Childminder in Darlington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY434965 Inspection date 21/02/2012 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

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 Darlington. The family have three pet dogs, a bird, a guinea pig and giant snail. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Children have use of a rear 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 in the early years age range and one may be under one year. She is also registered to care for children aged over eight years. The childminder currently cares for six children, four of which are in the early years age range. The childminder cares for children on weekdays and Saturdays from 7am to 7pm for 50 weeks of the year. She takes and collects children from the local school and nurseries and to the local parent and toddler group.

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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 well cared for by the knowledgeable and dedicated childminder, who demonstrates a genuine commitment to supporting the needs of all children in her care. She provides an inclusive and welcoming environment and has effective procedures in place to work with parents to gather information, in order to meet children individual needs. Although, she has not been minding for long, she provides a wide range of experiences for children. This is combined with enthusiastic teaching to ensure all those attending have good opportunities to make progress in all areas of learning. The childminder reflects well on her practice to ensure continuous improvement is effectively maintained.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to regularly share children's learning and development records with other practioners.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises her provision well. A wide range of policies and procedures, which are updated regularly, are used effectively to underpin her good practice. Children are effectively safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is confident about procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child. The childminder provides a welcoming and child friendly environment where risks are identified successfully. These are addressed and minimised effectively through the use of appropriate safety equipment, such as stair gates and cupboard locks. This is further supported This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 by daily checks and a clear record of risk assessment for all areas of the home and outings. The childminder holds an up-to-date first aid certificate and obtains consent from parents for emergency medical treatment. This ensures that she

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the early years provision

could respond quickly and effectively to any accidents.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a genuine commitment to developing her practice and knowledge. She has made effective use of the Ofsted self-evaluation form to reflect on her practice and identify an action plan of areas for improvement. This is combined with gathering feedback in the form of questionnaires from parents and children. As a result, her capacity to improve is good. Play opportunities are promoted well as resources, time and space are used to good effect at the childminder's home. Photographs and displays of the children's work helps to develop their sense of belonging and promotes self-esteem. The dedicated 'rainbow room' provides a wide range of age-appropriate toys and resources. These are attractively displayed in low-level and clearly labelled storages boxes and bags to support children in making independent choices about their learning and play.

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the early years provision

Inclusion is actively promoted as the childminder gathers good information from parents at the start to ensure that she is aware of children's individual needs, in order to provide the best care she can for children. This includes likes, dislikes and daily routines and is combined with initial observations to gather information about children's individual starting points. Effective procedures are in place to keep parents well informed about the service the childminder provides and keep parents up-to-date about their child's learning and care. This includes, sharing policies at the start, daily diaries and regular meetings with parents to discuss their child's progress. Parents are actively encouraged to be involved in their child's learning through adding notes to their child's learning diary, which are then used by the childminder to inform her planning. As result, feedback from parents is very positive describing her as providing a 'first class service'. Weekly discussions with

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the early years provision

other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensures that the childminder is aware of activities that children are doing at other settings and uses these to inform her planning. However, the childminder has not fully developed her systems to share children's individual learning and development records, in order to further support continuity of care and learning for children, who attend more than one setting.

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and outcomes for children

Although, relatively new to her setting, children are well settled and are clearly developing close relationships with the friendly and enthusiastic childminder. She demonstrates a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides a wide range of fun and stimulating learning opportunities for children, which cover all areas of learning. Detailed planning systems are in place, which ensures that planning is based on children's individual interests and the next steps in their learning. Individual learning diaries contain observations of children's progress and highlight the good progress they are making towards the early This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder makes good use of questioning and support to extend children's learning. For example, as they prepare for lunch, she asks them how many plates they need and encourages them to count the blueberries they have. The childminder further supports children's learning as they identify different shapes and talk about how many sides each one has. Children's communication skills are fostered well, resulting in good interactions between themselves and the childminder. For example, the childminder takes time to listen to them and introduces words, such as biggest and smallest into their conversations. Children's interest in books and reading is supported by the good use of story sacks and role play activities. Babies are secure in the childminder's care and begin to develop a sense of self as they see their mirror image. They enjoy sensory experiences as they play with a variety of textures, such as exploring jelly and toys that make

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and outcomes for children

sounds. Children enjoy a wide range of arts and crafts activities and examples of their junk modelling are proudly displayed promoting their self-esteem. Children have very good opportunities to learn about the natural world, for example, they watch ladybird larvae hatch and plant and measure flowers. The childminder builds on children's interest in activities. For example, after making bird feeders, the children use binoculars and bird books to identify and tally the number of different birds they see in the garden. Children are beginning to develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through a range of activities and resources, which promote a positive outlook of the wider world, for example, celebrating Australia Day. A wide range of easily accessible programmable toys, including a digital camera and CD player supports children in developing valuable skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children's knowledge about personal safety is successfully encouraged through practising road safety and fire drills on a regular basis. This is further supported by planned activities, such as role play and making road safety posters. Children have good opportunities to learn about healthy lifestyles. They go for daily walks to the park and visit local toddler groups. This provides regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. The childminder understands the importance of providing a healthy and balanced diet and encourages children to be involved in preparing their own meals. For example, making sandwiches or choosing pizza toppings. Children have further opportunities to learn about healthy lifestyles as the grow vegetables and learn about caring for animals. Consistent daily routines, such as using paper towels for hand washing ensure the risk of cross-infection is minimised. The childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing children's

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and outcomes for children

behaviour, which takes into account their age. As a result, children behave well and are praised for their good manners. The childminder gives high priority to helping children to become autonomous in their learning and encouraging them to make their own choices. This ensures that children feel valued, which promotes their self-esteem and helps them to develop a strong sense of belonging in the childminder's care. 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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