Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY270534 Inspection date 28/11/2011 Inspector Julie Morrison

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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

There were no children on roll when this inspection took place. The findings in this report are based on evidence gathered from discussions with those who care for the children and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation. Where there are no children on roll, no judgement is made on the quality of the early years provision as there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children. The report states if the provider continues to meet the requirements of registration.

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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 2003. She lives with her husband in the Thornaby area of Stockton-on-Tees. The childminder has two pet dogs and a bird. The whole of the downstairs of the childminder's home and the upstairs bathroom is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register as well as the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years, of whom, three may be under five and one may be under one. She is also registered to care for children aged over eight years. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 7am to 6pm for 51 weeks of the year.

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Description of the childminding

At the time of this inspection there were no children on roll in the early years age group.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Evidence gained from discussion and looking at the childminder's documentation suggests that the childminder shows an adequate understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She describes how she would provide individual learning journals for all children. These would include observations of children's learning, which would be used to identify next steps in their development. She describes how she would use a planning sheet which would be linked to all six areas of learning to plan weekly activities. The childminder describes how children would take part in a suitable range of indoor and outdoor activities. For example, going for walks to collect conkers and leaves, playing with a parachute on the local field, painting, dressing up and baking. She explains that she would use everyday activities, such as, counting blocks and singing nursery rhymes to help children to learn counting skills.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a suitable commitment to equality and diversity. Through discussion she demonstrates that she treats children and their families with equal regard. She also describes how she has celebrated Divali with previous minded children and how she would use the toy library to get further resources to help children to learn to value and respect difference. Procedures are in place to promote partnerships with parents. The childminder has suitable strategies to ensure parents are informed of their child's care, learning, and development. These include sharing daily diaries and verbal feedback. She describes how she provides parents with suitable information at the start to ensure that they are informed about the service she provides, for example, copies of her policies. The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of the importance of sharing information with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

promote continuity of learning and care for children who attend more than one setting. The childminder has a written behaviour policy in place and describes how she uses appropriate behaviour management techniques to help children to learn right from wrong, such as discussion and encouraging children to share.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates an adequate understanding of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the signs and symptoms of abuse, including procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child. All documentation required to effectively safeguard children is in place, for example, accident records and consent to obtain emergency medical treatment. The childminder also holds a current first aid course, this means that she could respond quickly and appropriately to any accidents. The childminder provides a safe and secure space for children to play through the use of appropriate safety procedures. For example, external doors are kept locked, sockets covered and the childminder explains that she maintains constant supervision of children at all times. A record of risk assessments along with regular checks of all resources further helps to keep children safe. The

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

childminder describes how she is beginning to make use of the Ofsted self- evaluation form to evaluate her provision. As a result, has identified improving her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage as an area for development. She has addressed all actions and recommendations raised at previous Ofsted visits. This helps to improve outcomes for children.

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Compliance with registration requirements

The registered person continues 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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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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