Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 313469 Inspection date 22/09/2011 Inspector Eileen Grimes

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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 1992. She lives with her children aged 19 and 14 years in Peterlee. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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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 provides extremely effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Very good partnerships with parents and carers contribute to the childminder's secure understanding of children's individual needs and support their continued care and development. The childminder understands that every child is unique and children are treated as individuals. They are safeguarded and their welfare needs are met through the childminder's strong practice and implementation of some highly effective policies and procedures. The childminder is committed to continual improvement and self-reflection to enable her to identify her strengths and weaknesses.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop observations and assessments to link to the early learning goals and identify next steps  amend the complaints policy to include the accurate phone number of the regulator.

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the early years provision

Arrangements for safeguarding children are robust; for example, the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of how to protect children and safeguard their welfare. She is fully aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and knows what she should do should she have a concern. Consequently, children are protected. The childminder has a safeguarding policy in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 place which is shared with parents. Children's safety is paramount and the childminder ensures appropriate measures are in place to maintain their safety; for example, doors are kept locked to ensure no one may enter or leave without the childminder's knowledge. Daily visual assessments are effective and ensure the environment remains safe. Children are fully protected at all times and the daily practice is effectively supported by detailed written risk assessments. The

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the early years provision

childminder has a wide range of policies and procedures in place, which includes a complaints policy; however, the phone number of the regulator is not updated.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good commitment to evaluating and developing her practice. All recommendations raised at the last inspection are complete. She reviews and analyses her care practice and identifies her strengths and areas for development. She has recently completed her National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Childcare and Education. This has a positive impact on outcomes for children, as the childminder regularly reviews her practice.

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the early years provision

Children's care, learning and welfare are promoted because the childminder puts the individual needs of each child in her care first. Resources are accessible and developmentally appropriate and the daily routine is planned to ensure all children are fully included. Space within the home is very well organised and provides children with space to move and complete a range of activities. The childminder works hard to provide an inclusive environment; for example, she values and appreciates children in her care and their families and welcomes them into her home.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established, and continues to develop, extremely strong working relationships with parents based on mutual respect and understanding. She ensures that they are kept informed about all aspects of their child's care at the beginning and end of the day. When children begin attending, the childminder takes time to gather a wealth of information. This ensures she has all the information she needs to care for children in accordance with parents' preferences. The childminder develops strong relationships with other early years providers in the locality. Schools ensure she is kept informed about all aspects of the children's day and developmental progress. This partnership working ensures continuity of care for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their learning and demonstrate growing confidence as they interact with the childminder. They make clear progress in their overall development towards the early learning goals, as the childminder uses her secure knowledge to provide interesting and appropriate experiences for them. These cover all six areas of learning in broad terms. The childminder does regular observations, and assessments which are supported by examples of children's work and photographs. However, they do not currently link to the early learning goals or identify next steps. The childminder picks up well on spontaneous opportunities to promote learning, so children undertake a variety of activities and enjoy a good balance of indoor and outdoor play. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's experiences match their requirements well, because the childminder knows their individual preferences and interests. She provides resources and

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and outcomes for children

experiences centred on these interests, and follows the children's lead as their play evolves, for example, children draw with a range of resources. The childminder extends the children's thinking as she encourages them to develop pictures through thoughtful support. This leads to children feeling comfortable and enjoying what they do. The childminder is highly effective at encouraging their speech and language development, providing a good role model herself as she speaks clearly to them. In addition, she supports children to develop skills for the future extremely well, as they are encouraged to write letters, develop independence, learn to share, take turns and cooperate. Children also look at books, and talk about the emotions of happiness and sadness.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of how to promote children's good health. She gathers information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. The childminder supports children well to move towards independence, for example, they learn to put on their own clothes and make healthy choices about food they eat. Children engage in a variety of physical activities, both indoors and outdoors and learn to keep themselves safe.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop high levels of self-esteem and a sense of achievement as positive behaviour is promoted with regular praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children's behaviour is managed well with clear and consistent boundaries set. Through discussion children learn to respect and co-operate with others and regularly talk about their feelings and emotions. The childminder is a positive role model and secure relationships between the childminder and children enable children to feel safe and valued in the childminding environment. 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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