Childminder in DurhamOfsted inspection, 8 Dec 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY413692 Inspection date 08/12/2010 Inspector Elaine McDonnell

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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 July 2010. She lives with her husband and their three children, aged nine years and twins of seven years. They live in the old police station, which has been converted into a residential home, in the Meadowfield area of Durham. The home is close to local amenities, such as shops, primary schools and playgroups and is easily accessible. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes and there is a large, paved enclosed area to the rear and side of the property available for outdoor play. The family has a dog, which minded children have supervised access to.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and is also included on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently eight children on roll, between the ages of six months and 10 years, with five of these being in the early years age group. All attend on a part-time basis and some children are escorted to and from local schools and nurseries. The childminder cares for children Monday to Friday between the hours of 7.30am and 7.00pm, all year round. She has completed a relevant childcare training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate.

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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 provision is effective in meeting the needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage age group. Inclusion is appropriately promoted and children's individual needs are met. Children are supported to make satisfactory progress in their learning and development, however, future learning is not consistently planned. Children are adequately safeguarded, most required safety procedures are in place and the childminder demonstrates a basic knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues. She has the capacity to maintain continuous improvement, however, the self evaluation process needs further development.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 promote children's safety by ensuring that a procedure for uncollected children is available and by fixing the fireguard securely in place 22/12/2010

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  increase knowledge and understanding of up to date safeguarding children issues  develop the self-evaluation process to effectively identify areas for improvement  use evidence from observations of children to evaluate their development and plan for future learning

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the early years provision

Children are adequately safeguarded. Appropriate procedures are in place and the childminder demonstrates a basic knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues. Risk assessments are conducted for outings and for the home and some relevant steps have been taken to ensure a safe and secure environment. However, the fireguard in the lounge is not fixed in place, which poses a hazard to children.

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the early years provision

Most documents and records required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are available. However, there is no procedure in place to be followed in the event of child not being collected from the setting. Appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that adults having access to children are suitable. The childminder has a positive attitude towards personal development and has attended additional training since her previous inspection. She is also currently working towards a childcare National Vocational Qualification at level 3.

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the early years provision

Resources are suitably deployed within the setting and children have access to a varied range of age appropriate play materials and activities, both indoors and outdoors. The childminder ensures that resources remain safe with regular checking and cleaning routines. Equality is appropriately promoted within the setting and all children are included and involved. The childminder receives information about children's capabilities and routines and this is used as a basis for their individual care.

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the early years provision

The childminder adequately evaluates the provision and seeks parents' views through questionnaires, all of which are very positive. However, the process of self-evaluation is not fully effective, as areas for future continuous development have not been appropriately identified.

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the early years provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents. They are kept informed of their child's development and progress through regular discussions and through the use of daily diaries for younger children. She also works in partnership with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, such as primary schools and nurseries. Information about individual children's interests and progress is shared with other providers, with parents' consent, which promotes continuity of care and learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Some children's learning is observed and recorded. However, evidence from observations is not currently used to plan for future learning or play experiences. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and present themselves as feeling safe and secure in the setting. They are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development and are also beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe. For example, they learn about road safety when on outings and are involved in regular fire drills in the home.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is appropriately promoted within the setting. They receive a variety of healthy and nutritious meals, snacks and drinks and also participate in regular physical activity. For example, they visit play parks, soft play areas, play in the garden and go for walks in the local community. They also have access to physical play equipment indoors, such as items which promote babies standing and walking skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children are well behaved and the childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of how to manage behaviour effectively, promoting a relaxed and friendly environment. The children have opportunities for developing friendships with each other and also interact with peers at social groups.

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and outcomes for children

Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is appropriately promoted. They go on outings to the farm and help to care for the family dog. They have access to some basic resources which positively reflect wider society and they also learn about other cultural beliefs and celebrations, such as Diwali Festival of Light and Christmas activities. Children have access to some programmable and electronic toys such as a toy laptop, computer games and other interactive resources.

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and outcomes for children

Children's communication, language and literacy skills are appropriately promoted. The childminder encourages talking and listening activities and children have different opportunities for mark-making. They participate in different creative activities, such as painting and gluing and have recently made picture frames and advent calendars. 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 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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