Childminder in Middlesbrough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY274092 Inspection date 18/06/2010 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 has been registered since November 2003. She lives with her partner and two children aged 14 and seven years. They live in a house in the Marton area of Middlesbrough, close to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has a pet hamster. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 8am to 5.30pm, for 48 weeks of the year.

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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 age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder currently has six children on roll, of which five are in the early years age range. She collects children from the local school and nursery and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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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 cared for in a welcoming, safe and stimulating environment, where their individual needs are fully recognised and skilfully supported by the childminder. She demonstrates a secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides a wide range of activities for children which covers all areas of learning. The childminder is constantly developing her good practice, including the observation and assessment process. Systems for planning are developing. This ensures children are motivated to learn and make good progress towards the early learning goals. Excellent partnerships are established and maintained with the parents, and the childminder is proactive in forming links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage where the children also attend. Effective procedures to evaluate the care and education provided, along with a genuine commitment to developing her practice, ensure that continual improvements are

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

made. As a result, children's welfare, learning and development requirements are effectively met.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop the systems for planning to include individual children's next steps in development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder gives the highest priority to safeguarding children. She has a very good understanding of her responsibilities in regards to child protection issues, and this is reflected in her comprehensive safeguarding policy which parents have access to. She has also recently completed online child protection training to update her knowledge and understanding of this subject. She pays excellent attention to maintaining a safe environment, which allows the children to explore freely and enables them to take measured risks in their play. This is supported by highly detailed risk assessments which cover all areas of the home and all outings. All adults living on the premises have completed relevant checks and clearances. All of the required documentation is in place and is well maintained. Well-thought- out policies and procedures effectively underpin the efficient management of her service. The childminder demonstrates a genuine commitment to providing high

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the early years provision

quality childcare. Her ongoing commitment to training and her enthusiasm for her chosen career have a positive impact on the good quality of care and education she provides. The childminder has effective systems in place to monitor her service. These are used very effectively to identify areas for future development, ensuring continuous improvement. All recommendations from the previous inspection have been positively addressed. Consequently, the outcomes for children are good.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises her home very effectively and children benefit from a dedicated playroom which displays a wealth of posters, pictures and examples of the children's work. Very good use is made of the available indoor space and the childminder has an excellent range of well-presented, high quality resources, which children choose from freely and confidently. There is also a very good range of outdoor equipment to promote children's all-round development. Children access the outdoor environment daily as they move freely between indoors and outdoors when they wish. The childminder is taking appropriate steps to ensure her provision and environment are sustainable. Children regularly recycle materials to make models. Children are introduced to, and become actively involved in community groups, such as the local Sure Start Centre and toddler groups. This also helps to broaden children's range of experiences and supports their social

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the early years provision

skills and awareness of the wider world around them. Children's enthusiasm and self-esteem grow as they are praised and rewarded with smiles and hugs. Currently, no children with special educational needs and/or disabilities attend the setting. However, the childminder demonstrates a genuine commitment to working with parents and other providers to ensure that all children's individual needs are fully met.

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the early years provision

Good systems are in place to ensure each child's uniqueness and individual needs are recognised and met. The childminder obtains all necessary information with regards to the children’s care and learning in advance of a child being admitted to the setting, through thorough discussions with parents. She then continues to work closely with parents to ensure children make continual progress. Parents receive a written information pack when their child first starts and have access to all policies and procedures. Consequently, parents understand the service provided This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and have all the necessary information to hand. The childminder values the importance of partnership working with parents and ensures they are kept informed of their children's day through regular discussions, children's developmental records and written diaries. Parents are actively encouraged to

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the early years provision

contribute to these records to enhance children's learning. Parents speak very highly of the care and learning the childminder provides, stating 'I could not think of a better person to look after my child', 'She is an excellent childminder' and 'I trust her 110%'. Proactive systems are in place to work with other settings providing the Early Years Foundation Stage for the children. This includes obtaining, planning and sharing children's individual learning files. This means that the childminder is able to build upon learning from other settings and promotes continuity of care and learning for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy, secure and thoroughly enjoy the quality time the childminder spends playing with them. They are busy and curious and enjoy investigating and exploring the quality range of play resources that is available to them. The childminder skilfully recognises each child as an individual and provides activities to meet their specific needs. For example, younger children’s fascination with mark making leads the childminder to include a range of interesting media, such as paints, play-dough and crayons. This encourages children to investigate and explore, developing their natural curiosity as learners. Other children enjoy listening to their favourite story, 'The Gruffalo', and the childminder provides various props to assist their enjoyment of the book. The childminder has a very good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and plans for the individual child. As a result, she offers children stimulating learning opportunities

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and outcomes for children

which are based on their individual needs and interests. She is skilled at challenging and extending children's learning by questioning them appropriately. Children are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder gathers detailed information from parents from the start to ascertain what children can already do. Observations of each child's achievements, through photographs and written notes, are gathered in a special book which forms the basis of assessments and future plans. In addition, the childminder also completes written observations which clearly identify children's next steps in their development. However, it is not always clear to see how planning is linked to each child's next step in their development.

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and outcomes for children

Children have regular access to activities that encourage and develop their skills, such as problem solving and communication. For example, they complete simple jigsaw puzzles and build a tower using colourful bricks as they learn to count and recognise different colours. Children have good opportunities to participate in a wide range of creative activities, such as painting, and collage and model making. They are developing their sensory skills as they explore and investigate the various herbs and plants in the garden. They also help to plant and nurture vegetables and fruits in large pots in the garden. Children have many opportunities to explore and investigate the living world; for example, during visits to the local nature world they learn about snails, tortoises and the life cycle of a frog. Children have good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 access to a selection of programmable toys that support their learning, as they find

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and outcomes for children

out why things happen and how things work. This helps children to develop skills for the future. Children begin to learn about the wider world by accessing toys and books which portray positive images of differences. They celebrate various festivals, such as Hanukah and Divali, to raise their awareness of different cultures and religions. Children use their imagination well in the role-play area, pretending to play shop, and have fun playing with their superhero figures.

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and outcomes for children

Effective measures are in place to promote children’s health and well-being and they understand and adopt good hygiene practices. The childminder ensures that children are provided with healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. Children often help to prepare snacks and have fun buttering their toast and choosing to spread either jam or honey on the top. Children recognise when they are thirsty and are offered fresh drinking water throughout the day. Parents are closely consulted about any dietary needs their children may have and information is recorded. The childminder encourages children to enjoy being active. For example, they have excellent opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise, and are developing their physical skills using a range of equipment in the garden, such as bikes and climbing frames, as well as swings and slides in the park. The childminder is proactive in teaching children about a range of safety aspects, such as keeping

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and outcomes for children

themselves safe when crossing the roads. They also learn about fire safety and practise emergency evacuation procedures. The childminder understands how to manage children’s behaviour appropriately. For example, she praises their achievement to promote self-esteem and confidence. By following the very good example she sets, they learn good manners and understand how to share and care for each other. She responds sensitively to young children’s swiftly changing needs; for example if they are tired they can enjoy 'quiet times' in another room. Therefore, they develop a strong sense of security and belonging in her care and are happy and settled. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 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 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 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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