Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 550085 Inspection date 30/03/2011 Inspector Jacqui West

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and child aged 13 years. They live in a residential area of Greencroft in Stanley. The ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed outside area. She has a cat and a dog as pets. The childminder provides a service on each weekday from 7.30am to 5.30pm for 48 weeks of the year.

p.4

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 three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years and is currently minding no children in this age group. This childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm and friendly environment. She demonstrates a suitable attitude towards providing an inclusive environment. Space is well organised and provides children with access to a good variety of resources. Consequently, they make steady progress towards their learning and development. The majority of the risk are identified. Systems to reflect on the service provided are suitable, which results in continuous improvement being adequately maintained. However, all the required documentation is not in place.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 request written parental permission at the time of the child's admission to the provision, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 31/03/2011

p.4

further?

 keep a written record of all medicines administered to children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare, also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 31/03/2011

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 have appropriate fire detection and control equipment, for example, a fire This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 blanket  observe, analyse and use what you have found out about the children to plan for the next steps in their learning.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are protected well. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and procedures to follow should she have any concerns. She ensures that all relevant telephone numbers, including emergency contacts, are readily available. A record of risk assessments and regular checks of areas and equipment are carried out. However, not all suitable fire safety equipment is in place. This has a negative impact on children safety. Children access a good range of resources. Child-friendly storage systems allow children opportunities to self-select and make choices about their play. This helps foster their decision making and independence skills.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder works well with parents to ensure children remain happy and settled. Parents are presented with a range of written documentation that informs them generally well of the service provided. Information about children's needs is obtained at the start of the placement. However, this is not consistent for all placements. The required consent for emergency medical treatment is not in place for all children. This has a negative impact on meeting parent's wishes and safeguarding children. Regular information is shared with parents about their child's learning and care through the use of daily diaries. This enables appropriate learning to be continued at home through highlighted activities. The childminder has developed suitable partnerships with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. She regularly speaks to staff at the local nursery and views the notice board to ensure that she is aware of the current themes.

p.5

the early years provision

Suitable systems are in place to evaluate the care and education the childminder provides. She is able to discuss her strengths and areas for development, such as, to develop activities to promote children's knowledge of 'all around the world'. The childminder has shown a commitment to further training. For example, she has recently completed a NVQ Level 3 in childcare. However, some of the requirements with regard to the written paperwork have not been fully met. This impacts negatively on continuous improvements being effectively maintained. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been positively addressed and this has had a favourable impact on improving the quality of the provision.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children benefit from a flexible routine, including a balance of child-centred and adult-led activities. Children are happy, secure and settled. They enjoy their time with the childminder who is a good role model. Consequently, children are polite and well mannered. Children develop a suitable understanding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of the world around them as they look for frogs, snails and butterflies. They confidently name shapes, colours and numbers, for instance as they build towers with blocks. Children are encouraged to develop their counting skills during everyday play situations. They are involved in a range of creative activities including, drawing and baking. Their communication skills are well fostered through ongoing discussions. The childminder takes time to listen to the children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

This helps to nurture their confidence and positive self-esteem. Children access a range of resources to promote children's understanding of information communication technology, such as programmable toys.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is aware of the children's individual strengths. She has a flexible routine led by the children's interests and planned outings. She observes children's development, but does not have effective systems to identify the next steps in their learning. Consequently, this does not fully inform future planning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment where standards of hygiene are well maintained. They develop a sound understanding of good health as familiar daily routines are used well and simple reminders are displayed. Children are provided with individual towels to reduce the risk of cross infection. Healthy meals and snacks are provided, such as, vegetables and pasta. Packed lunches that are provided by parents are stored appropriately, promoting children's health. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder implements suitable procedures. For example, they cross roads using the green cross code. They benefit from regular opportunities to explore the outdoors and develop their physical skills. For example, they access the surrounding field to fly kites and have picnics. Additional outings include visits to the local park and soft

p.6

and outcomes for children

play areas. The majority of the documentation with regard to health is discussed with parents and is generally well organised. However, after administering medication, a written record is not maintained. This is a breach of requirement and has a negative impact on children's safety and well-being. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

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.

p.8

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:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR8) 31/03/2011

p.8

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:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (CR8) 31/03/2011

p.8