Childminder in DurhamOfsted inspection, 8 Nov 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY429096 Inspection date 08/11/2011 Inspector Linndsey Pollock

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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 June 2011 and lives with her partner and daughter, aged three years, in South Hetton. The whole of the ground floor, the front bedroom and the first floor bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted 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 aged under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than two may be in the early year's age range. There are currently three children on roll in this age group. The childminder has a level 3 childcare qualification. She has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate.

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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

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming, homely environment and the childminder knows each of the children well. This enables her to meet their individual care needs and to plan activities well-matched to their interests and abilities. As a result, children's welfare is effectively promoted and children make good progress in their development and learning. The childminder develops positive relationships with parents so that information is shared and children benefit from continuity in their care. The childminder is a qualified, experienced practitioner who is keen to develop her service. Consequently, the capacity to maintain continuous improvement is good.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the use of summative assessments so children's progress can be continually tracked and this information used to inform planning  liaise with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed training and has a good understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She knows what action to take if she is concerned about a child and is fully aware of her responsibility for doing so. Effective steps are taken to promote children's safety within the home through thorough risk assessments and regular checking of the environment. Appropriate safety measures are in place around the home to ensure children's safety. For This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 example, access to electrical sockets and harmful substances is prevented. Checks have been completed on household members, to ensure they are suitable to have regular contact with the children. Details of visitors are recorded and children are closely supervised at all times. Children's personal details are recorded so that individual needs can be met. The childminder maintains a current first aid

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the early years provision

certificate so that she can act in their best interests in the event of any medical emergency.

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the early years provision

Good procedures for driving and securing improvement are in place. The childminder demonstrates a positive commitment to training, in order to continually improve the quality of the service she provides. Effective self-evaluation and practice monitoring, which includes seeking the views of parents, enables the childminder to develop the provision. A stimulating learning environment is provided which is welcoming to children and allows them lots of space to move around freely. The childminder ensures children have easy access to good quality equipment and resources, which promotes their interests and all areas of learning. Children use the space and facilities provided confidently, choosing what they want to play with, which supports their growing independence. Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, she has relevant experience that she draws on to show how she could

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the early years provision

make suitable arrangements to ensure no child was disadvantaged.

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the early years provision

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure she understands their child's individual needs and routines. She provides them with clear information about the service and written policies are readily available to them. The childminder ensures parents are kept fully informed about their child. She documents children's care and learning in daily diaries and learning journals, which are shared with parents. Parents provide positive written feedback about the childminder including comments, such as, 'My children enjoy every minute with you - this makes it a lot easier to go to work' and 'definitely happy with the service you provide'. The childminder is aware of the importance of liaising with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care. However, as yet, she has not fully initiated these procedures to support children's development.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has good knowledge of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The learning programme is well-organised with a balance of adult and child-led activities, which take account of children's individual interests. These cover all areas of learning, ensuring children enjoy a stimulating variety of activities that are designed to meet each child's developmental needs. Children's learning records include observations and photographs showing their enjoyment and planned next steps. However, as yet, the childminder is not summarising children's achievements at a particular point in time so that their progress can be fully tracked and the information used for future planning. Consistent routines and good support, ensure children are secure and feel a sense of belonging. They obviously enjoy being with the childminder and her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

daughter and approach her confidently and with much affection.

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and outcomes for children

Children have many opportunities for sensory exploration and mess making with materials, such as, paint, dough and gloop. They enjoy art and craft activities, such as, making spiders for Halloween and all join in together with this activity. They love music and dance when they hear songs on the cd player. Their independence is increasing well. They choose what they want to play with and feed themselves at snack and meal times. As they get older they become increasingly independent, for example, managing their personal needs and setting the table. Children move around the setting with increasing control and coordination. For example, babies confidently crawl around the room and as they develop, walk around using the furniture as support. Children have access to a range of resources which reflect the diversity of the world in which they live. This raises their awareness of differences and of their own and other cultures. They

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and outcomes for children

enjoy outings in the local area and when time allows, go on outings to places, such as, the seaside. Children have access to a wide selection of books and these are all at children's level and suitable for all ages and stages of development. The childminder takes children to the library to encourage and develop this interest in books and reading.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning the benefits of healthy eating as they enjoy fresh fruit for snack and home-cooked, balanced and nutritious meals. Children's good health is further promoted through effective hygiene routines that help to reduce the risk of cross infection. Children have opportunities to be active as they visit local parks and enjoy the open space near to the childminder's home. The childminder knows the children well and is alert to signs that they are tired. She provides appropriate areas for rest and ensures their own comforters are readily available so that they rest easily. Children's behaviour is managed consistently and sensitively. The childminder has a clear policy and procedure that she shares with parents. Simple house rules are in place so that older children have consistent boundaries and now what is expected of them. 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 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 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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