Childminder in Durham

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 313572 Inspection date 09/07/2009 Inspector Janet Fairhurst

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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 has been registered since 1988. She lives with her husband, their adult child on an established residential estate on the outskirts of Burnopfield, a rural village community at the western boundary of Gateshead and Durham. Local facilities include shops, school and green areas, and most activities are based at the community centre.

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Description of the childminding

Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor. There are front and rear gardens for outdoor play. The family has a dog. The childminder is registered to provide care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for six children, four of whom are in the early years age range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is involved in the local childminder group which offers social contact for childminders and children as well as advice and support.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a safe, caring environment for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder knows minded children well and provides activities, that she knows they will enjoy and helps to promote their individual learning and development. The childminder operates an inclusive environment where each child is welcomed and treated fairly. Most welfare requirements are met. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory attitude to continuous development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the systems of observation and assessment to include links to the areas of learning and to reflect the next steps to children's learning  develop the systems for self evaluation to ensure that there is clear identification of targets for further improvements; using a whole setting approach which encourages the involvement of parents and children.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 conduct written risk assessments which covers anything a child may come into contact with and to include all outings undertaken (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 30/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is organised and manages daily routines effectively, to accommodate the individual needs of the children attending. For example, she ensures that babies are able to follow their familiar home routines, for eating and sleeping during the day. Policies and procedures are shared with parents, to ensure that they are fully aware of the service provided for their children. Children are kept safe and secure indoors and outdoors due to the childminder's vigilance and because she carry's out daily checks of the premises and resources, this ensure that children are protected from harm. However, written risk assessments are not in place which is a requirement of the EYFS. Suitable procedures are in place for recording accidents and medication and the childminder ensures she is able to respond appropriately if children have an accident by holding a valid first aid qualification.

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provision

Parents receive regular information about their children's care, routines and activities. The information is exchanged verbally which supports the childminder and parents in working together, to meet each child's individual needs. The childminder has a strong commitment to ensuring that close links are formed with parents and informal discussions take place each day, to further develop good relationships with parents. The childminder strives hard to meet the needs of the parents and the children in her care and provides a totally flexible service. She has a secure knowledge of safeguarding issues to support her in protecting children. From discussion it is clear that the childminder has the ability to identify her strengths and some of the areas that require improvements however, she has not yet considered how she can encourage parents to become involved in this process.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a basic understanding of EYFS however, she knows each child very well and provides resources and activities, that sustains their interest. Through her understanding of the EYFS she is beginning to make connections between the activities she provides and the six areas of learning. She keeps some evidence regarding what the children have been doing in the form of photographs. However, this system does not fully support children's progress because the next steps in their learning and development are not clearly identified.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

In the main children are very confident and happy in the childminder's care. The childminder uses her skills to allow new children to settle at their own pace, not overly encroaching on their space, allowing them to observe what is going on around them and become involved when they are ready. The childminder is aware of each child's key strengths, identifying the support children require to make progress. For example, enjoying fun activities such as splashing in puddles with willies on soon help allay fears of getting wet in the rain. Children enjoy activities which encourages mark making and the childminder ensures all children are able to participate. For example, babies enjoy making marks with crayons whilst the older children use pencils and felt tipped pens. Basic concepts of numbers is reinforced through everyday play, such as counting how many fingers and eyes 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

they have. Shape and colour are discussed as they talk about pizza's, one child correctly identifies that the pizza is a triangle when its cut up. The childminder organises opportunities for children to explore and use their imaginations both indoors and outdoors. For example, in the garden children use buckets to collect soil and grass and pretend they are making soup. They have visits to the woods where older children have opportunities to climb trees in safety. Children use interactive toys that are appropriate for their ages, such as mini computers, whilst the very young use resources that encourage them to press button and turn dials.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The setting is organised well which means that children can access toys and resources easily. Children's behaviour is well managed and where appropriate the childminder asks the children to complete small tasks, which encourage their sense of belonging, independence and self esteem. Children have appropriate opportunities to enjoy fresh air because they have daily access to the outdoor, such as the garden and during their walks. The good health of children is generally promoted well, through suitable procedures to prevent the spread of infection. Clear routines encourage children to develop good hygiene habits and clear explanations help them to understand why hygiene is important. They enjoy regular, nutritious meals, which takes account of their particular dietary requirements. Meals times are treated as an occasion where children can develop healthy attitudes to food and one which they can converse with each other thus

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

helping to develop their communication and social skills. 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? 2 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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