Childminder in Darlington

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 301050 Inspection date 07/05/2009 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11, 10 and eight years old in the residential area of Hurworth village close to Darlington. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. She has two cats and a dog as pets. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 08.00 to 18.30 for 48 weeks of the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from the local school and nursery.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder offers a warm and friendly welcome to all children and their families. The variety of resources and activities that she provides ensures children have the opportunity to make satisfactory progress, whilst having fun. The childminder offers a comfortable and homely environment for children to play in. Systems for planning and observing children are being developed. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to welcoming all children into her home. Systems for self evaluation of the provision are in place and links have very recently been made with the childminder coordinator from the local authority to promote continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 use observations and assessments to identfy learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  develop the opportunities for children to begin to know about other peoples cultures in order to celebrate the similarities and differences between them in a diverse society  continue to develop partnerships with parents to enable them to review their children's progress regularly and contribute to their child's learning and development record.

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provision

The childminder is beginning to evaluate the care and education she provides. She has completed a self-evaluation form, which has focused her attention more clearly on the service she provides. Verbal and written feedback from parents has given the childminder a broader view of her childminding. This is complemented with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 discussions with the children highlighting why they like to come to the childminder's home. The recommendations and actions highlighted at the previous inspection have been positively addressed. This has resulted in more effective systems being implemented with regard to the documentation for medication and the seeking of emergency medical treatment. Written procedures are now in place in relation to safeguarding and complaints. The childminder has also completed a first aid course. She has also increased her knowledge and understanding of the

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provision

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and in addition is booked onto a suitable training course. The childminder recognises her strengths as being, the variety of activities she makes available for children and the loving attention she offers. She is also realistic in her identification of the need to continue to improve her systems for observations and assessments in relation to children's learning and development. This realisation enables her to better organise the systems she has in place.

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provision

A wide range of policies and procedures are in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. These are shared with parents informing them of the service provided. Written permission is requested from parents at the time of the child's admission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future, protecting children's health. All records for the safe and efficient management of the setting are maintained, helping to meet the needs of all children. All children are safeguarded, as the childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and who to contact with any concerns. Detailed risk assessments on all areas of the home, garden and outings are in place and the childminder ensures these are carried out on a regular basis. Fire drills are practised regularly, which helps to protect children's safety and develop their understanding of dangers and how to stay safe.

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provision

The childminder has built close relationships with parents. She speaks to them on a daily basis to ensure they are aware of the activities their children have participated in. However, opportunities for parents to review children's progress and contribute to their child's learning and development record have not been clearly established. Suitable links have been made to share relevant information with other practitioners where a child receives education and care in more than one setting. This has a positive impact on ensuring continuity and coherence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the EYFS. Children are happy, settled and relate well to her, as she joins in with their play. They benefit from a flexible routine including a balance of child-centred and adult-led activities. The childminder’s appropriate approach to equal opportunities contributes to children’s positive attitude to the wider community. However, there are few resources and activities offered to supplement this. Consequently, this negatively impacts on their growing awareness and understanding of difference. Appropriate use is made of the space so that they can move around independently and choose from a good range of age appropriate resources. The childminder is developing her understanding of the EYFS, and currently plans an appropriate range of activities which cover all areas of learning. She has recently introduced 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

observation records in each child's learning journal which are linked to the six areas of learning within EYFS. However, these are in the early stages and as yet, do not clearly identify learning priorities for each child.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and demonstrate a sense of belonging in the childminder's care. They demonstrate a secure bond with her as they readily approach her for help with their play. The childminder supports children appropriately as they play, giving regular praise and encouragement to promote their confidence and self- esteem. Children chat freely to the childminder, enjoy activities such as playing the 'build a beetle' game and demonstrate their enjoyment through chatter and laughter. They have fun throwing the dice and matching numbers to the appropriate part of the 'beetles' body. Children benefit from a suitable range of activities to help promote their creative development. For example, they enjoy dressing up, colouring and exploring music and sounds. Activities such as, using building blocks, jigsaws and the road track further helps to develop their problem solving skills. Use of the local area develops children's understanding of the living

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

world. Examples of this are where they feed the ducks in the park. Children enjoy books and listening to stories and the childminder takes them to the local library to choose their own books. Creative activities include opportunities for children to mark make as they practice early writing skills and explore colour and shape as they draw pictures in the learning journal. Children also had fun recently creating their own place mats decorating with pictures of both healthy food and their favourite foods they like to eat.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are welcomed into suitably clean and well-kept premises where they have sufficient space to play. The childminders home is secure with appropriate procedures being in place for the collection of children, ensuring they are adequately protected. Children experience suitable levels of supervision and appropriate safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced. They are kept safe on outings as they learn road safety procedures and understand simple rules, such as holding hands when crossing the road. Use of the garden, walks to the park and football on the local 'green' provide opportunities for healthy exercise, to encourage their physical development. The childminder’s flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. Parents provide packed meals for their children. The childminder complements these with fruit for snacks. Children are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

practices. They wash their hands after using the toilet using paper towels. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being. 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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