Jackson, Susan

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 313695 Inspection date 10/05/2011 Inspector Karen Tervit

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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 June 2000. She lives with her husband and their three children aged 17, 13 and six years old in the Carrville area of Durham. The downstairs of the home is available for childminding, as well as the first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a pet rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age at any one time. Of these, no more than two may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for three children in the early years age range on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged five to 11 years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 has developed caring relationships with children, valuing them as individuals and ensuring they are well settled. She is developing her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and observations of children's play and learning are mostly used effectively to inform her practice. Most of the suggested publications and required documentation are in place. Systems for self-evaluation are still in the early stages. Consequently, the capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement is sound.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any outings and trips  access a copy of the government booklet 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused'  help children to learn how to keep themselves safe, for example, by practising the fire evacuation with them on a regular basis  improve the recording of children's progress, including matching observations to the expectations of the early learning goals and identifying learning priorities  develop systems for self-evaluation in order to help to promote continuous improvement to the provision and outcomes for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder implements appropriate procedures for organising her provision. Children are suitably safeguarded. There is a clear written safeguarding policy in place. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role and responsibility with regards to keeping children safe from harm or abuse. She is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and who she should contact if she is concerned about a child in her care. However, she does not have a copy of the government booklet 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused' easily accessible to her. The childminder's written risk assessments are comprehensive for her home and garden, however, she does not keep a written record of the risk assessments she conducts on outings. She has completed an appropriate first aid course, minimising the risks to children should they have a minor accident. There is a clear record of attendance and any administrations of medication are recorded

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the early years provision

as necessary. The childminder is clear about procedures to follow should she need to evacuate her home in an emergency; however, she does not practise this on a regular basis with the children so as to raise their awareness.

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the early years provision

The childminder is beginning to use self-evaluation to reflect on her strengths and weaknesses. However, this is not fully embedded in her practice. The childminder has made suitable progress since the last inspection in most areas. For example, the complaints procedure now contains all contact details for Ofsted. She has strong links with other childminders, enabling her to share good practice, and has completed her NVQ level 3 in childcare. Appropriate use is made of space, time and resources to promote children's care and learning. Resources are sufficient, including those that help children learn about difference and diversity, and are set out on the floor to encourage children's free choice and independence. Currently no children with special educational needs and/or disabilities attend the setting. However, the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to working with parents and taking steps, where appropriate, to ensure that all children are fully included

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the early years provision

The childminder has strong relationships with parents. Parents give the childminder information about the children when they first start attending. She uses this information to further develop children's learning. As well as daily discussions to exchange and share relevant information about their children, the childminder often sends picture and text messages. Parents complete questionnaires and their comments are positive about the care children receive. The childminder has good links with other providers of Early Years Foundation Stage, so that she can complement activities and continue to develop children's learning. For example, she works with the nursery to encourage children's confidence and independence skills. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled, and have a good relationship with the childminder. They approach her confidently and freely. The childminder talks to the children constantly as they play together, offering praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem and positive behaviour. Flexible, informal plans are in place to ensure that activities cover most areas of learning and include a balance of indoor and outdoor activities. The childminder completes simple observations of the children and she demonstrates a sound understanding of children's development. However, observations are not linked to the early learning goals and they are not always used to plan the next steps in the children's development.

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and outcomes for children

Children have regular opportunities for outdoor play, for example, they go for walks to the park and play in the garden. Trips to toddler groups give children the opportunity to develop their social and creative skills. For example, children thoroughly enjoy making their own ladybirds at a toddler group and then go on to count the spots. Babies develop their physical skills as they have plenty of space to move around. They are beginning to use their imagination as they play with the toy kitchen or dress up in one of the many outfits. The childminder constantly counts with babies, for example, as she stacks the large plastic beakers up for them to knock over or they press the buttons on the cash till. Babies enjoy looking at simple board books as the childminder helps them turn the pages and look at the different pictures. They move enthusiastically to music and proudly do the actions to 'round and round the garden'. Children's understanding of difference

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and outcomes for children

and the wider world is beginning to develop as they play with resources reflecting positive images of diversity and celebrate different festivals.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment where they are beginning to develop an understanding of good hygiene and personal care, as the childminder implements consistent routines. For example, very young children have their hands wiped before meals and snacks. Older children have their own towels. A clear sick child policy helps to further reduce the risk of cross-infection and ensures children are cared for appropriately when ill. Meals and snacks are provided by parents, with the childminder offering activities and simple discussions to promote children's understanding of the importance of healthy eating. Systems are in place to gather information with regards to special dietary needs to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children are developing an understanding of keeping themselves safe. The childminder talks to them about looking and listening as they cross the road. Children are encouraged to help pick up toys so they do

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and outcomes for children

not fall over them. Children are able to rest and sleep according to home routines, with the childminder recognising when they become tired. 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 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 3 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 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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