Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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309968 Unique Reference Number 25 September 2006 Inspection date Sharon, Amelia Robson 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 lives with her husband and three children aged eight, 10 and 13 years. They live in a four bedroom semi-detached house in a quiet residential area of Monkseaton, which lies to the west of the town of Whitley Bay; transport systems are good and include access to the Metro transport service. Local provisions for children aged under eight years are good and include carer and toddler groups, soft play, parks and the beach, which are accessed by the childminder on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the dining room, kitchen and conservatory on the ground floor, a combined bathroom and toilet on the first floor and an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed the Sure Start Quality Award Scheme and is currently undertaking the NVQ Level 3 course.

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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's health and well-being are promoted through very good, flexible daily routines that help them understand about being healthy. Children are made aware of good personal hygiene through positive role modelling provided by the childminder. She enthusiastically and actively encourages children to wash hands before meals, after toileting and playing outdoors. The comprehensive written policy and discussion with parents regarding admission of sick children helps to safeguard children's health. Accident and medication recording systems are in place and the childminder is clear on how to maintain these. She has a suitable first aid kit and has completed relevant first aid training.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy very healthy and nutritious snacks and meals, including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children have regular access to drinks, such as milk and water. There is very good communication with parents regarding children's dietary needs and their likes and dislikes. The childminder ensures that food provided by parents is stored appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a wide range of activities that further contribute to their good health, such as walks in the local community, to toddler groups and the local park where they can explore and learn about nature. There are further opportunities to confidently develop their physical skills, such as climbing, jumping and balancing, through the very good range of high quality equipment in the rear garden. Children are given lots of positive encouragement by the childminder to enjoy the outdoor environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an extremely well organised and maintained home, so they are able to explore and select activities safely. A very good range of safety equipment is available and in use, taking into account the age of the children being cared for. A safety policy includes the safe evacuation of the home and regular fire drills further promote children's safety. The childminder ensures the areas accessed by children are safe through daily visual risk assessments, which includes checking outdoor equipment as and when used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose activities and select resources from an extensive range of good quality toys and equipment, which are maintained to a high standard, so that they are safe and complete. They are situated in easily accessible locations in the home, therefore promoting children's freedom of choice and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures in place to promote the care and well-being of children. She understands about keeping children safe through her very good knowledge of issues relating to child protection. She has completed child protection courses and has written details of local contacts.

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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 good. Children have a very warm and caring relationship with the childminder who treats them with extreme kindness and affection. They are confident, happy and settled in her care. She interacts well with them, giving them lots of attention, encouragement and motivation to play and enjoy activities. Children enjoy an extensive range of stimulating toys and activities in a calm and friendly environment. They learn and develop their understanding of numbers, shapes and letters in age appropriate, educational and fun ways. The childminder uses appropriate methods to promote and reinforce learning, including clear guidance during activities. Children are enthusiastic as they use their natural sense of curiosity and develop their imagination, for example when using a range of musical instruments. They use lots of different art and craft materials in many ways to make interesting pictures and also participate in other creative

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities. A daily diary, photographs and conversations keep parents informed of activities and outings the children have experienced.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder values children and has a very good understanding of how they learn and develop. This is evident in the way the play areas and resources are organised and in the actual care of the children. She has sound knowledge of each child and the wishes of parents to ensure there is consistency, so that children can progress and learn effectively. The childminder helps children to develop their vocabulary skills by using simple and clear language. She has some knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, however she does have regard to this when planning activities for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's very positive attitude towards equal opportunities and respecting individual needs. Children have opportunities to learn about their own community and the wider world through a range of resources in the home and through outings in their local community. Children have access to a wide range of resources, including books, jigsaws and puppets, which promote positive images of diversity. The childminder has completed a number of courses on diversity and special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are extremely well behaved, they learn about sharing and valuing others from the very good role model provided by the childminder. She gently and sensitively supports, praises and encourages them in their daily routines and activities, which helps children develop their self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging. The childminder encourages children to share their opinions and make decisions. Children respond well to guidance from the childminder and the very good range of strategies she has in place for dealing with children's behaviour, including distraction and explanation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed very well. Parents are kept extremely well informed of their child's progress and details of their physical care on a daily basis, both verbally and from a daily diary. Parents are informed and consulted about all aspects of the care provided and the childminder ensures she receives detailed information from them about their child's individual needs. A very well organised parent information pack has been prepared

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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 to give parents a very good insight into the service provided, including policies, procedures and training courses completed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is extremely caring, affectionate and understanding. She is very keen to ensure that children benefit from their time in her care. This is reflected in the way the child care areas are organised in her home and in the effective health and safety measures taken. Children have access to a wide range of resources and stimulating activities are provided to effectively meet children's individual needs. The childminder has participated in a number of courses including Quality First and she continues to develop her skills and knowledge further.

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Organisation

Well planned daily routines enable children to settle well and feel secure in the setting. The recording systems are organised very effectively, are appropriately maintained and are supplemented by relevant written parental consents and contracts, which are kept up to date with relevant information.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now has written permission in place to seek and administer emergency medical treatment, she has also extended her range of resources which provide positive images of diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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):

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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 • develop knowledge and understanding of 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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