Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319711 Inspection date 13 July 2006 Inspector Donna Suzanne Lancaster

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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. The childminder has two children aged seven and nine years old. She lives in Ingelby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees. Her home is situated close to schools, shops and pre-school facilities. The whole of the house, except the main bedroom, is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family have four pet cats. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for five children before and after school and during school

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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 holidays. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes and collects children from the local school.

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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. The childminder has systems in place for addressing children's health needs. For example, appropriate documentation for the recording of accidents, administration of medication and the exclusion of sick children. The childminder understands the importance of hygiene routines to protect children's health. She stated that children wash their hands after toileting and before meals. However, the children had been busy with art and craft activities before tea, none of the children washed their hands before eating and children sat on the floor to eat their food. This poses a risk of illness and the spread of infection. Children enjoy a range of physical activities to help them develop their good health. Daily activities include opportunities to be outdoors, for example, visits to the park,

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Helping children to be healthy

playing in the garden and plans are in place to take children on outings during the school holidays. The childminder has a good understanding about appropriate types of activities and provides good levels of support, giving children the confidence to try out new skills and build on their existing ones. The childminder works closely with parents to provide food and drink in accordance with their wishes and to meet children's dietary needs. The childminder understands the importance of providing children with fresh fruit and varied nutritious meals to promote their healthy growth and development. Regular drinks are offered throughout the day. Older children's independence is promoted when they are given choices.

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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 spacious home where most risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around inside and outside the home safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives priority to maintaining children's safety, for example, the use of safety gates to prevent children's access to the kitchen and by practising a regular evacuation of the premises. However, the tarpaulin cover on the large swimming pool in the garden collects a substantial amount of water, which poses a risk to children's safety. Children safely select activities from a range of good quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. Equipment is stored well at child level which allows even the youngest to make choices for themselves and direct their own play. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure that they are safe and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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 has all the required procedures and documentation in place to safeguard and promote children's welfare. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound knowledge and understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They play confidently, with a good range of activities that contribute to their overall development. Children freely choose between a selection of toys and activities, increasing their independence. The childminder shows an interest in what they do and offers appropriate participation in their activities to support and encourage their interest. Caring relationships are evident between the childminder and the children contributing to the children's sense of belonging. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. Children's individual needs are well met through the childminder's sound knowledge of their capabilities. The range of resources available to the children are appropriate to the ages of children attending and offer sufficient challenge. For example, arts and crafts,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

computer, books, creative and outdoor play. Children are able to rest or be active according to their needs. Children are well supported by the childminder, who encourages children to extend their experiences by listening and talking with them and providing activities which promote their well-being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents. The childminder keeps parents fully informed and they make time each day to discuss all information relating to the children's care, health and safety. All children are welcomed into the home and participate in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. The childminder is aware of issues relating to promoting children's awareness about the wider community and diversity. Children have access to a satisfactory selection of activities and resources that increase their awareness of diversity. The childminder follows the children's daily routines, after discussing them with parents, thus ensuring that the children's needs are well met. Children’s behaviour is good, as a result of the childminder's consistent and positive behaviour management strategies. Children feel relaxed and secure in the positive atmosphere that the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder creates. Children show care and concern for each other and play well

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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 together.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident and happy within the care of the childminder. Space indoors and outdoors is well used to cater for all the children’s play needs. They are able to move around confidently and independently. Records and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. However, the complaints procedure does not include the relevant contact details. 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 are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • improve hygiene routines and eating arrangements to protect children's health

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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 • assess the risks to children in relation to the collection of water in the tarpaulin cover on the swimming pool, and take action to minimise this • ensure the complaints procedure includes the relevant contact details.

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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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