Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY311537 Inspection date 20/10/2009 Inspector Vivienne Dempsey

p.1

Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and adult son in Peterlee, County Durham. The whole of the ground floor and main bedroom of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and has four children on roll in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She regularly attends a toddler group and takes children to the local park. She is a member of the local childminder network group.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a proactive approach to continuous improvement. She works closely with local authority advisers and other childminders to develop her practice. She regularly attends appropriate training, using her knowledge and skills to further promote outcomes for all children. Children's welfare is very well promoted as effective safeguarding procedures are in place. The childminder collects a wide range of information from parents to ensure she meets children's individual needs and care routines. She provides a warm, caring and friendly environment, where all children and their families are warmly welcomed.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 continue to develop organisation of observation systems to clearly show children's progression towards the early learning goals  further develop links with other providers to ensure progression and continuity for children's learning and development.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has clear policies and procedures in place to ensure children are safeguarded and their welfare is promoted. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and knows the procedures to follow should she have any concerns. Records for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place and well maintained. For example, attendance records are up to date and accidents are recorded and parents sign to acknowledge entry. Risk assessments are conducted and the childminder takes action to manage and eliminate risks. For example, smoke alarms, a fire blanket and safety gate are in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 place, these help to protect children's safety.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder uses space within the home well, children have free access to a wide range of resources and activities, giving them choices about what they do. This helps to develop their independence and self-help skills. The childminder has implemented recommendations from a previous inspection. For example, she has developed the range of resources and activities available to promote children's awareness of other cultures and diversity. The garden is secure and children cannot leave unattended, a bell system is now in place for parents and visitors to gain entry, protecting children's safety. The childminder effectively uses the Ofsted self-evaluation tool to highlight the strengths and areas for improvement of the provision provided and improvements to promote equality and inclusion have had a beneficial impact for all children.

p.5

the early years provision

Parents are very pleased with the 'brilliant' and 'excellent' service provided. A wide range of information is sought at registration, helping the childminder meet children's individual needs and parents requests. A daily verbal exchange of information, informs parents of activities their child has been involved in, this is reinforced with daily diaries and text messages. This helps to keep parents informed of children's daily routines and progress. Links with other providers and agencies have been developed to support the care needs of all children. However, links have not been fully developed to ensure progression and continuity of children's learning and development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder. They eagerly join in with activities available and are keen to talk to visitors about what they are doing. The childminder provides a good range of resources and activities to meet children's interests and stage of development. She has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning and development requirements. Systems are in place to observe and assess children's learning and development. These are used to plan for the next steps in children's learning and development, providing a challenging and varied learning environment. However, observations are not organised fully to clearly show children's progress towards the early learning goals.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a range of creative activities, which also help to develop early writing skills, such as painting with a variety of resources. For example, paintbrushes, sponges and painting wheels. The childminder talks to children about the different colours and the change in colours when they mix two colours together, providing opportunities for children to explore colour and differentiate between colours. She provides a good range of opportunities for children to enjoy the fresh air and explore the local environment. For example, they regularly visit the local farm and parks. Children have a very good relationship with the childminder and she provides lots of praise and encouragement. This helps to make children feel valued and included, whilst developing their sense of security.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy taking part in activities to develop their physical skills, such as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 playing in the secure rear garden and visiting the local soft play areas. This also encourages children to be active, helping them to understand the benefits of physical activity for a healthy lifestyle. Practising fire drills regularly and discussing road safety whilst on outings helps children learn the importance of keeping safe. Children confidently talk about stopping at the 'red light', demonstrating children's understanding of road safety. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8