Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY367792 Inspection date 08/12/2010 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 assesses 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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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 2008. She lives with her husband and her three children aged 18, 16, 3-years-old in a house on farmland on the outskirts of the village of Elton. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years. She is currently caring for two children under eight years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

All children are very warmly welcomed by the friendly and dedicated childminder. Children's individuality and interests are respected and nurtured by the childminder which ensures they are valued and fully included. The childminder routinely observes and assesses children's progress and as a result, children are very happy and making good progress in their learning and development. Effective relationships are forged with parents and partnerships are forming with others, this means that consistency of care for all children is assured. Children's safety is effectively promoted with most documentation in place to assist the safe management of the provision in place. The childminder has effective procedures in place to evaluate the care and education provided, along with a genuine commitment to developing her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessment of risks for all outings and trips  develop systems to share information about children's individual learning and development when children attend more than one setting to ensure continuity.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities whilst protecting children in her care. This includes her duty to record and report any concerns and to share her child protection policy with parents on admission to the setting. She has also updated her knowledge and understanding in this area by completing training which further supports her in this role. Effective vetting procedures are in place to ensure that adults in the household are suitable to be in contact with the children. A wide range of safety precautions are in place within her home and daily checks and written risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessments ensure that potential risks to children are effectively identified and minimised indoors and outdoors. However, although the childminder thoroughly risk assesses all outings, the written record does not always reflect this. The

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the early years provision

childminder is mindful to ensure that she cares for an appropriate number of children at any one time and dedicates time to make sure all the required documentation and written records are maintained. This helps to ensure that children are well supported.

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the early years provision

Children's play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. The childminder is taking appropriate steps to ensure her provision and environment is sustainable. Children regularly re-cycle materials to make models and she also uses her local toy library to access different resources. Children access toys and resources indoors that are of a good quality and that support their learning and development. They are introduced to and become actively involved in community groups that promote a broad range of activities, such as 'stay and play', as well as regular visits to the parks. This helps to broaden children's range of experiences and supports their social 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. Systems for self- evaluation are effective with the childminder being able to identify her strengths

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the early years provision

and weaknesses well. She is passionate about the children in her care and gains written feedback from parents and the children to gain an optimal view of the service she provides. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to developing her provision and is committed to improving her childcare practice by attending regular training. She has successfully completed the recommendations from the last inspection. This improves outcomes for children's well-being and safety.

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the early years provision

Children's individual needs are known and consistency of care assured because the childminder has formed good relationships with their parents. The daily exchange of information, both verbally, through newsletters and a daily diary ensures that children's changing needs are well met. Parents are kept up-to-date with their child's progress as the childminder shares individual learning folders which contain both photographic and written evidence of their involvement in various activities. Parents comment very positively on the service provided by the childminder. They report that the childminder is 'kind and committed to caring for the children' and the childminder provides a 'quality service in a safe fun environment'. The diversity of individuals is valued and respected and the childminder actively promotes equal opportunities, ensuring that all children and families feel included and safe. The childminder understands the importance of working in partnership with others. For

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the early years provision

example, early years settings that children in her care may also attend. Systems for doing this are being established but do not include procedures for both parties to contribute to children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are content and confident in familiar surroundings, as the childminder is sensitive to their needs and interests. The childminder has formed strong loving This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relationships with children and they interact positively with adults. She offers clear praise consistently and this encourages children's positive behaviour. As a result, children are at ease in the setting. The childminder is committed to the care and education of children and implements effective methods using routine activities to fully promote children's learning. This means that children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. A wide range of activities and resources are in place to meet the children's needs and provide stimulating experiences across all areas of learning. The childminder includes challenges to extend children's skills. For example, they love to explore and investigate so she has

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and outcomes for children

compiled treasure boxes using heuristic play materials. These include items such as sponges and various textiles, so the children can satisfy their natural curiosity and explore their senses. She understands how children develop and learn and regularly observes the children in her care. She records what she sees and has a clear awareness of where children are, and how she hopes to move them on to the next steps in their learning. Consequently, children are effectively challenged and supported to reach their full potential.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a calm and warm manner and children receive plenty of affection and a good level of interaction. She encourages young children's language and communication skills through speaking clearly, asking them questions and introducing new words. They enjoy easy access to a wide range of books and the childminder reads them stories, 'The Gruffalo' being the current favourite. Children also enjoy reading books to each other and treat books with care and respect. Regular visits to the local library help to extend their interest and learning. Children notice nature, the changing seasons as they explore mini beasts such as snails and worms outdoors, and the size and texture of the leaves and trees. Children behave in a manner that is supportive of their learning. They develop confidence and have high levels of self-esteem because the childminder gives regular praise, encouragement and support. Consequently, children learn to

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and outcomes for children

share, take turns and show consideration for each other. They learn about themselves and the wider community through general discussion, exploring various festivals and special days and enjoy easy access to a range of resources that show positive images of diversity. The childminder has purchased a 'share and care' advent calendar teaching about how children celebrate Christmas in Africa. Children take part in problem solving activities such as building with different sized wooden pieces and stones outdoors, and mark-making with pavement chalks.

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and outcomes for children

Children's physical skills are enhanced as they access a range of play equipment in the garden. Indoors they have fun using the exercise mat as they practise their rolling and hopping skills. They learn to care for plants and plant vegetables and grass seed models. Their creative development is well supported as they use a range of media, such as paint, crayons and messy play. Children's health is effectively assured as they follow good hygiene procedures and enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. All areas of the childminder's home are clean and children's medical information is appropriately exchanged between the childminder and parents. The childminder teaches children about road safety and they learn about the need to act safely and sensibly near roads. Whilst at the childminder's home children become familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure and the childminder talks to them about safety in a way that they can understand and

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and outcomes for children

relate to. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 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 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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