Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312016 Inspection date 11 August 2006 Inspector Andrea, Jane Lockyer

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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 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 has been registered since September 2005. She lives with her husband, two adult children and granddaughter. They live in a semi detached house in the Winlaton area of Gateshead. The whole of the ground floor areas are used for childminding purposes, access to the first floor is restricted to the use of the lounge and bathroom, children do not have access to the second floor. There is a suitable rear yard available for outdoor play. The family do not have any pets. The childminder is currently caring for six children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support and training opportunities from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. All children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor or indoor activities which help them develop increasing control of their bodies, for example, as they use swings, slides and climbing frames in the local park, play hopping and jumping games in the house, join in with music and dance sessions and go swimming. Outdoor games, planting flowers and local walks also improve children's physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care throughout their daily routine. The consistent adult support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene and a desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care, for example, they willingly help to clean tables, enjoy washing activities and independently visit the toilet. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their

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Helping children to be healthy

hands before eating and after visiting the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children are beginning to have a good understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet. They are able to make choices from a variety of healthy foods, for example, a selection of fruit at snack time, and help themselves to easily accessible drinks throughout the day. Children are involved in helping to prepare healthy snacks and meals and select their own fruit from visits to local shops. In-depth discussions with parents and or carers and comprehensive records, ensure that all children are provided with a healthy nutritious diet, which takes account of their individual dietary needs and parental wishes.

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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 generally safe home where most risks are identified and minimised, however, cleaning materials in the kitchen have not been made inaccessible to children. In general, children are able to move around freely, safely and independently. They are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe both in and out of the premises, for example, as they learn to cross roads safely, willingly help to tidy away toys so as not to fall over them, hold onto the banister when climbing the stairs, and know why they have to wear water wings when involved in swimming activities. The childminder achieves a good balance between freedom and setting safe limits. This allows children to learn a sense of danger and knowledge about how to protect themselves. There is no written parental consent in

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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 place to transport children in the childminder's car. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board guidelines. This ensures that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They are confident and happy. They achieve well and make good progress because the childminder has a clear understanding of their developmental stages and needs. Children access a wide range of activities and experiences that promote and enhance their individual development and learning skills. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through visits to local amenities. They enjoy a variety of experiences which contribute to their imaginative, physical, creative and language skills, such as joining in with songs, developing role play, making models and painting, drawing and writing. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a positive attitude towards others and gaining an understanding about the wider world. They are able to access a good range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity. They have good opportunities to learn about their local community as they visit parks, shops and go on local walks. The childminder has realistic expectations of children's behaviour. She implements a range of good strategies to promote positive behaviour that help children understand right from wrong. Children respond positively to the childminder's praise and encouragement, for example, they willingly help to tidy up, share toys and take turns. They show care and concern for one another and generally behave very well. Children benefit from the good relationships between the childminder and parents. Good communication ensures parents are kept very well informed of all aspects of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the childminding practice and the care, welfare and progress of their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The well organised environment and good daily routines ensure that children are

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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 happy and well settled. Good opportunities are made for free play, social interaction, resting, eating and going out. This means that children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder's good knowledge, skills and positive attitude towards extended training enhances the care of children. All policies, procedures and records are shared with parents which contributes to continuity in the children's care, and ensures that their individual needs are met. 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 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): • ensure that cleaning materials are made inaccessible to children • obtain written parental consent to transport children in the childminder's car.

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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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