Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319167 Inspection date 05 July 2006 Inspector Jean Wilson

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12, 10 and four years in the Esh Winning area of County Durham. The whole of the ground floor areas are used for childminding, children may also access the first floor areas apart from the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis and one child over five after school. The childminder also cares for two children over eight after

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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 school. The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in early years. The childminder walks or drives to schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer/toddler group. The family have a dog, a cat and two chinchillas.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable, spacious and child friendly home. The childminder promotes children’s health well by recognising risks and reducing all possible hazards. She takes steps to prevent the risk of cross infection by keeping the premises scrupulously clean. Children are gaining independence and learn the importance of appropriate personal hygiene through involvement in daily routines, supported by simple explanations from the childminder. All toys and equipment are washed regularly and food is stored and handled safely. Children's dietary needs are clearly established through discussion with parents about their routine, requirements and preferences. They benefit greatly from the childminder's good knowledge and provision of a healthy, balanced nutritious diet. Children are positively involved in choosing and preparing foods. They are learning about how food is grown and prepared as they plant and grow strawberries in the

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Helping children to be healthy

garden. Snacks of fruit and drinks of water are offered regularly through the day. All children regularly participate in and enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities that enable them to develop good physical skills and to promote their good health. In the garden these include fun, stimulating resources, such as a trampoline, wheeled toys, a sand-pit, bats and balls. Pre-school children benefit from walks in the open air every day. The childminder values and promotes physical activity and children have regular opportunities for active play on visits to the local park, adventure play centre and toddler group. Their health is further safeguarded by the very good hygiene procedures in place for the family pets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well protected and cared for in a very child-orientated environment. They are safe and secure because the childminder successfully identifies and addresses risks effectively. For example, fitting socket protectors, installing smoke detectors on each floor and using appropriate seat restraints in the car. Children move about the home and garden freely and independently, supervised by the childminder. They are learning good lessons about how to play and stay safe. For example, to hold on to the banister when using the stairs and to use sun hats and sun cream in hot weather. Children choose from a wide selection of appropriate, good quality toys and equipment that the childminder checks regularly, so that they continue to meet all children's needs and interests. All required procedures to promote children's safety

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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 and welfare are in place and followed robustly. Children are aware of and practise the evacuation procedures in case of fire. Safety on outings is promoted very well. For example, they are careful while crossing the road and are learning about keeping safe through the childminder talking to them and providing activities to develop their understanding of road safety. The childminder has effective procedures in place to ensure that children are protected and well cared for. She has a good understanding of her role and responsibility concerning child protection and has completed an appropriate first aid course.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's home. They enjoy a warm, caring, relationship with the childminder and her family. They are positively encouraged to become independent for example, when choosing activities, snacks and in their personal care. Children spend their time purposefully and very confidently make good use of all areas and are keen to engage in purposeful and fun activities. These include a range of craft activities, books, domestic play and musical instruments. The childminder has a good level of knowledge and understanding of the various needs and abilities of children from birth to eight years of age. She uses this effectively to plan and adapt the provision and support she offers to children. Children benefit from following their daily routine and have regular opportunities to develop their social skills through outings and visits for example, to the local library

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and community-based groups and activities. They have independent access to and choice from a comprehensive, stimulating range of toys, activities and resources that successfully fosters and promotes their play, learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are made very welcome and their behaviour is good. The childminder sets consistent boundaries which helps the children learn to cooperate, share and begin to take responsibility for their actions. Children are valued and respected as individuals, their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed and agreed with parents. They have a strong sense of belonging due to the childminder's calm and caring nature. Children are praised for their behaviour and achievements. This raises their self-esteem and encourages them to become increasingly independent from a young age. For example, a little girl beams with delight as she carefully carries a glass of water from the kitchen to the garden table. The childminder's disposition and attitude ensures that they develop very positive attitudes to the wider community. This is significantly enhanced through fruitful

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Helping children make a positive contribution

opportunities to engage with resources reflecting differences, including books and a range of world dolls in traditional dress. Children have opportunities to learn about themselves, others and the world around them. This is done through planned

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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 activities, such as celebrating festivals and outings to places of interest. There are good partnerships with parents which contributes significantly to children's well-being. Information is exchanged with parents verbally on collection, confirming strong links between the families and the childminder. Policies and procedures are shared regularly with families to keep them informed about the service and their children's activities. However, the complaints procedure does not provide parents with full details of how to proceed should they have a concern.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very knowledgeable in the care of children. She has gained considerable experience both as a parent and working in a voluntary capacity with children in school, nursery and toddler settings. Currently the childminder has no children under three years on roll, however, she demonstrates a very good understanding of the care of babies. Since registration she has successfully completed a Level 3 qualification in early years which included study of the Birth to three matters framework. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's well-organised, child-orientated home. They benefit from positive adult support and a good balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities that are well suited to their needs, abilities and interests. All routines are monitored and adapted to keep children safe, this enables them to make good progress in all areas of their development.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised and confidentially retained. The childminder is committed to developing her practice. For example, she is currently developing a portfolio to share with parents to include her policies and procedures to keep them fully informed about the service and the activities on offer. This demonstrates the childminder's commitment to provide suitable and appropriate care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • develop the complaints procedure to include the address and telephone number of the regulator.

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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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