Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY289090 Inspection date 22 April 2005 Inspector Audrey Opal Ufot

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and 3 year old daughter. The living room on the ground floor is used for childminding; there is a communal garden used and a secure under 5's area used for out door play. The home is situated in St. John's Wood, which is mainly a residential area and is culturally diverse. There are local nursery schools, park, playgroups, drop in groups and library within walking distance, which the childminder uses as part of her childminding day.

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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 There is 1 child on roll of whom attend full-time. The family have a dog which lives indoors. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children can help themselves to water throughout the day, and other refreshment is provided such as milk and natural juice. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and use this to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their individual and dietary needs. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through the childminder providing appropriate resources and demonstrating through example. Children are given explanation about hand washing before meals and when they handle the dog. Children benefit from outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they use equipment like, pull and push toys and outdoor activities, such as ball play, climbing and walks. Using the communal garden and regular visits

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Helping children to be healthy

to local parks and playgroups improve children's physical skills and provide regular opportunities for fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have sufficient space in the home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they can 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 outside the home. There is sufficient space for children to comfortably play, eat and rest. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality and safe toys and resources, the childminder carefully monitors and supervises their choice to ensure they are appropriate for their age and ability. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and has most of the required documents in place. For example, the childminder is currently renewing her first aid certificate by attending a first aid training and has a sound knowledge of her role in the protection of children in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 enjoy their time at the childminder. Children become independent as they select for themselves from a good range of well-present resources and activities that are fun and stimulating. The children participate in a range of free play, adult lead planned activities and regular outings that allow opportunities to develop their social skills and give them greater experience. Children relate well to each other and they enjoy each other's company. Good interaction is observed and children are supportive towards each other, for example, the younger child was not interested in tidying up, so the older child came along side him holding his hand and said do it like this. Close and caring relationships increase the children's confidence and self esteem; the childminder knows the children well and effectively meets their individual needs. Children are offered one to one interaction with the childminder spending time

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

listening and talking to the children. Children respond well to lots of positive praise and encouragement and behave appropriately. All children spend their time purposefully, are happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected. The childminder uses appropriate documentation and good methods of parent partnership to contribute to the children's well-being, for example "A daily communication book" records are completed so that the childminder has a clear picture and can fully meet the child's individual needs. Children are welcomed into the childminder's home and feel comfortable within their environment. The children respond well to positive encouragement and reinforcement of good behaviour; they know their limitations and boundaries within the setting. Children are offered resources and experiences that develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world. Children have an awareness of their differences and show respect for each other. The childminder ensures they are given sufficient opportunities to play with toys and take part in activities according to their individual

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs. She encourages anti-discriminatory practice and has some resources which reflect the diversity of the community in order to give children first-hand positive experiences through play.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident and effective at initiating their own play.

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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 The childminder uses all appropriate documentation to gather information to ensure the care and welfare of all children are met. Consistency of care for children is maintained by offering regular feedback and working closely in partnership with parents. However, the childminder does not have written procedures to support the service being offered, although the childminder use a daily communication book to record children's progress and achievements for parents to view and make comments. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the registration visit it was required that the childminder make the cleaning cupboard inaccessible to children. The childminder has now fixed a lock on the cleaning cupboard door. This has ensure that minded children cannot gain assess at will.

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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): • Devise and implement policies and procedures to support the service being offered.

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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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