Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315057 Inspection date 13 June 2006 Inspector Cilla Burdis

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and son, aged two years, in a residential area of Gateshead. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five, on a part-time basis. The childminder transports children in her car to collect children from nursery. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups.

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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 The family has one dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children participate in a very good range of physical activities that promote good health. There is a good variety of play equipment in the garden to develop skills and provide opportunities for exercise. The children enjoy playing on the bouncy castle, in the play tunnel and riding wheeled toys. Other resources include a swing, slide, low level climbing frames, balls and skittles. The childminder also takes children on walks to the local parks and playing fields where the children enjoy playing football and running around. They also make regular visits to a local, indoor play area called Jungle Junction. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming environment where a healthy lifestyle and good standards of hygiene are promoted. Care routines develop children's understanding of good hygiene practice. The childminder discusses with children reasons why, for example, they need to wash their hands before eating. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder encourages children's independence with regard to personal care and provides support in accordance with their individual needs. The childminder's sickness policy has been developed and shared with parents in order to protect children from illness and infection. The childminder works with parents in providing a varied and nutritious diet. She follows parental guidance and takes into account children's likes and dislikes. Children are encouraged to choose healthy options including fresh fruit and yogurts. Drinks are made accessible at all times. Most documentation required to promote the health and welfare of children is well-maintained. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and understands the requirement to record accidents. She has not, however, obtained written parental permission to administer medication and she has not recorded the administration. This is in breach of the regulations and compromises children's health. Although the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder was authorised verbally by the parent, it is a requirement that this is in written form.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a stimulating, child-centred environment. The childminder has a satisfactory level of awareness with regard to promoting children's safety and, generally, potential risks have been reduced. Windows on the first floor, however, pose a danger to children's safety when left fully opened. On the ground floor and in the garden, children can play safely, freely and independently. The childminder uses sensitive reminders and explanations to help children learn about promoting their own safety. Children learn about fire safety by practising a fire evacuation procedure.

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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 The childminder follows safe procedures when taking children on outings. Age appropriate car seats are used to transport the children and the childminder takes a mobile phone containing emergency contact details. The childminder has a good range of age appropriate toys and resources for the children. All toys conform to safety standards and are well maintained. The toys are stored on low level shelving or in boxes and are easily accessible. The childminder has additional resources, which the children use under supervision. These include junk materials and paints. The childminder understands her role in safeguarding and promoting children's welfare. She has a good understanding of child protection procedures and has recently attended training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well with the childminder and are happy in her care. The childminder strives to develop children's security, when they are new to the setting, in order to develop good levels of confidence and self-esteem. Children relate well to the childminder and her family, and confidently request help or support. Children are made welcome and the childminder gets to know what they enjoy. This helps her to provide a good range of activities that will stimulate the children so that they learn whilst having fun. A good variety of activities are provided to promote children's learning and development including physical play, musical activities, creative activities and baking. Children are enthusiastic and eager to participate in a wide range of activities. They especially enjoy playing in the garden. Children's independence is supported as they choose from resources that are well-organised for them to self-select. Regular visits

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to toddler groups, parks and other child-centred facilities provide opportunities for children to socialise with others and to access a wider range of resources. The children have recently visited a local park where they were able to explore an ambulance and fire engine and also had their faces painted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals and are encouraged to treat others with respect and consideration. All children are welcomed into the childminder's home and she makes sure the individual needs of the children are met appropriately. The childminder develops children's awareness of the wider society by watching some children's television programmes. Resources promoting positive images of diversity, however, are limited. The children learn about their local community by regular outings to, for example, the library, parks and local shops. Children's behaviour is good. Age appropriate strategies are used to develop

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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 children's understanding of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. The childminder uses praise and encouragement to build children's self-esteem and to manage their behaviour. Children are helped to develop an understanding that others' needs have to be considered by, for example, sharing and taking turns. The childminder values effective partnerships with parents, which ensures a consistent approach in children's care. The childminder believes it is essential to establish children's care needs before they attend, in order to help her meet the children's needs effectively. The childminder has developed a welcome pack to share with parents. This includes information about her family, policies and procedures and samples of records she needs to keep. Information about the child's care and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

activities is shared verbally with parents when they collect their child. A weekly record is maintained and shared with parents at the end of the week. This record includes activities the child has been involved in, meals and snacks eaten, attendance times and any other relevant information to share. The record includes a section for parents to add their comments.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at-home in the well-organised environment. They are able to self-select toys, which are stored in the conservatory. A good selection of equipment is arranged effectively in the garden. The childminder provides a good balance between child-initiated and adult-led activities to support children's learning. Children's experiences are broadened by visits to child-centred facilities such as, local parks and toddler groups. The childminder displays a strong commitment to developing her knowledge and skills through training, which has a positive impact on the quality of experiences she provides for the children. Most documentation is well maintained and stored securely. Good quality information is shared with parents, this helps to establish continuity in children's care between the children's home and the childminding environment. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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 satisfactory. 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 written consent is obtained from parents before administering medication or treatments and that a record is maintained • ensure children's safety is not compromised by the fully opening first floor windows • provide a greater variety of resources and experiences to further develop children's awareness of the diversity of society.

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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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