Robson, Helen

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 EY239857 Inspection date 13/05/2009 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 2004. She lives with her partner, her daughter aged six years and her son aged two months, in Darlington. All ground floor areas of the home, the second bedroom and first floor bathroom, are used for childminding purposes. The ground floor of the premises is easily accessible. Children have access to a secure outdoor play area at the rear of the home. The family has a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary 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 cared for by a warm and caring childminder who meets their individual needs. They experience a range of suitable learning activities, some outside the home, accessing local groups and community activities. Children are treated with equal concern and attention, and are cared for in an inclusive environment. The childminder is keen to develop the provision and is beginning to implement systems for monitoring practice and self-evaluation. As a result, the capacity to maintain continuous improvement is sound.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure continuity and progression by sharing relevant information with other practitioners who care for children  continue to develop use of observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child continue to develop use of quality improvement processes such as the Ofsted self-evaluation processes as the basis of ongoing internal review  carry out regular evacuation drills and record details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved.

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provision

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder has a sound understanding of the procedures to be taken should she be concerned about a child and recognises that their welfare is paramount. A written statement regarding safeguarding procedures is in place but this lacks details of how children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 will be fully protected. The childminder has a record of the risk assessment which covers all childcare areas, helping to ensure that children remain safe in the home. The childminder is confident that she can evacuate the premises quickly in an emergency but has not practised this with the children so they are aware of the procedure. All necessary written permissions have been obtained and clear records of accidents and administered medication are kept to safeguard children's welfare.

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provision

The childminder has completed some self-evaluation; however, she is not yet fully using this as the basis of ongoing internal review to identify areas for development. She meets with other childminders and discusses ideas for activities and ongoing development. Actions made at the last inspection have been satisfactorily addressed and the childminder also takes positive steps to meet recommendations. This has a positive impact on children's learning and development. For example, activity planning has been developed to ensure children continue to be challenged in all areas of their learning and includes activities to raise children's awareness of diversity.

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provision

Positive relationships are developed with parents through daily communication. Information gathered from parents when children first join the setting helps to ensure that individual needs and likes and dislikes are fully understood. Although the childminder has familiarised herself with what children are learning at other settings so she can complement this at home, steps have not yet been taken to liaise with the practitioners in those settings. This does not fully ensure effective continuity and progression in children's learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are settled, relaxed and very much at home in the childminder's care. They enjoy each others company and have responded well to the birth of the childminder's new baby. The childminder is sensitive to individual needs, so that children have a sense of security and belonging. She is developing a sound understanding of the learning and development requirements and has started to implement these, to help her to provide a suitable range of activities. However, the systems for observing and assessing children's development and for planning activities are in the early stages of implementation and not yet fully developed so that all areas of learning are fully covered and the next steps for children's learning clearly identified.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children engage happily in their play, be it adult- or child-led. They are developing good social skills as they play with other children at toddler groups and, even though young, have good manners remembering to say 'please' and 'thank you' when appropriate. They enjoy sustained role play based on first-hand experiences, such as when they care for baby 'Annabel'. They have an increasing understanding of size and shape, reinforced as they make puppets to re-enact Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The children enjoy being outside where they benefit from the fresh air. Equipment is readily available to help their physical development and they also enjoy swimming, walks in the local community and trips to the park.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good procedures are in place to promote children's health. Hygiene standards This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 throughout the home are good; all toys and equipment are regularly cleaned and checked. The childminder has suitable procedures in place to ensure that she is aware of any dietary needs. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of behaviour management techniques. Lots of praise and encouragement help to promote children's self-esteem and promote positive behaviour. 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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