Childminder in Stockton-on-TeesOfsted inspection, 28 Apr 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 EY383169 Inspection date 28/04/2009 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 2008. She lives with her husband and her daughter aged nine years and her son aged five years in Stockton-on-Tees. The premises are within easy walking distance of local amenities of shops, schools and park. The whole of the ground floor, a bedroom and first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family have guinea pigs and a dog as pets.

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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 three may be in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is currently minding two children in this age group. 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 good. Children's needs are well met due to the close liaison between the childminder and their parents. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that all children can take part in activities whatever their stage of development or individual requirements. She has effective systems in place for monitoring and evaluating her provision and is enthusiastic about the further development of children's care and learning. Consequently the capacity to maintain continuous improvement is good.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure continuity and coherence by sharing relevant information regarding children's learning and development with other practitioners.

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provision

Children's welfare is promoted through the good organisational skills of the childminder. She keeps all necessary records and parental permissions and effectively implements an extensive range of policies and procedures that are specific to the setting and shared with parents. Children's safety is paramount. The childminder ensures that children are effectively safeguarded by making detailed written risk assessments of her home and of outings. She has a good understanding of child protection issues and has attended additional training to that received during her registration course. She has also attended a variety of other training courses to help her increase her childcare knowledge and provide good quality care for children. She monitors and evaluates her practice in a number of different ways, including seeking feedback from parents and children and is able to reflect clearly on her practice to identify areas for further

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development.

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provision

Partnerships with parents are friendly but also professional. They are kept fully informed about their children's care and learning on a daily basis through both verbal and written records. This enables the childminder to follow children's individual routines and to plan activities around their interests and needs. They are fully involved in the on-going process for observation and assessment including establishing children's starting points. Parents speak very highly of the care their children receive. Although the childminder is aware of what children have been learning at school through discussion with them, she has not yet fully developed links with their teachers to ensure continuity and coherence in learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder knows the children well, she observes them, analyses this information and uses what she has found out about the children to plan further activities. She has devised a summarative assessment sheet using the practice guidance, to help her track children's progress and identify for their next steps in learning. The quality of planning for individuals is good ensuring that each child receives an enjoyable and challenging experience across the areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are active learners. They are interested in all that is going on around them and are keen to learn and find things out for themselves. They have good self esteem and enjoy watching photographs of themselves on the digital photo frame. Their speech and language is developing rapidly and they chat happily to childminder, other adults around them, and even themselves. Even the very youngest children have a good understanding of number and are beginning to count securely. They already recognise colours and shapes and love using shape sorters. All children are confident, especially the older ones who have a big say in what they want to do after their return home from a busy day at school. They enjoy imaginary play; making 'dens' using a blanket over the table and all join in the fun. Outdoor play is a favourite, with the youngest children particularly enjoying a game of football. There is a wide range of equipment both in the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder's garden and the local park to help promote their physical development and encourage their enthusiasm for exercise.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is promoted well. High standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout all childminding areas and good hygiene routines are followed to prevent the spread of infection. Freshly prepared home-cooked meals are well balanced and nutritious. Children learn to manage their own self-care when developmentally ready, and follow good hygiene procedures in relation to hand washing. Children are taught the importance of safety through daily routines. They learn about road safety when out and about and are reminded about safe practice in the home. They are developing secure attachments to the childminder and her family including 'Benson' the dog. As a result they are content, relaxed and happy. 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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