Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

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 EY320678 Inspection date 12/08/2009 Inspector Sandra Davies

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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 registered in February 2006. She lives with her husband in an established residential area of Redcar, close to local amenities, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a lounge, dining room and kitchen available at ground floor level and also a single bedroom at first floor level. Toilets are located at ground and first floor levels. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children on the Early Years Register and three children on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, at any one time. She is currently minding five children under five years and two children under eight years on a part time basis. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register and is minding children over eight. Children are walked and driven to local schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and local childminder network. She holds relevant childcare qualifications.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children make good progress in their learning and enjoy their time in the setting. Children are safe and secure and there are good arrangements to help children learn about the local community and the world around them. Effective links with parents help to involve them in their children's care and education, and they are kept well informed of their progress. The childminder also works with other agencies to ensure that children's individual learning and welfare needs are met. The childminder is beginning to implement a system of monitoring and self evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain information on children's starting points and capabilities on entry  update the complaints recording document to comply with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

Comprehensive policies and procedures, required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are maintained, ensuring that the needs of all children are met.

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provision

The childminder has identified strengths and weaknesses through a self-evaluation process and parents views on the service offered have been sought through This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 questionnaires and discussion. She has demonstrated an ability to make necessary improvements as shown by fully addressing the recommendations from her previous inspection. For example, permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment and a sick child policy are now in place, further protecting children. The childminder is keen to extend her professional development and has taken appropriate childcare qualifications and courses, continually improving the care and education for the children.

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provision

Parents are provided with an information pack including policies and procedures and are well informed about their child's achievements and progress. There is a complaints procedure in place. However, a system for recording complaints is not in place. Parents are able to access their child's individual learning folder, a daily diary and speak with the childminder on a daily basis. They take part in activities with the children, including a trip to a farm. This involvement of parents has a positive impact on the children's care and learning. The childminder liaises with other agencies, in a very sensitive manner, to ensure individual care is given. Information on individual children is obtained when they start to attend, including allergies, likes and dislikes. Information on children's starting points and capabilities is not obtained from parents, however, the childminder carries out observations to establish the child's developmental stage. This inclusive practice

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provision

ensures that all children have their welfare needs met and achieve as well as they can regardless of their background.

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provision

The premises are child orientated with good quality resources, easily accessible. Risk assessments for the premises and outings have been carried out and actions taken to manage or eliminate risks, ensuring children's safety. The steps taken to promote children's health and well being are very effective. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. As a result children are well safeguarded.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The positive learning environment helps children to progress towards the early learning goals and children are very well supported by a kind, caring and enthusiastic childminder. Activities are planned, both indoors and outdoors, with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities that result in children being active learners, creative and thinking critically. Adult-led activities include planting bulbs for Mother's Day and cake making. Child-initiated activities include playing with construction and role-play. Children have their own development folder and activities are planned around this, ensuring that each child receives an enjoyable and challenging experience across the areas of learning. A documented system of observation and assessment is in place and the childminder is beginning to target activities for individual children, ensuring that they achieve as much as they can in relation to their capabilities. Parents are actively involved in the children's learning

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and development. For example, parents attended a sports day organised by the childminder. Resources are readily available allowing children to make choices and become independent.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's self-care and good manners are encouraged. An enjoyment of books is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 developing, for example, as children attend the Story Sack session at the local library. Children are given lots of opportunities for mark making with fingers, paints and pencils. Counting on a daily basis is part of the routine, such as counting as they walk up stairs. Children use sand and water for measuring. There are visits to parks and a local farm where children learn about the natural world. Children learn about different countries and religions, such as celebrating the Chinese New Year. They have taken part in activities based around the seasons, including making footprints in the snow. There are opportunities for physical activities, helping with balance and co-ordination; indoors when dancing and outdoors on apparatus at the park. Children enjoy craft activities, painting, role play and playing musical

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

instruments. A range of interactive toys and a toy lap top help develop their awareness of information and communication technology.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are helped to behave in ways which are safe for themselves and others as they learn about road safety and using equipment safely. They take part in fire drills. The childminder helps children to be active and understand the benefits of physical activity. They are beginning to understand and adopt healthy habits, such as good hygiene practices and the importance of healthy eating. For example, when decorating pancakes with healthy fruits. Children have opportunities to play with other children, join in and make friends. The childminder deals with unacceptable behaviour very well and considers the age and understanding of the child. Their independence and self-esteem is promoted as they make choices about food, activities and outings. There are good opportunities for developing skills which will contribute to their future economic well-being as they access programmable resources, make progress in literacy and numeracy, and begin to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

understand the wider world through their play and communications. 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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