Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY408422 Inspection date 07/02/2012 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

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 2010. He lives in Willington, with his wife and their two children, aged five and 11 years. The childminder's wife is also a registered childminder. Their home is within walking distance of schools and local amenities. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed rear yard for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently no children on roll who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. He is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. He is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Through discussion the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder's wife has children on roll and he is heavily involved in supporting her. He describes how he would provide children with a variety of activities to enable them to learn and develop through play. There is a very wide range of toys and equipment available to meet the varied age ranges of children. For example, construction, role play, small world toys, books and arts and crafts materials. These are stored throughout the childminder's home easily accessible to children, either on the floor or in plastic drawers. The childminder explains how children would have regular opportunities to be physical, for example going for walks and playing on the large apparatus in the yard and at nearby local parks.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates his ability to safeguard children. He has completed a very recent on-line safeguarding course to update his knowledge. He is able to give examples of signs and indicators of abuse, and is aware of the procedures to follow should he be concerned about a child in his care. The premises are safe and secure and the childminder conducts regular robust risk assessments. For example, socket covers, safety gates and cupboard locks are used appropriately and smoke alarms are frequently checked. A fire evacuation plan is in place and regularly practised.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a positive commitment to equality and diversity. He has toys and resources available to help children learn to value similarities and differences; he further enhances these by borrowing items from the local toy library. Procedures are in place to promote partnerships with parents and others. Parents are provided with regular newsletters and emails as well as learning journals, including written observations and photographs. The childminder has close links with the local school where his wife is a regular helper with fundraising events. He explains that he would support children's good health by providing a suitable range of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals, using fresh ingredients, which take into account children's individual dietary requirements. The childminder describes how he uses appropriate behaviour management techniques to promote children's positive behaviour, such as discussion and lots of praise and

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 encouragement.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder recognises the need to maintain continuous improvement in order to bring about better outcomes for the children. He keeps up to date with any necessary training, for example he is in the process of renewing his first aid certificate enabling him to deal with minor accidents and injuries. He is also completing a number of other on-line courses focussing on child development.

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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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