Childminder, Out-of school day care in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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309946 Unique Reference Number 15 May 2006 Inspection date Elaine Steedman Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 14 years at their home in Killingworth in Newcastle upon Tyne. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years and currently there are six children on roll, of whom four are aged under eight years. One dog is kept as a pet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the ground floor lounge, dining room, playroom, kitchen-diner, conservatory and toilet, a bathroom and bedroom on the first floor and the rear garden. The premises are within walking distance of local bus routes, toddler groups, playgroups, local nurseries and schools, local shops, parks and the library.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Babies' and toddler's personal needs are effectively managed. For example, the childminder follows good personal hygiene routines and hygienic feeding routines with them. Children have very good opportunities to develop good personal hygiene habits, for example they learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating or handling food. The childminder's good maintenance arrangements ensure the environment is safe and hygienic and children's health is well protected. The childminder employs effective strategies to prevent the spread of infection. Children's health is further promoted by well organised, detailed record keeping arrangements. These enable the childminder to effectively address any individual health needs the children may have. Basic written policies are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of healthy diets and children's nutritional needs. Children have good opportunities to learn how to keep themselves healthy, for example the childminder discusses healthy eating with them. They have access to and are encouraged to drink water. They are provided with a variety of healthy meals and snacks including fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes into account children's individual needs and preferences.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further promoted by having good opportunities to exercise and develop their body awareness. Children are able to move around their play space freely and play with a range of toys and activities which encourage their physical development, such as dancing to music, baby gyms and playing with balls. They participate in a wide range of outdoor activities, for example in the garden they can play on a trampoline, a slide and play ball games and races. They take part in many outings, such as visits to a farm, an animal centre, parks, toddler groups and soft play centres where they can access larger play equipment. Children are encouraged to walk whenever possible, for example they walk to and from school and help take the dog for a walk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm, welcoming, comfortable home. The home is well organised for childcare and children can move around safely. Children are able to easily reach most of the resources and facilities they need. Children have access to a wide range of good quality play resources and equipment. Regular, effective maintenance ensures children's toys and equipment are safe for their use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is well promoted through the childminder's vigilance and effective supervision. Safety equipment is used effectively and the childminder has good fire evacuation and safety procedures. Effective measures are in place to minimise the hazards children are exposed to, however, blind cords and the bathroom lock are accessible to children. Children have good opportunities to learn about dangers and how to stay safe through the childminder's clear warnings and explanations. They learn about keeping safe in the home, for example not to touch the hot oven when baking biscuits. They learn about how to stay safe outdoors, for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 example to stop, look and listen when crossing roads and use pedestrian crossings wherever possible. Children are further protected by good supervision, however, the rear of the property is not secure enough.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well protected by the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of child development. She matches play activities and toys very well to the children's learning needs. Children are able to choose from a wide range of appropriate, good quality, stimulating toys and activities, such as books, musical toys, jigsaws, games, imaginative toys, construction toys and much more. These are used effectively to support all areas of children's learning and development. Children enjoy many activities, such as baking biscuits, playing with play-dough and making cards. They enjoy outdoor activities, for example playing on a trampoline and slide in the garden, local walks and playing in the park. Children take part in a variety of outings including visits to the library, local toddler groups, animal centres and soft play. Children are encouraged to develop their social skills through playing with other children, cooperating with each other and sharing toys. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

makes some reference to the 'Birth to three' guidelines and acknowledges this as an area for development. Children are happy in their play and have many good opportunities to develop their imagination and practice their developing skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude towards equal opportunities and respect for differing needs. The childminder uses the information she collects about the children to effectively address their individual needs. Children learn about their own community and the wider world through using the range of resources available, however, resources are very limited regarding disability. The children benefit from the childminder's recent play training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have very warm, friendly relationships with the childminder and are confident in her care. The childminder praises children's efforts and treats them respectfully, for example thanking them for helping to clear the table after a biscuit making activity. She effectively uses positive, developmentally appropriate behaviour management methods and as a result the children behave very well. The childminder acts as a positive role model helping children to learn about reasonable behaviour boundaries, for example not hurting others and respecting and being well mannered towards others. The childminder discusses behaviour management with parents and is able to ensure that children's behaviour is managed consistently. Children have good relationships, interact well together and cooperate and play without conflict.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good settling in arrangements, such as children's introductory visits with their parents. Children are very well settled and happy and enjoy being with the childminder. The childminder has good arrangements for promoting children's care. She keeps detailed

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 records of children's information, complies with parent's wishes and works closely with them to promote their children's care. The childminder has very positive relationships with parents and keeps them well informed about their children, for example at collection time she gives them comprehensive feedback about their child's day and well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who are cared for and the childminder has a clear understanding of all the National Standards. Children's welfare is promoted well by the childminder having attended training extra to what is required. The childminder takes the necessary precautions to ensure the suitability of any persons in contact with the children. Space, resources and routines are well organised to suit the children's needs. Children have easy access to the facilities and equipment they need.

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Organisation

Detailed, well organised record keeping underpins the quality of children's care and ensures children's individual needs are well supported. Parents are kept well informed about their children's care. All relevant documentation is in place and up to date. Good security measures are observed to protect confidentiality.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has recently attended NVQ L3 to update her knowledge of current childcare practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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.

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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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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): • further improve security by ensuring that the rear of the premises is kept secure when minded children are present

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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 • further develop children's access to equal opportunities resources which show positive images of diversity by including disability.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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