Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 312681 Inspection date 11/01/2011 Inspector Vivienne Dempsey

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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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband in the Marton area of Middlesbrough, close to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor of the home and first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7.45am to 6pm for 46 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 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 11 children on roll, of which six are in the early years age range. She collects children from the local schools 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

Children are making good progress in their learning. Strong links have been developed with parents and other providers, which helps to ensure continuity in children's learning, development and care. The childminder has used weaknesses identified at her last inspection to effectively improve the provision and outcomes for children. She also works closely with other childminders to develop her knowledge and skills. Although systems are in place for self-evaluation future plans are not always clear.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further systems for self evaluation to ensure continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a detailed written policy in place relating to safeguarding and child protection. She has a good understanding of the signs of abuse and knows who to contact with any concerns. Risk assessments are effectively conducted and risks are eliminated to ensure children can move around the home freely and safely. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and permission is sought from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This enables her to act quickly in the event of an accident. The childminder maintains safeguarding records, for example, records accidents accurately. However, the childminder is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 caring for more children than their conditions of registration allow. This is an offence unless the provider gives a reasonable excuse. On this occasion the provider did so and Ofsted does not intend to take further action.

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the early years provision

Good relationships have been developed with parents. The childminder speaks to them on a daily basis to ensure they are fully informed of the experiences their children have enjoyed. The childminder shares all her policies and procedures with parents at the outset to ensure they are well-informed. They also have access to their children's individual observational files and daily diary sheets are completed. Partnerships with other providers are well established and make a strong contribution to children's achievement and well-being. Information is regularly shared and used to promote children's achievement and well-being. Children are able to easily access a wide range of resources in the child-centred playroom. These are stored attractively at the children's height to promote free choice and independence. The childminder ensures her knowledge about different cultures is up to date and she provides a range of activities and resources to promote

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the early years provision

children's awareness of the society in which they live.

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the early years provision

The recommendations and an action raised at the last inspection have been addressed and have improved outcomes for children. The childminder clearly reflects on her practice by completing the Ofsted self-evaluation form. She gains verbal feedback from parents and children, however, future plans to secure continuous improvement are not always clear.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and secure with the childminder and are keen to join in with planned activities. They enjoy the good range of resources and can access these independently with ease and confidence. The childminder knows the children well and provides appropriately for their interests and stage of development. She has a good understanding of the six areas of learning and interacts with the children well. Good systems are in place to observe and assess children's learning and development and they are making good progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very well behaved and respond positively to the childminder's praise and encouragement. They enjoy building with the blocks and talk about the different sizes and colours. They count how many blocks they have used to make a tower, which helps to develop their awareness of numbers. A variety of mark- making resources are freely available and children enjoy making marks on the large chalkboard, which helps develop their early writing skills. The childminder provides a good range of activities and resources to promote children's awareness of other people's cultures and beliefs. For example, they celebrate a range of festivals such as Divali and Chinese New Year.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a wide range of opportunities for the children to develop their physical well-being. For example, they regularly visit the local parks and play areas which helps to develop their large physical skills. Drinks are freely available This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which helps to keep children hydrated during the day. Children take part in regular fire evacuation drills and talk about road safety when walking in the local community. They and always stop, look and listen before crossing roads. The childminder also works with the local lollypop lady to develop their awareness of dangers and how to stay safe. 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 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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