Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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318863 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2006 Inspection date Andrea, Jane Lockyer 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 lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and two adult daughters. They live in a semi detached house in the Kingston Park area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Local amenities and public transport systems are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor areas are used for childminding purposes, access to the first floor is restricted to the use of the bathroom. There is a suitable rear garden available for outdoor play. The family do not have any pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children, and is currently caring for ten children all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support and training opportunities from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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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. Children enjoy a wide range of well planned activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor and indoor activities which help them develop increasing control of their bodies and enjoy being active, such as singing and dancing, trips out to soft play where they learn climbing and balancing skills, and using sit and ride toys at the local toddler group. Garden activities, visits to local parks and places of interest improve children's physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, throughout their daily routine. The consistent adult support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene, and a desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care, for example, as they help themselves to tissues and wipes, older children independently visit the toilet and wash their hands, and all children enjoy washing and cleaning activities. Good records and highly comprehensive policies and procedures, which are effectively implemented protect children from illness and infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's good knowledge about healthy eating, ensures that children are developing a good understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet. They take part in activities, such as tasting foods at the local supermarket, helping to buy foods at the local shops and are involved in planning healthy menus. Children are able to make choices from the well balanced meals available and have access to fruit and drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

In depth discussions with parents and comprehensive records, ensure that children are provided with a healthy nutritious diet, which takes account of children's individual dietary needs and parental wishes.

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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 safe home where most risks are identified and minimised, however, cleaning materials in the kitchen could be accessed by children. In general children are able to move around freely, independently and safely. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe both in and out of the home. She effectively achieves a good balance between freedom and setting safe limits. This allows children to learn a sense of danger and knowledge about how to protect themselves from harm, for example, as they cross roads and rail crossings, take part in fire drills, learn to negotiate stairs safely and keep themselves safe on the beach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder has a good level of awareness of child protection issues and procedures. This means that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Comprehensive written procedures shared with parents ensures that they are fully aware of the childminder's responsibility regarding the protection of children, in line with the local safeguarding children's board.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They are confident and happy. They achieve well because the childminder has a clear understanding of their developmental stages. She plans imaginative and stimulating activities with the children, which are purposeful and developmentally appropriate. All children access a broad range of experiences, that promote and enhance their individual development and learning skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They relate very well to each other and socialise with other children through visits to local amenities. They enjoy a wide variety of activities which contribute to their imaginative, physical, creative, mathematical and language skills, such as singing and dancing, role play, construction, drawing and model making and listening to stories. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources that promote a positive view of the world. Which increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others, for example, as they celebrate Chinese New Year, Eid, and visit museums. Children have everyday access to a good range of play materials that positively reflect diversity. They learn about their local community as they visit places of interest, such as the coast, airport, farms, parks, library and local shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has realistic expectations of children's behaviour. She implements a range of good strategies to promote positive behaviour, that help children understand right from wrong. Children respond positively to meaningful praise and encouragement, which contributes to their social skills, confidence and self-esteem, for example, as they share toys, help to tidy up and help one another. They show care and concern for one another and behave very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good relationships between the childminder and parents. Good verbal and written communication ensures that children's individual needs are met. An excellent information package for parents ensures that they are kept exceedingly well informed about all aspects of the childminding practice and the care, welfare and progress of their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The premises are effectively organised, space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. They are very confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning, and are very settled. Children have good daily opportunities for rest, play, meals and going out, which are organised around children's individual needs and their daily routines.

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Organisation

Highly effective organisation, planning and communication when working with a co-childminder, ensures that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. This actively contributes to the smooth running of daily routines consistent with children's individual needs.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 An exemplary range of policies, procedures and documentation are implemented effectively to promote the care, welfare and learning of children, and underpin the good quality care. The childminder regularly updates policies and procedures in line with new guidance and legislation.

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Organisation

The childminder is highly motivated towards training, and organises attendance at courses with her co-childminder exceedingly well to maximise training opportunities. Children benefit from her commitment to continuous improvement and development. She continually evaluates her practice and has recently successfully completed the National Childminding Association Quality First Scheme.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was raised in relation to obtaining written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's individual health needs have been improved because, the childminder now has documentation in place for emergency medical treatment which all parents have signed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns in relation to National Standard One; suitable person, on 16/06/2004. The concern was investigated by an officer from Ofsted on 22/07/2004. Ofsted were satisfied that the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • ensure cleaning materials in the kitchen are made inaccessible to children.

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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 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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