Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY260067 Inspection date 01/02/2011 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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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 2003. She lives with her son aged 16 years in the residential area of South Hetton in County Durham. The whole of the ground floor and the small bedroom on the first floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7.30am to 6pm 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 range. She is currently minding five children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years and is currently minding five children in this age group. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She has established links with the local school where she collects children from and attends several 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

The childminder offers a warm and stimulating environment for all children. She has attended relevant training to enable her to provide an inclusive environment. The very good range of experiences offered ensures all children have the opportunity to make good progress in their learning and development. Systems for including parents in the observation and assessment process are being developed. The childminder links closely with other childminders and an early years professional from the local authority. This results in continuous improvement being effectively maintained.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve systems to involve parents as part of the ongoing observation and assessment process.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended safeguarding training and demonstrates a clear understanding of her role and responsibility. Consequently, children are well- protected. Risk assessments take place on a daily basis within the childminder's home and for any outings undertaken. These effectively reduce the chance of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 accidental injury. The childminder shows a real commitment to training, which impacts positively on the quality of the care and education she provides. Resources are stored at the children's height to encourage free choice and independence. The childminder changes them to ensure children are inspired to participate.

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the early years provision

Good relationships have been developed with parents. The childminder speaks to them on a daily basis, as well as, providing individual developmental files and written diaries for younger children. This enables parents to continue their children's learning at home through similar experiences. The childminder has a very good understanding of the benefits of linking with other professionals to ensure the specific needs of all children are met. She liaises closely with other practitioners where children receive care and education in more than one setting. This has a positive impact on her being able to complement themes and activities children are enjoying at school.

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the early years provision

The childminder clearly reflects on the learning and development opportunities she provides. She gains feedback from parents both verbally and with written questionnaires. This enables her to tailor the service she offers to those attending. She has positively addressed the recommendation raised at the previous inspection. This has a favourable impact on ensuring all documentation meets the requirements.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and implements it effectively. She ensures each of the areas is covered well, including complementing her own wide range of resources with items from the toy library and visiting places of interest. A very good balance of child- centred and adult-led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for children's age and stage of development. Children behave well and are beginning to understand the consequences of unacceptable behaviour to others. The childminder has good strategies in place for managing behaviour, which are appropriate to the children's ages and stages of development. Children develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through a range of activities and resources which promote a positive outlook of the wider world. Children have access to a variety of books, which they enjoy looking at

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and outcomes for children

independently and with the childminder. Their communication skills are nurtured through various activities, including songs and rhymes. Children are becoming familiar with numbers as they count during their everyday play. A variety of creative activities promote children's self-expression and gives them opportunities to develop their senses. Examples of these are where they investigate the jelly and shaving foam and babies explore the paint with their hands and bodies. Children's skills for the future are promoted as they use interactive resources and access computers at the local Sure Start Centre.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder carefully plans activities around themes taking into account children's interests and capabilities. She has developed detailed individual books This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which contain regular observations and photographs linked to the areas of learning. Next steps are identified to inform future plans. Systems for involving parents in the ongoing observation and assessment process are in their infancy. This has a slightly negative impact on the childminder monitoring children's achievements.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a well-maintained environment, where toys and equipment are cleaned regularly. They are safeguarded well as the childminder's home is secure at all times. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children. Children's knowledge about personal safety is encouraged by gentle reminders from the childminder not climb on the chair in case they fall, talking to the crossing patrol officer and regular fire drill practises. This positively contributes to children developing a sense of danger and how to keep themselves safe. Parents have the option to provide their children's food. Otherwise the childminder prepares healthy meals, which include pasta dishes, shepherds pie and fruit. Good lifestyle habits are promoted as children plant and nurture tomatoes, peas and strawberries. They develop and test their physical skills through stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. Children are active

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and outcomes for children

or restful through choice and sleep inline with their individual needs and parents wishes. Clear records are kept in respect of accidents and medication and these are shared with parents. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. The childminder promotes good practice to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy. For example, she follows an appropriate procedure when changing nappies and wears disposable gloves. 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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