Childminder in Darlington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY423520 Inspection date 13/07/2011 Inspector Kerry Iden

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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 2011. She lives with her husband in a first floor maisonette in Gosport, Hampshire. The children have access to all rooms within the childminder's property except the main bedroom. There is a garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group at any one time. The childminder is also registered to care for two children aged under eight overnight. The childminder walks to local schools and nearby facilities, such as park areas and places of interest.

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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

Overall, the childminder has shown a commitment to starting up her childminding service and has prepared most areas of her home well. She is developing good relationships with children and their parents, although not extending these yet to others involved in the children's learning. Through written records the childminder illustrates her observations to parents and some plans to support future development. The children are settled and are able to play and rest where most areas are safe to do so. The childminder has undertaken limited evaluation of some aspects of her provision but this is an area for improvement. Along with some plans to complete future training, the childminder demonstrates she has the ability to make some improvements within her own setting.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide a separate bed for each child being cared for overnight (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 01/08/2011

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further?

 take all reasonable steps to ensure that all hazards to children in the garden, particularly the drains, are kept to a minimum and the area is made fully secure (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 01/08/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the use of the observations made on children to consistently This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 identify next steps in all areas of learning  develop a two-way flow of information with other early years providers to ensure a collaborative approach to children's welfare and learning and development is fully achieved

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the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection issues and she is aware of the correct procedures to follow with any concerns she may have about the well being or safety of a child within her care. She shares her responsibilities in this area with parents through her written safeguarding policies.

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains risk assessments for her home and outings, and carries out practice evacuation drills with the children in her care so that they understand what to do in an emergency situation. However, there are hazards in the garden in relation to the drains which have not been minimized and therefore pose a risk to children. Additionally the gate does not provide a sufficiently secure perimeter; therefore this does not properly safeguard the children.

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the early years provision

Overall, the childminder is well organised, with all documentation in place and she shares copies of all policies and procedures with parents. Details of any accidents are recorded and the childminder updates her skills and knowledge as she maintains a current paediatric first aid certificate to ensure children's well being in the event of an accident.

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the early years provision

The childminder has not completed the Ofsted self-evaluation form or completed alternatives of her own. However, she only recently started her childminding service and this will follow. She assesses the activities organised for children, ensuring they are ever changing to keep children stimulated, interested and happy. Through the identification of some future training the childminder demonstrates she has the capacity to drive some improvement within the setting.

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the early years provision

The play room accommodates most of the toys and resources, and children's art work and brightly coloured posters makes this room look inviting and welcoming to children. The childminder mainly uses the lounge area during the day for babies to have space and to choose from the resources that she makes available to them. The dedicated play room also accommodates children for overnight care. The childminder discusses with parents the individual needs of each child, however, facilities have not enabled children to have a bed each for overnight care as they currently share one bed. This is a breach in regulations. Outside play space is available on the ground floor for organised time in the garden. Resources within the setting reflect the ages of the children attending and give them appropriate challenge to achieve steady progress in their learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder is gaining a sound understanding of children's individual needs through initial and ongoing discussion with parents. Details included on completed documentation when children start in the setting enables the childminder to understand the children's individual needs. The childminder adapts activities and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 differentiates her level of support to allow babies to work alongside older children for example, in creative activities. The childminder is developing good relationships with parents but was unaware of the need to extend these to other childcare settings also providing the Early Years Foundation Stage to children in her care. Parents are able to access a diary with of details of their children's day and within these records the childminder also incorporates details about children's progress to illustrate to parents the ways in which their children are learning. Therefore

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the early years provision

communication with parents is effective.

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and outcomes for children

Overall, children are making sound progress in all areas of learning in the childminder's care. Babies are settled and contented, and are happy to participate in activities. They wake happily and are pleased to see the childminder who offers warm interaction and reassuring cuddles. Babies are given appropriate challenge for example, as they develop physical skills the childminder places items just out of reach. Babies are included in activities and mini projects. Their contributions to 'the sky at night' or 'children around the world' displays are valued and added alongside those of the school aged children. Resources and activities are used to introduce all the children to develop the skills they will require for future learning. Equipment with large buttons that make lights and sounds work interest babies and they quickly repeat their actions demonstrating their understanding of how it works. Babies' communication skills are promoted by the childminder as she chats and

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and outcomes for children

responds to sounds and gestures through play, thereby extended their vocabulary and language. Through the introduction of 'story sacks' babies are able to be included through the use of props as the childminder shares stories with older children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has established diary systems to record details of the children's time in the setting. This gives parents detailed information about their child's day, including care needs, as well as some information about their development. Observations are recorded and photographs are included to make a parent friendly account, although 'next steps' in children's development are not yet being routinely identified.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder understand the needs of individuals and is establishing routines with babies to enable them to feel safe and secure within the setting. She discusses aspects of safety with older children including road safety which they practice when away from the setting and uses visual displays as reminders for children. The childminder supports children in understanding about healthy lifestyles. Older children use their own individual hand towel in the bathroom and disposable wipes are used on babies. Time in the garden and away from the setting in organised activities, such as swimming enable all children to be active. The childminder works with parents with regard to the supply of meals and snacks. Drinksare offered to the children throughout the day.

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and outcomes for children

Babies are starting to develop a sense of belonging within the setting and are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 beginning to form positive relationships with the childminder. The childminder encourages the sharing of resources and kindness to others with time allowed for thinking and reflection. All children's contributions are valued and the play room displays children's artistic efforts. Overall, the children appear happy and contended in the care of a kind and caring childminder who is at the early stages of developing her childcare service. 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 01/08/2011

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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 01/08/2011

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