Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 305541 Inspection date 05 May 2005 Inspector Lynne Pope

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and two children, one of whom is under the age of 16. They live in the Roker area of Sunderland. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed yard available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day, no children over five and two children over the age of eight before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and takes children to the local park. The childminder has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They access regular outdoor activities which contribute to their physical well being. They manage their bodies in different environments by moving freely around the well presented and clean childminder's home. Outdoor activities take place in the back yard or they visit the local park and beach. They are able to rest or be active according to their needs. The childminder keeps up to date records of accidents and medicines, however written parental consent has not been given for medication. The childminder has a high awareness of the children's dietary requirements. The children enjoy a good range of healthy snacks and regular drinks including milk and low sugar juices, to supplement the lunches provided by parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder follows effective procedures ensuring that children are cared for in a spacious home where potential risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children enthusiastically select from a wide range of age appropriate resources stored in low level boxes in the dining room developing their independence The childminder carefully monitors and supervises their choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children learn the importance of keeping safe on outings through the effective processes the childminder has in place. Children are well protected by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. The childminder has a good relationship with the children providing consistent support to develop their independence, for example sitting on the floor with young children, joining in with their play and asking appropriate questions to aid their development. She provides appropriate activities for children through learning abut their needs and abilities prior to them starting, for example introductory visits with the parent and child. Early communication skills are well

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 supported through the childminder helping with pronunciation of words while looking at picture books or doing jigsaw puzzles. Children socialise with other children within the home and through regular attendance at toddler group. Children are interested in a suitable range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities, although these are not always sufficiently challenging to help children to take the next step.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources that promote a positive view of the wider world, for example they learn about the local community by travelling by Metro to the Life Centre in Newcastle. She develops a good relationship with children and consistent boundaries are set with the result that children are well behaved. A positive partnership with parents is fostered to meet children's individual needs. Information is shared daily with parents about their child's progress enhancing the child's learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. Children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. Through being comfortable they initiate their own play and learning and are well supported by the childminder. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. A daily routine is followed with time set aside each week to visit toddler group which further promotes children's feeling of esteem in the environment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved her record keeping. She keeps a daily record of children's attendance ensuring that she meets registration requirements. She has an agreement between herself and parents regarding the care of their children and has obtained written consent to take children on public transport and to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. A smoke detector has been fitted on the first floor of her home ensuring all safety issues have been addressed.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop further a suitable range of activities for younger children for example by using the birth to three framework. • ensure written consent is gained from parents to administer medication.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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