Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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318971 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2006 Inspection date Andrea, Jane Lockyer 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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11,14 and 17 years. They live in a detached house in the Kingston Park area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Local amenities and public transport systems are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor areas are used for childminding purposes. There is a secure rear garden available for outdoor play. Children do not access the first floor. The family do not have any pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for two children, both of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification to NVQ Level 3 and receives support and training opportunities from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. She is also a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 thrive because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices, which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. 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, as they independently visit the toilet, help to sweep up, wash and dry dishes. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to understand the benefit of a healthy diet from an early age. They are able to make choices from a variety of healthy snacks and help themselves to easily accessible drinks throughout the day. Older children are involved in making healthy choices by helping to prepare snacks and buy foods from local shops. In depth discussions with parents and comprehensive records ensure that children are provided with a healthy, nutritious diet which takes account of children's individual dietary needs and parental wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy, explore and develop good physical skills through stimulating indoor and outdoor activities such as, twister, music and movement, obstacle courses, and catching and throwing games. Daily trips and outings to places such as, bowling, mini golf, soft play, toddler groups, parks and places of interest help to improve children's physical development and enjoy being active. The childminder's good understanding of the developmental stages of the individual children she is caring for means that the youngest of children are confident to try new skills and set their own limits within a safe environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is vigilant and uses effective risk assessments to reduce potential hazards, both in and out of the home. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and effectively achieves a good balance between freedom and setting safe limits. This means that children are learning a sense of danger and gaining good knowledge about how to protect themselves from harm. Children are actively encouraged to help tidy toys up so as not to fall over them, cross roads and rail crossings safely and play safely on the beach. Consistent gentle reminders from the childminder ensures that children are learning why they must sit down to eat and drink, not to climb on furniture and why they must wear seat belts in the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of stimulating and high quality equipment and resources which are appropriate to their age and stage of development and provide a good balance of experiences that promote learning in all areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected by the childminder. Comprehensive policies, procedures and the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues ensures that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board guidelines.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminders. They are very confident, extremely happy and settled in the homely, relaxed and warm environment. They are making excellent progress because the childminder is highly skilled. She uses her knowledge of the children's developmental stages to provide highly innovative and stimulating activities. These provide children with optimal challenge such as, making their own dressing up clothes, face masks and puppets for role play, collecting flowers to press and make pictures out of, planting and measuring sunflowers, and discovering basic science and maths when involved in cooking activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities and themes are very well planned and thought out. They cover all areas of learning and take account of children's individual developmental needs. Older children are encouraged to be involved in planning activities and trips out and their ideas are highly valued. The childminder's enthusiasm and fun approach motivates children to learn and develop new skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop a huge amount of confidence and self-esteem through the interaction, care, love and attention they share with the childminder. They relate very well to each other and socialise with other children and adults through planned daily visits and trips to child orientated amenities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to develop a positive attitude towards others and gain an understanding about the wider world as they celebrate familiar and unfamiliar festivals such as, Chinese New Year, Halloween and Christmas. However, there are limited resources available to increase children's awareness of diversity. They have good opportunities to learn about their local community as they visit the coast, airport, local parks, shops, Roman Fort and enjoy trips on public transport.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met very well as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with parents. Children show care and concern for each other, play harmoniously together and they behave very well. The childminder supports children in taking turns, sharing and helping one another. She has realistic expectations and sets consistent appropriate boundaries for all children which help them learn to negotiate with others and develop social skills. They respond positively to the childminder's praise and encouragement and are developing a good awareness of right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. Parents' views about their children's needs and interests are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis throughout their time there. Daily communication with parents ensures that they are kept fully informed about their child's development and progress. Parents are provided with a comprehensive information pack which ensures they are aware of all aspects of the childminding practice, policies and procedures.

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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. The well organised environment and good daily routines ensure that children settle well and are happy in their surroundings. 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.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to extended training and continually strives to improve her practice to benefit all children. She has recently obtained an NVQ Level 3 childcare qualification and attends regular training courses provided by the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and the National Childminding Association.

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Organisation

All policies and procedures are implemented effectively, shared with parents and underpin the good quality care which promotes the care, learning and progress of all children.

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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

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 children have access to a range of resources that increase their awareness of diversity.

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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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