Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY216287 Inspection date 30 March 2006 Inspector Sandra Davies

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in July 2002. She lives with her husband, adult son and daughter aged 11 years. They live in a modern residential area of Redcar, close to local amenities, shops and schools. The ground floor is used for minding. There is a lounge and kitchen available. The toilet is located at ground floor level. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children under 8 years on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Children are taken to

p.2

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 soft play, the beach, park and the woods. The family do not have any pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming home environment. Children’s health is supported by the encouragement of appropriate personal care routines which also allow them to develop their independence. An example is when going to the toilet and hand washing. Medication, accident and sick children procedures are in place. As a result of these procedures, children are cared for in a safe environment where their health needs are met satisfactorily. The childminder works with parents ensuring that children's health and dietary needs are appropriately met. However, food intake and nappy changes are not recorded. Meals offered include fresh vegetables, fruit and convenience foods. Drinks are offered regularly and include water, milk and juice. Children are beginning to learn the importance of healthy eating. The range of physical activities available contribute to the good health of the children.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

There are lots of opportunities for fresh air as children enjoy regular garden games and visits to the woods and the beach. There is a good range of outdoor play equipment including bikes, hoops, balls, a slide and a trampoline.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm family home where effective safety measures allow them to move freely and explore independently. The furniture, toys and equipment provided are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. Toys and resources are stored so that children can reach them easily, make choices and develop their independence. They are of a suitable design and condition and are well maintained. The childminder has appropriate systems in place to ensure children's safety inside and outside the home. However, fire drills are not carried out. There are satisfactory procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures.

p.3

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 The provision is satisfactory. Warm relationships between the childminder and the children contribute to children's sense of belonging. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. Routines have been established which are consistent, promoting children's sense of security and developing their confidence. They are happy to initiate their own play and confidently approach the childminder. Children are able to socialise and good manners are encouraged. For example, when the children sit down together at the table for their meal. Children enjoy a suitable range of activities to support their overall development. For example, physical, imaginative and creative play.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are praised and encouraged and their individual needs are met satisfactorily. The childminder ensures that she has sufficient information to be able to give individual care. Children are beginning to value differences through sensitive discussion with the childminder. However, children have limited access to activities and resources which promote positive images of diversity and raise their overall awareness. The childminder showed a willingness to help children with specific needs. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour and this helps children to learn and understand behaviour boundaries and play harmoniously together. The effective use of praise and encouragement ensures children feel happy and confident. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Photographs are shared with parents and they are kept

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

verbally informed about their child's day and activities. This helps to promote children’s well-being, development and progress.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the childminder's home. Space indoors and outdoors is well used to cater for all the children’s play needs. Children are able to move around confidently and independently. The childminder is increasing her knowledge and understanding by taking a childcare course. All legally required documentation, which contributes to the children's health and well-being, is in place. However, the medication record is not signed by parents, to acknowledge the entry. Children's personal details are maintained, ensuring individual care is given. Overall, children's needs are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

A recommendation was made to ensure the sand pit is protected and the sand kept clean. The sand pit will be protected with a cover. A recommendation was made to

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 request written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This has now been obtained. The children's health and safety has been further protected by addressing these recommendations.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

p.5

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): • consider recording food intake and nappy changes for children under 2 years • ensure that the devised emergency escape plan is practised • provide a range of activities and play materials which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability and help children appreciate and value each others' similarities and differences • ensure that parents sign the medication record to acknowledge the entry.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5