evaluation and these help her to monitor the service she provides and to identify key strengths and areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase younger children's access to natural resources expanding their opportunities to explore texture and form.

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provision

The childminder is a very committed and enthusiastic childcare practitioner who continually strives to improve the service she provides. She attends lots of training to further improve her knowledge base and develop her childcare practices. The childminder’s home is well organised and gives the children lots of opportunities to become independent. The daily routine promotes children’s welfare and meets their needs. All required documentation is in place and written policies and procedures work well in practice to positively promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

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provision

The childminder is committed to ensuring that the service she provides is fully inclusive and she makes parents and their children feel welcome. The childminder has developed a port folio which includes written policies and procedures. Copies of the policies are given to and are discussed with parents at the introduction This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 meeting; helping to forge good working relationships and a shared understanding from an early stage. Parents are provided with a wealth of information about their children’s care, learning and development. For example, the childminder maintains children's individual daily diaries and parents are able to view and contribute to their children's learning folder.

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provision

The childminder implements an effective self-evaluation process and parents are also involved as they complete questionnaires to help the childminder monitor the service she provides. Recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed. All required parental consents are now obtained, a separate childminding first aid box is available and the childminder demonstrates through discussion a good understanding of child protection issues. She has also attended all available training in relation to the 'Early Years Foundation Stage' framework to enable her to be in a position to meet the requirements of the framework and promote positive outcomes for children.

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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’ and she plans and provides a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities to help the children make progress across all areas of learning and development. The childminder works well with parents to gather information about their children’s starting points. She observes children at play and uses this information to chart children’s progress and plan their next steps in learning. Children’s learning folders include written observations, next steps in learning and photographs to illustrate the children’s enjoyment and development. She has developed good relationships with the local school and uses their web site to ensure she is aware of the planned activities provided for the children so she can continue their learning. With the consent of parents young children's learning folder will be shared with other facilities such as playgroups and nursery's which they may attend in the future.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children develop good self-help skills as they take off their shoes and hang-up their coats, independently access toys and choose activities. They show an interest in the world in which they live. For example, as they go for walks when they talk about the things they see, the weather and enjoy their trips to feed the ducks. They try foods from other countries and experiment using chop sticks. They learn to count and complete simple problem solving exercises as they play with shape sorters and complete jigsaws. Children enjoy books from an early age and develop good communication skills through their interaction with the childminder. Photographic documentation shows the children have lots of opportunities to express their own thoughts and ideas using a variety of creative materials. The children play in the garden. They learn about their bodies and develop control and coordination as they walk and run. They balance their bodies as they jump on the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

trampoline and practise their climbing skills as they use the slide.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a fully inclusive environment for the children and their families. She provides a child centred environment which is conducive to children’s learning. Resources are stored at low level all in boxes. Enabling children to freely This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 access toys; helping them to initiate their own ideas and develop choice and independence. Resources cover all areas of learning are clean and well maintained. Children enjoy playing in the sand pit, however, very young children's access to natural resources allowing them to explore texture and form is limited. The childminder dedicates time playing and talking to the children. She sits at the same level as the children as they play and she responds spontaneously to their interests. The childminder shares warm relationships with the children, who are happy and secure in her care. She knows the children well and is able to meet

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their individual needs and preferred learning styles effectively. As a result, the children are curious and confident and eager to learn.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder implements strategies to promote all children’s social, physical and economic well-being. Her home is safe and secure. It is well equipped with equipment, furniture and resources and provides an enabling environment where children can thrive. Full risk assessments are in place for outings and the premises, these are regularly reviewed and a daily check list further ensures children's safety. The children learn about good hygiene practices and personal care routines as they wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. They are well nourished and develop an awareness of healthy eating because the childminder provides a menu that is well balanced and nutritious to aid their growth and development. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection matters and procedures and this ensures children’s welfare is effectively safeguarded. The childminder acts as a positive role model to the children and they receive a clear message about

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

what is expected of them and a written behaviour management policy is shared with parents. The children are polite and behave well and are supported in learning to share and take turns from an early age. The children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder and they thrive on her interaction and attention. 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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