Childminder in DarlingtonOfsted inspection, 1 Dec 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 301100 Inspection date 01/12/2010 Inspector Donna Lancaster

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and two adult sons in Darlington. The whole of the ground floor, except the conservatory, and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a garden for outdoor play. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 8.00 am 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 six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. 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 both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder currently has seven children on roll, of whom four are in the early years age group. 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder creates a friendly, caring and inclusive environment in which children are happy and secure. Most records and documentation are in place to promote children's safety and welfare. However, although the childminder assesses risks, these are not regularly reviewed and do not include all outings. There are suitable procedures in place to obtain relevant information about children's individual care needs. The childminder supports children's learning sufficiently in order for them to make satisfactory progress in their individual learning and development. Although there are some systems in place for self-evaluation and monitoring, these are not fully robust enough to ensure effective, continuous improvement in all areas.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the risk assessment is regularly reviewed, at least once a year, and includes each and every outing; and also record any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 22/12/2010

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for monitoring the effectiveness of the provision to make This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sure the service meets the needs of all who attend and to promote continuous improvement  develop further the use of observation and assessment to plan for the next steps in each child's learning and clearly link activities to the areas of learning ensure regular evacuations drills are carried out and details recorded in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  develop resources and activities to help children become aware of diversity and differences.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an appropriate understanding of how to protect the children in her care. For example, she knows how to report any concerns in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Children are further safeguarded, as all adults in the home have been vetted appropriately. The premises are safe and secure and the childminder has taken reasonable steps to minimise hazards, for example socket covers are in place and smoke alarms are fitted. A risk assessment has been carried out, however it is not reviewed regularly to identify any new potential hazards and to maintain the safety of the children. In addition, it does not include all outings undertaken. This is in breach of legal requirements. The childminder holds an up-to-date first aid certificate and has obtained consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. This ensures she could respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive service which is welcoming to children and parents alike. There is a suitable range of resources which are easily accessible enabling older children to make independent choices. The childminder puts toys such as rattles, balls, books and dolls out ready for when younger children arrive. However, the opportunities and resources to extend children's awareness of diversity and differences are limited. The childminder seeks the views of parents regularly and she meets regularly with other experienced childminders in the area, in order that they can share good practice and ideas with each other. Also, she has correctly identified some areas for improvements, for example to further develope the systems for recording children's learning and development. However, the systems for self-evaluation are still in the early stages of development. The childminder has addressed the recommendations and actions raised at her last

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the early years provision

inspection adequately. As a result, generally improvements have been made to the service, which benefits children in her care. For example, relevant information, including the complaints procedure and systems to record children's learning and development, are now in place and is beginning to be shared with parents and other provisions. The childminder has recently introduced some learning journals/daily diaries. She plans informally for the age of the children she cares for. This supports the childminder in meeting the learning and developmental needs of the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a secure relationship with parents and supports this by providing verbal and written feedback each day of what their child has been doing and how they have been. The childminder ensures she has relevant information This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about children's personal care and emergency contact details. She also has suitable arrangements in place with other providers, such as nursery and school. This supports continuity of learning and care for children. Contracts, consent forms, policies and procedures are in place and are shared with parents appropriately.

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and outcomes for children

Children play and learn in a warm and welcoming environment. They are happy, settled and have developed positive relationships with the childminder who knows each individual child well. Learning journeys have recently been introduced for some of the children. Observations made of the children are in the early stages and do not link to the areas of learning. As a result, plans for the next steps in children's learning have not been clearly identified.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to develop communication, literacy and language skills as they look at their favourite books such as 'Where's Wally?' They sit together on the floor and talk to each other as they try to find him. Babies attempt to copy familiar words. Babies chuckle as they press buttons on the pop-up toys and when they join in with actions songs and rhymes. Children enjoy making marks with pens and pencils and they use their imagination well as they make up stories of the treasure maps they have drawn. Children use numbers in everyday situations, for example, they count to 11 when talking about how many snowmen they have built and they spontaneously count and add up numbers when having lunch and when counting how many chocolate gold coins they have put in their treasure chests. Children benefit from regular walks to and from school and visits to the local park, which helps to develop their physical skills. Children enjoy walks in the local community

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and outcomes for children

with the dog; sometimes they visit the farm and other places of interest such as the 'forbidden corner' garden. Opportunities for children to use information and communication technology have been addressed through accessing resources at the toddler group they attend twice weekly and through some resources that the childminder provides. For instance, a talking telephone, musical and interactive activity toys and wind-up and battery-operated cars. This helps to develop skills that will contribute to children's future economic well-being.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder takes necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection, for example children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Older children know the reason why they need to wash their hands and proudly recite 'we wash the germs off them'. Babies' hands and faces are regularly cleaned with baby wipes. The childminder provides all meals for the children and has a suitable understanding of the importance of providing a healthy and balanced diet. Children do not attend if they are sick. This enables the childminder to protect others from illness and supports children's good health. The childminder interacts well with the children, providing regular praise and encouragement to promote self-esteem. Consistent behaviour management techniques, such as distraction and discussion, help children begin to learn right from wrong and to share and take turns. Children are developing an understanding

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of dangers and how to stay safe as the childminder talks to them about keeping themselves safe around the home. For example, she explains why they should not jump on the furniture, they talk about road safety and dangers to be aware of when they are out. However, although older children talk about how they would get out of the house in an emergency, they have not practised an evacuation drill. This compromises children's safety. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 22/12/2010 22/12/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 22/12/2010 22/12/2010

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