Childminder in DarlingtonOfsted inspection, 29 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 300953 Inspection date 29/06/2009 Inspector Lindsey Pollock

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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 1975. She lives with her husband in Darlington. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has two dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. There are 10 children on roll, with three children aged under eight years and one in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home where they are valued as individuals. The childminder creates a friendly, caring and inclusive environment in which children are happy and secure. The childminder is aware of the requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage and has effective procedures to ensure these are met to promote children's welfare and their learning and development requirements. She is beginning to use systems for self-evaluation to identify strengths and weaknesses and clear targets for further improvement. Consequently, the capacity to maintain continuous improvement is satisfactory.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase children's accessibility to resources to further develop their independence and allow them to make choices  continue to develop systems for observing, assessment and planning to help plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child

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provision

The childminder takes appropriate steps to safeguard children. She has completed safeguarding training and understands her role in this, and recognises that the welfare of the child is paramount. She has completed first aid training. Written risk assessments are completed to ensure all indoor and outdoor areas do not pose a risk to children's safety, and the childminder ensures children are supervised at all times. In addition, reminders to the children to be careful as they play, along with practising regular fire drills, help them to learn to keep themselves safe. Documentation is kept appropriately and written statements for safeguarding and complaints are in place to protect children's welfare and to keep parents informed of her practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 There is a regular two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents to ensure children’s needs are met. Regular discussions take place about

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provision

children's progress in their learning and development and observations are available for parents to see. Positive, friendly relationships are in place and parents speak highly of the care their children receive.

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provision

The childminder has satisfactory systems in place to identify areas for improvement, such as reflecting on her practice and seeking the views of parents. She is beginning to use the Ofsted self-evaluation form to help her develop the provision. Actions made at the last inspection have been met and have had a positive impact on children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Overall children are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder. She gives them lots of attention and responds to their individual needs. The childminder knows the children well and has a sound knowledge of their starting points which enables her to provide appropriate activities throughout the day. She undertakes observations of the children and records them but these are not yet fully developed to help her identify the next steps in children's learning and to help her plan motivating learning experiences for each child.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A range of activities are provided to support children's learning and development. Younger children are beginning to learn about sharing, supported by the childminder. They have a growing acceptance of rules and boundaries. For example, they know to take their shoes off before climbing on the settee and offer to tidy up before going out. Their speech is developing well and they communicate well with the childminder. They have an increasing understanding of number, commenting as they put their socks on, 'one more to do'. Although very young, they correctly name the colours of the bricks as they play with them and proudly announce that they are 'very clever'. They are regular visitors to the toddler group which helps to develop their social skills. They have occasional access to a range of different media including dough, paint and water to help their creative development. Although resources are plentiful, these are not organised effectively

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

so that children can make choices and develop their independence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the setting to help prevent the spread of infection and minimise the risk to children from germs. Satisfactory steps are taken to ensure children gain an understanding of hygiene practices, such as washing their hands when appropriate. They are developing an awareness of the importance of healthy eating as they enjoy fresh fruit for their snack and freshly cooked meals for their main meal. 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? 3 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? 3 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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