Childminder in Middlesbrough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309191 Inspection date 11 September 2006 Inspector Sandra Davies

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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 three children aged thirteen, eight and two years. They live in a modern residential area of Marton, Middlesbrough, close to local amenities, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a lounge/diner, computer/toy area and kitchen available. The main front bedroom is also available for sleeps. The toilet is located at ground floor level. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time,

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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 and is currently minding three children under eight years on a part time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. Children are taken to local villages, playground and soft play The family have a pet cat. Minded children have supervised access. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. Effective hygiene procedures, followed by the childminder, result in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. For example, children wash their hands regularly. Systems are in place for addressing children’s health needs. However, children's health is compromised, as the first aid box does not only contain what can be used on minded children and written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been obtained from all parents. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are offered drinks throughout the day and they enjoy nutritious snacks and meals. The childminder encourages children to try new foods, and they are beginning to learn the importance of healthy eating. For example, children are offered fresh fruit in the form of fruit salad to encourage them

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Helping children to be healthy

to try different fruits. The childminder takes account of parents wishes and complies with any special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. There are outdoor activities to help children develop their physical skills. For example, using a climbing frame, slide, skipping and hoola hoops. Children have lots of opportunities for fresh air as they walk to the park. This contributes to their good health. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's risk of accidental injury, both inside and outside the home, is minimal in the well-organised setting. Furniture, equipment and toys which are of good quality and in a safe, well maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Some toys and equipment are stored so that children can reach them easily and make choices. The childminder helps children to learn about keeping themselves safe, such as when walking with children. Safety points are in place, including smoke alarms and suitable child seats to put on dining room chairs. There are satisfactory procedures in place to ensure children's welfare. For example, a record of who can collect the child. However, fire drills have not been practiced and the childminder has a basic

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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 understanding of the child protection procedure; therefore, children's welfare is not fully protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Warm relationships between the childminder and the children contribute to children's sense of belonging. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. Routines have been established which are consistent, promoting children's sense of security and developing their confidence. They are happy to initiate their own play and confidently approach the childminder. Children are able to socialise and make relationships with other minded children and children at the library and soft play. Good manners are encouraged. For example, when children sit down at the table together for a meal. Activities and play equipment offered are age appropriate and stimulating. For example, jigsaws, books, musical instruments and making an obstacle course in the garden. The childminder communicates with the children well, asking them what they have been doing, and giving them choices. Children are supported in the different

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are praised and encouraged, and their individual needs are met satisfactorily. Sufficient information is obtained to be able to give individual care. The childminder shows a willingness to help children with specific needs. Children are beginning to value differences through discussion with the childminder and books from the library. Positive strategies are used to manage behaviour and help children to learn to play harmoniously together. The effective use of praise and encouragement ensures children feel happy and confident. Children benefit from the effective partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. This helps promote children's well-being, development and progress. Parents are provided with a leaflet which includes information on the service offered and policies. They are kept informed about their child's day and activities as they are collected and an individual daily diary is available. However, an individual child record

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Helping children make a positive contribution

has not been completed for all children, and consents for transporting children and taking on outings has not been obtained for all children. This compromises children's well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the childminder's home. Space indoors and outdoors is well used to cater for all of the children's play needs. Children are able to

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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 move around confidently and independently. The childminder is increasing her knowledge and understanding by taking further courses. For example, a Birth to three matters orientation session. The required ratios are maintained, resulting in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being met effectively Policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents. Most required documentation, which contributes to children's health and well-being, is in place. Records, including a daily diary, are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and the activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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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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 that the first aid box contains only items that can be used for minded children • obtain written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • practice an emergency escape plan with minded children • further develop an awareness of child protection procedures

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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 • obtain written permission to transport children and take on outings. • ensure that sufficient information is recorded to enable individual care to be given.

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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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