Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY332572 Unique Reference Number 16 November 2006 Inspection date Ann Doubleday Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 April 2006. He lives with his wife and their two children aged six and two years in Billingham. The childminder's wife is also registered as a childminder. The ground floor of the home and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time when working on his own and no more than 10 children when working with his wife. Together they are currently minding three children pre-school and five before and after school. In addition, they are caring for two children over eight years. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups with the children.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. They have regular opportunities to have fresh air and physical exercise. For example, as they go for a walk or take part in a nature trail when on outings. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. This contributes to their good health and sense of security. Children's awareness of good hygiene practices is raised by the childminder explaining the importance of following good routines and by setting a good example. Children know to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet and have their own towels in the bathroom. However, good hygiene practices are not fully promoted as children do not wash their hands before eating their snack. The childminder has clear procedures in place regarding sick children, medication and accident recording.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good knowledge of nutrition. He encourages children to eat a healthy, varied diet which includes fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Children have good access to drinks as their cups are available in the play areas for them to help themselves throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is safe and child friendly. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is vigilant and uses clear risk assessments to reduce potential hazards. For example, glass doors are protected, household cleaning materials are kept out of children's reach and electric sockets are protected. This means children are able to move around the home safely and freely. The childminder has a carbon monoxide alarm and appropriate fire safety equipment in place. He regularly practises an emergency evacuation with the children. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, for example, as the childminder encourages them to hold hands when crossing roads and talks to them about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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. Toys for younger children are stored in boxes at the sides of the room to enable children to access them easily. This encourages them to make choices and develop their independence. The toys are rotated regularly to give children variety. Games for older children are easily accessible to them in a storage unit in the hall. They are encouraged to play with games on the kitchen table so that toys with small parts are not a hazard to younger children. Toys are regularly cleaned and checked for safety, and as a result, children are safe, relaxed and confident whilst in the childminder's care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and the procedures to follow should a concern arise. However, he is not clear about

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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 procedures should there be an allegation made against himself. Therefore, children are not fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop their self-esteem and confidence well because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of how to promote children's learning and development. Children enjoy many interesting activities using a wide range of resources, which support and challenge their development. They are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Relationships are relaxed and trusting and the childminder gives consistent and caring support to them. Children develop confidence as the childminder talks to them, plays with them and shows interest in what they are doing. He plans experiences around the 'Birth to three matters' framework for younger children to develop new skills and extend their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in an interesting range of outings and enjoy visits to the nature trail at Newby Hall, the beach, town and other local places of interest. They attend the local toddler groups regularly. Children take part in planned activities and confidently initiate their own play ideas as they independently access play resources which are stored at child height. They are beginning to play cooperatively together taking turns and sharing. Their behaviour is good and their self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them, and valuing what they have to offer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. They access a varied range of resources which increases their awareness of diversity. For example, dressing-up clothes, dolls and books. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children learn about the local community, as they take part in outings to local parks and other places of local interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They are encouraged to share and take turns and are given clear boundaries for their behaviour. The childminder is a good role model and uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. He uses his experience well to provide a positive calm atmosphere in which children can feel relaxed and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works well with parents in order to meet children's individual needs. Parents are kept fully informed of how their child has been and information is displayed for them. The childminder completes a written daily diary for the parents of younger children; this includes details of the child's day, their meals and activities they have been involved in. Policies and procedures are shared effectively with parents and they have been given information about the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and relaxed in the well-organised environment, resulting in them being confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Space is used well to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder and co-childminder work well as a team and the required ratios are maintained, resulting in children receiving good support and their needs being met effectively. The childminder has completed the mandatory childminder training and keeps his own knowledge up to date by attending further training. The knowledge gained is used to enhance the care that is given to the children.

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Organisation

There are effective systems in place for the sharing of information with parents about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder has a range of written policies and procedures in place which he shares effectively with parents. The required documentation is in place and stored confidentially.

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Organisation

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

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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

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): • further promote good hygiene practices by encouraging children to wash their hands before snack • further develop knowledge and understanding of the child protection procedures in the event of an allegation of abuse being made about you.

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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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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