Childminder in Middlesbrough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 500949 Inspection date 27/04/2010 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 2001. She lives in the Coulby Newham area of Middlesbrough with her husband and their four children aged three, 13, and twins, aged 15 years old. The house is situated close to local amenities. The whole of the house is used for childminding, with the exception of the master bedroom. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7.30am to 6pm for 48 weeks of the year. The family has two pet dogs and two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years old at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years old. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is also registered for overnight care for one child under eight years. The childminder also works alongside her husband who is her registered assistant. She takes and collects children from the local school and nursery and attends several toddler groups.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are very happy and content at this homely setting where they relish the childminder’s calm and patient character. The childminder recognises and values the uniqueness of each child who attends, and demonstrates a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment to meet children's individual needs. Effective partnerships have been developed with parents and other early years providers to ensure children's welfare needs are met. The childminder's vigilance means children are well protected in all situations and all documentation is in place. The varied range of experiences she provides ensure children make good progress in all areas of learning. Systems for planning activities and observing children are developing, but do not include parents' input. The childminder maintains and regularly reviews her provision through an effective self-evaluation process and is fully committed to maintaining continuous improvement by attending regular

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the procedures for hand-washing to enable each child to have access to individual towels  further develop the systems for using observation and assessment to plan the next steps in learning for individual children  develop further systems to involve parents as part of the ongoing observation This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and assessment process.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge of safeguarding so that they are protected from harm. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of child protection issues and has completed updated training. She shares her duty of care with parents so that they are fully aware of her responsibilities in safeguarding children. Relevant checks are undertaken on adults in the household, ensuring they are suitable to have contact with children. Thorough risk assessments, which are regularly updated, ensure that hazards to children are kept to a minimum. Copies of all documents, for example, safeguarding, behaviour management, equal opportunities and complaints procedures, are made readily available to parents. The childminder's home is well- organised to ensure children are cared for in a safe environment, both indoors and outside. All documentation required to promote the safe and efficient management

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the early years provision

Children have access to a varied range of spontaneous and planned activities which promote play and learning opportunities, within the home and out in the community. The areas of the premises used for childcare play purposes are well- organised. There is a designated play room which provides children with easy access to a very good range of toys, equipment and resources. This encourages them to choose independently, allowing each child to follow their interests, sparking their curiosity and imagination. The childminder recognises that each child is unique and purposefully addresses children's individual needs to ensure no child is disadvantaged. Effective procedures are in place to monitor and evaluate the provision. This includes discussing practice with other childminders, parents, her local authority support worker and using the Ofsted self-evaluation form. The recommendation raised at the previous inspection has been positively addressed,

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the early years provision

which impacts favourably on the organisation of the setting. The childminder embraces additional training opportunities, consequently, this extends her skills and knowledge which has a positive impact on the care she offers.

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the early years provision

The childminder establishes contractual agreements and gathers relevant information from parents about children's individual and additional needs at the time they place their child in her care. This forms the basis of an effective, two- way partnership. The childminder keeps parents fully informed and talks to them each day about their children's experiences while at the setting. However, systems for parents to contribute to the children's learning and development records are not fully effective. Parents report positively about the childminder and describe her as 'kind and patient', and that 'children are cared for in a safe, loving environment'. The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of the benefits of sharing relevant information with other practitioners to ensure continuity and coherence. She is willing to liaise with other professionals to meet any specific requirements. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and implements it well. Children develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through a range of activities and resources. They benefit from a flexible routine, including a balance of child- centred and adult-led activities. The childminder has formed close relationships with children and they interact positively with adults and their peers. She offers clear, consistent praise and this encourages positive behaviour. As a result, children are at ease in the setting and clearly enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder knows the individual children well, and is aware of their likes and interests. She interacts very well with the children in their freely chosen play and is warm and caring towards them. She joins in well with their play and extends learning through good use of questioning and support. Children’s communication

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and outcomes for children

skills are fostered, resulting in good interactions between themselves and the childminder. They use information and communication technology to support their learning, including interactive resources and carefully chosen computer software.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a growing understanding of the living world through a variety of planned and spontaneous activities. These include visiting local shops to buy carrots to feed the animals in the local park, and planting trees in the garden. Children also enjoy visits to their local 'Natures World' where they have fun searching for mini-beasts. Children enjoy mark-making and are developing good hand-eye coordination. They gain confidence in using number as they count the steps up the climbing frame and discover how many spoonfuls of ingredients are needed when baking cakes. A variety of creative activities, including painting, manipulating play dough and making collage pictures, promote children's self- expression while having fun. Children delight in using their imagination as they enjoy role play in the outdoor play house, and pretend to sweep and clean the floor indoors with child-size brushes and mops. The childminder plans activities

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and outcomes for children

around children's interests and capabilities and knows the children in her care very well. She has started to develop individual records for the children, which include photographs and observations, and are linked to the areas of learning. However, records do not clearly identify learning priorities in order for the childminder to plan activities for each child's individual learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are welcomed into a clean and well-kept premises where they have more than ample space to play. Children feel safe within the childminder's home and they confidently approach her and any visitors to the home. They demonstrate a strong sense of security and confidence in the setting. Routines such as tidying away toys from the floor encourage children to take responsibility for their own safety and they also practice the evacuation procedure regularly. Children are kept safe on outings as they learn road safety procedures and understand simple rules, such as holding hands when crossing the road. Regular use of the very well- equipped garden, walks to the park and visits to local amenities provide opportunities for healthy exercise to encourage their physical development. Children are active or restful through choice and sleep in line with their individual needs and parents' wishes. Children are beginning to understand simple health and

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 hygiene practices. They wash their hands before snack-time and after using the toilet. However, procedures for hand-washing do not fully promote children's health, as all children share the same towel in the bathroom. The childminder’s good relationships with parents and effective procedures ensure children are cared for appropriately when ill; this reduces the risk of the spread of infection. 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 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

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Stage

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

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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

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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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