Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 318935 Inspection date 25 August 2005 Inspector Andrea, Jane Lockyer

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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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband, adult son and child aged 13 years. They live in a semi detached house in the Kenton 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 and children also access the bathroom and two children's bedrooms on the first floor. The family have a pet cat. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently

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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 caring for three children all on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support and training opportunities from the local Early Years Service.

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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. Each day there are outdoor activities which help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they play on swings and wheeled toys. Garden games and visits to local parks and soft play improve children's physical skills. They become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or rest. The childminders good understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives children confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to

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Helping children to be healthy

drinks and fruit throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's individual dietary needs to provide nutritious meals and snacks.

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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 the risks are identified and minimised. This means that they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety both in and out of the home. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder follows good procedures to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has an up to date first aid certificate and understands the importance of child protection in line with the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminders home. They are confident and happy. They

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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 achieve well because the childminder has a clear understanding of their developmental stages, and provides a range of activities and experiences, that promote and enhance the individual development and learning skills of the children she is caring for. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular visits to local amenities. The children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a wide variety of activities which contribute to their creative, imaginative and language development, such as, looking at books, playing with miniature people and vehicles, making kaleidoscopes and talking about experiences on a recent trip to the beach. Children are included in decisions about activities and trips which further develop their self esteem and sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self. Communication skills are supported well through good adult and child interactions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They learn about their local community as they visit places of interest such as, parks, the seaside, libraries, toddler groups and shops. There are limited resources which promote children's understanding and awareness of race, culture and disability. Children are beginning to have a good understanding of right and wrong. They respond positively to the childminders praise, encouragement and explanations. They show care and concern for one another and behave well. A good partnership with parents contributes to the children's well being at the childminders. Parents views are sought before the children start and on going communication ensures that parents are kept well informed about the care, welfare and progress of their children. The childminder ensures parents are informed about all aspects of the childminding practice by providing them with a comprehensive information pack.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared with parents to keep them informed about the service and their children's activities. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection Actions were raised in respect of Standard 6 Ensure covers are placed on exposed electrical sockets at children's height. Standard 7 Obtain emergency medical treatment consent forms from parents. Standard 1 Complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. The childminder has placed covers on all exposed electrical sockets, she has completed a relevant first aid course and obtained parental written consent for emergency medical treatment. Recommendations were raised in respect of Standard 5 Ensure children receive appropriate challenge and stimulation by providing sufficient resources at all times. Standard 6 Ensure toys and resources are cleaned regularly. Standard 13 Obtain a copy of "What to do if you are worried a child is being abused" summary booklet; develop knowledge and understanding of local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has extended her range and use of resources to provide children with sufficient challenge and stimulation, all toys and resources are cleaned regularly and maintained well, she has developed her understanding of Child Protection by attending a Child Protection training course and obtaining the relevant summary booklet.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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 that children have access to a range of resources that reflect positive images of race, culture and disability.

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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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