Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY321498 Inspection date 26 July 2006 Inspector Eileen Rochford

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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 has been registered since February 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 3 years and 18 months. They live in a village outside of Durham, close to schools and local amenities. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding. There is an enclosed play area to the rear of the house. She attends the local toddler groups and takes children to the park and nearby leisure centre. The family have a dog. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. She is currently caring for one child aged 1 year.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they begin to learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care. For example, very young children are beginning to use tissues to clean their nose. Procedures are in place for nappy changing and the disposal of nappies, which minimises the risk of cross infection. Children benefit from a healthy diet and have access to drinks throughout the day. During hot weather the childminder takes particular care to ensure fluid intakes are monitored more closely. Parents are kept informed accordingly. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents, and the routines and choices of children, in order to provide well balanced meals and healthy snacks, which children enjoy in a social setting. Children participate in a range of daily activities inside and outside the home to help them develop a range of physical skills. For example, children go to the nearby park,

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Helping children to be healthy

use large push and pull toys in the garden and go to various groups at the nearby leisure centre to develop skills in movement to music.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminders management of safety issues within her home ensures that all risks are minimised. Safety equipment is used appropriately with consideration for the age and stage of the children in her care. Children have the freedom to explore in safely in all areas of the home. This is extended to the outdoor area, where children are closely supervised. A range of activities are provided for younger children. However, older children are able to choose independently from the range of equipment available. Most resources are stored in low storage boxes which are easily accessed by children. The childminder carefully monitors and maintains toys to ensure they are safe and encourages children to take care of equipment. Children’s welfare and safety is of paramount importance. She has developed a range of records including policies and procedures. She has a limited understanding

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in their environment. They share warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and are keen to communicate with her, seeking cuddles and re assurance when waking up after sleep. Children enjoy socialising with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 other children in the childminder's home and on various outings to toddlers groups, leisure centre and soft play. They begin to show understanding for others and their needs. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and how children learn. This means that children's personal social emotional and intellectual development, are supported. She plans a range of activities geared towards the individual ages and stages of development of each child and provides a good selection of toys and books to support learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to develop an understanding of the diversity of society, through the range of toys, activities and equipment provided by the childminder. Children develop an understanding and respect of adults and children. This reinforces the childminders positive approach to behaviour management and the good behaviour demonstrated by the children. The childminder has limited experience of caring for children with learning disabilities and/or difficulties. She acknowledges the importance of considering the individual needs of children. She would assess and discuss these with parents at an initial visit. She has developed very sound relationships with parents. Her commitment to parents is demonstrated through the daily diary which is completed to ensure they are kept informed at all times. The wide range of records and policies in place supports this partnership working. However, a procedure for recording complaints is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

not in place, in line with the requirements of the National Standards. The wide range of policies in place ensures that parents are kept informed about most aspects of her childminding practice, which has a positive impact on the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has experience of caring for children, through both her own immediate and extended family. She has accessed support through the local childminding network. This will allow her to access training courses on a breadth of subjects, including child protection. The organisation of space within the home provides children with areas in which they feel comfortable and confident. Providing children with an environment in which they can play and learn. The childminder is aware of the need to organise her time to ensure all children receive the support they require. For example, she would maximise time when younger children were asleep to complete more complex activities with older children. Well organised documentation and information which support and compliment her childminding are shared with parents, at the initial visit and whilst children are in her care. This ensures that parents are kept informed about her positive approach 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 childminding, and about daily practice. Overall the provision meets the need of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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 a complaints log is implemented • develop further knowledge and understanding of child protection.

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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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