Childminder in Durham

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 EY312016 Inspection date 20/04/2009 Inspector Julie Morrison

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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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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 lives with her husband, two adult children and grandchild aged three years in Consett. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. There is a rear garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group. The childminder works with her daughter, who is also a registered childminder. When working with her co-childminder the childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder cares for children on week days from 07.00 to 18.00 for 48 weeks of the year. She has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. The family has a rabbit.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder warmly welcomes children into a family-friendly home. She demonstrates a positive attitude towards ensuring all children are included and has appropriate procedures in place to gather information about their individual needs from parents. The childminder works with her co-childminder to plan a wide range of activities for children and this is supported by a basic understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). As a result, children are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development. Most documentation required to promote the safe and effective management of the setting is in place. Acceptable procedures have been established to evaluate the care and education provided; however, the childminder has not developed these further to ensure continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop knowledge and understanding of the learning requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to make effective use of observations of children to identify next steps in learning and assess the progress they are making towards the early learning goals  further develop procedures to promote reflective practice and self-evaluation and identify priorities for development to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 undertake risk assessments for all areas which the 05/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 child may come into contact with. (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register)

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provision

Most documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the setting is in place and appropriately organised to promote confidentiality and security. The childminder ensures that children are kept safe, as she does daily visual checks and has appropriate safety equipment in place. However, the childminder does not have a record of risk assessments covering all areas with which children may come into contact. This does not meet the requirements of the EYFS. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, including procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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provision

The childminder implements acceptable self-evaluation systems in order to review the service she provides. She discusses practice with her co-childminder and has a suitable understanding of her strengths and areas for development. However, she has not implemented any procedures to ensure these are addressed to effectively promote outcomes for children. The childminder has made some progress following the recommendations from the previous inspection. Consequently, cleaning products are stored in locked cupboards and a procedure to obtain written consent from parents to take children in a vehicle has been developed; however, this has not yet been implemented.

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provision

All parents are invited for an introductory visit where the childminder discusses with them how she works and gathers information to ensure that she is aware of the children's individual needs. Parents are kept up-to-date about their child's learning and care through daily diaries and monthly meetings with the childminder. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards ensuring that all children are included at the setting and to working closely with parents to meet individual needs. This includes adapting resources to ensure that children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities can be fully included into activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well settled with the childminder in the family home. The childminder works with her co-childminder to plan a range of activities which cover all areas of learning. She shares observations of the day with her co-childminder, who has introduced sheets to record children's progress. However, these were not available at the inspection. The childminder has attended some initial training for the EYFS framework and has the relevant documentation. However, she is not totally familiar with all of its aspects to fully ensure that children's next steps in learning are fully implemented into their observations and planning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder interacts appropriately with the children. She sits on the floor with them and encourages early language skills as she names the items they pick up. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Counting and colours are introduced throughout daily play and as part of planned activities, for example, completing worksheets to encourage number and colour recognition. A range of creative activities, such as play dough, colouring and painting, helps to develop children's fine motor skills and encourages even the youngest of children to make marks. Children's interest in the world around them is encouraged through trips to local farms, planting seeds and celebrating the Chinese New Year. This is supported by visits to toddler groups to provide children opportunities to socialise with their peers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is promoted well by the childminder. They benefit from daily fresh air and exercise as they play on climbing frames in the garden and go for walks to the park. This is supported by consistent routines, such as regular hand washing and brushing teeth after meals, to help children to learn about the importance of good hygiene. A balanced and nutritious menu, along with planned cooking activities, such as making pizza, further promotes children's good health. Children have suitable opportunities to learn how to keep themselves safe. They practise regular fire drills and discuss road safety. The childminder implements effective age-appropriate techniques to help children to learn right from wrong, including regular praise and encouragement to promote self-esteem. As a result, children are well settled and confident at the childminder's home, making choices about their learning and play. For example, even the youngest of children, when

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

asked if they would like to colour, clearly demonstrated that they wanted to play in the garden. Effective use is made of the space so that children can move around independently and choose from a wide range of age-appropriate resources. Colourful displays of their work on the playroom walls help them to feel secure and promotes their sense of belonging. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 develop a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints (CR7.1) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 05/05/2009  implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect (CR2.1) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 05/05/2009  take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR5) 05/05/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified above (CR7.1) 05/05/2009  take action as specified above (CR2.1) 05/05/2009  take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR5) 05/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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