Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 313605 Inspection date 14/01/2010 Inspector Lindsey Pollock

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her two adult children in Coxhoe. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom and toilet are used for childminding. There is a rear yard and garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for seven children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is an experienced childcarer who provides a warm and welcoming environment in which children feel secure. Children take part in a varied range of activities which promote their learning. Systems for observation, planning and assessments are in the process of being developed to help identify learning priorities for each child or ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered. Some systems are in place for self-evaluation and monitoring; as a result, there is a satisfactory capacity to maintain continuous improvement of the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the fire does not pose a risk to children's safety  complete summative assessments at particular points in time so children's progress can be tracked  develop the use self-evaluation processes, such as the Ofsted self-evaluation form, to help identify areas for development.

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the early years provision

Procedures for safeguarding children and protecting their welfare are in place. The childminder has the relevant knowledge and understanding of possible indicators of abuse and neglect and the steps she should take should she be concerned about a child. Family members have undergone relevant checks to ensure their suitability around children. The childminder completes risk assessments on all areas of the home and for outings and steps have been taken to ensure that hazards are kept to a minimum. However, the fireguard is not secure, resulting in a potential risk to children from the fire. Effective procedures are in place to gather and record information in order to meet all children's individual needs. This This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensures children are valued equally and fully included, and helps them to settle quickly. The childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course and adheres

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the early years provision

to her policies for dealing with accidents and the administration of medication to safeguard children's welfare.

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the early years provision

Evaluation takes into account the views of parents and children and provides some insight into the strengths and areas for improvement for the provision. The childminder is beginning to use the Ofsted self-evaluation form as a basis of ongoing internal review to help her further develop the service. She has a positive approach to continuous improvement and has worked hard to meet the actions and recommendations made at the last inspection. These have now been satisfactorily addressed. She works closely with advisers from the local authority to improve outcomes for children. Appropriate use is made of space and resources to promote care and learning. Accessible, good quality toys help to promote children's independence. Although no children with special educational needs and/or disabilities currently attend the setting, the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to working with parents and taking steps where appropriate to ensure that

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the early years provision

all children are fully included at the setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed positive partnerships with parents and carers. They are provided with information about the service she offers and regular updates on their child's progress and achievements. Parents speak very highly of the care provided. The childminder is building partnerships with other providers of Early Years Foundation Stage. She communicates with school staff to support individual children and to promote their achievement and well-being.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. The childminder provides a welcoming homely environment in which to care for children. They approach her and her family with confidence and affection. The childminder knows the children very well and responds to their needs, such as recognising when they are tired or hungry. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements and plans activities which are based on children's individual needs and interests. She observes and makes notes about what children can do, but is not yet using systems for summative assessment to enable her to fully track children's progress and help her with future planning.

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and outcomes for children

Children’s learning and development are satisfactorily promoted through free-play and adult-led activities, both indoors and outside. Their independence is developing well as they feed themselves and make choices from the range of resources available to them. They are confident and play alongside and with each other well. Young children's speech is developing well and they understand what is said to them. The childminder introduces colour, size, shape and number throughout daily activities, for example, helping them to count their grapes at lunchtime and discussing the colours of their pencil crayons. Games, such as jigsaws and dominoes, also help with number recognition and problem solving. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children have regular opportunities to experiment with materials including paint and play dough to help with their creative and sensory development. Their pictures

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and outcomes for children

are proudly displayed on the wall and in their files, which helps to raise their self- esteem and give them a sense of belonging. Children are developing some skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being; for example, they have occasional access to early information and communication technology and become independent learners.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder actively promotes children’s welfare and safety. She follows effective hygiene practices to reduce the risk of cross-infection, such as keeping her home clean and encouraging children to wash their hands when appropriate. Satisfactory provision is made for children to benefit from fresh air as they go out in the community, including nearby parks where they can run around and enjoy the open space. They are developing an awareness of safety as they practise evacuating the property in an emergency and road safety when on outings. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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

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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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