Childminder in South Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312415 Unique Reference Number 18 July 2006 Inspection date Jim Bostock 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 1997. She co-childminds with her husband who is also a registered childminder. Children are cared for at her semi-detached home in South Shields and have access to the ground floor lounge, kitchen-diner, bathroom and toilet. The premises are within walking distance of the Metro and local bus routes, a toddler group, a playgroup, local schools and nurseries, local shops, a leisure centre, parks and the beach. There are no pets. The childminder lives with her husband and son aged 12 years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. At the time of inspection there were five children on the register, four of whom were under eight years of age.

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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 inadequate. Children receive a balanced and healthy diet including the provision of fruit, snacks and drinks each day and the childminder presents as having a good understanding of the nutritional needs of children. Children's individual dietary needs are recorded and reflected in the meals and snacks provided. Children are helped to learn about healthy eating and benefit from the good communication between childminder and parents. They are encouraged to eat healthily as the childminder uses good techniques, such as stickers, when they have eaten vegetables. Children have easy and constant access to drinking water within the playrooms.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and hygiene is promoted as they carry out daily routines including washing hands before eating and after toileting. They have access to individual towels and liquid soap dispensers to reduce the risk of cross infection. Children learn about washing their hands to prevent germs and illness and enjoy being independent in their self care. For example, a two year child said that he likes to wash his hands. Accidents and medicine administered are recorded appropriately and shared with parents. However, the record of medicines does not fully ensure confidentiality of information. Although the childminder has had first aid training in the past, it is not current as required under the registration, and therefore, children are at risk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted through regular outings to interesting places. They visit toddler groups on four mornings, visit Tumbletots, go to the library, the park and soft play. They play with sit and ride toys, meet their friends and have good opportunities for active play to help their physical development. They also develop their fine muscle control and early writing skills through using colouring pencils, construction play and craft activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment which is light and in good decorative order. The childminder promotes child safety within the home through encouraging children to be aware of danger and keeping themselves safe, as well as taking precautions to reduce the risk to children. For example, she has stair-gates in place, has socket covers and ensures dangerous items are locked away. Children are helped to learn about safety indoors and on outings. They learn about crossing the road safely. Close supervision of children is used by the childminder to help prevent accidents and keep children safe. The childminder is aware of fire safety and has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation, but has not practised any drills. The toys and equipment are all British Standard and are checked regularly to ensure they are safe for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of the issues involved in protecting children form abuse, and has undertaken additional child protection training. These procedures are discussed with parents.

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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 warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They are settled, secure and comfortable with her care and she provides them with both emotional and physical support. They interact confidently with the childminder who shows a detailed understanding of their individual needs. Children are encouraged to be independent with support and guidance in selecting and using the toys and equipment effectively. Expressive and enthusiastic language is used by the childminder when interacting with the children and they respond with enthusiasm and interest. Children's abilities and confidence are developed through effective use of the wide selection of resources available. The childminder has a very good understanding of the educational development of children, putting into practise skills and methods gained from experience. Children's self esteem is developed through the childminder valuing each child's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

contribution. The childminder has a fundamental knowledge and experience of the care and provision for babies and very young children and is developing her use of the Birth to three matters framework to help organise the activities and promote children's development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a planned activity programme which encourages their interest and progress. They enjoy activities such as playing dominoes, where they learn to count the spots, dressing up as a fire officer, playing with a train set. They learn about colours while they play and playing with a farm set helps them extend their vocabulary. They enjoy story-time at the library and have many outings. They benefit from their parent's involvement through daily updates and the daily diary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for as individuals with differences being acknowledged and enjoyed. Children gain a good understanding of the wider world and their local community through outings and topical visits connected to the theme of activities. Children learn to be respectful and interact positively as the childminder is a very good role model. She treats children with kindness, respect, understanding and patience. Children develop self confidence very well because they receive lots of praise and encouragement. They are eager to participate in activities and respond very well to the childminder. They learn to share, relate well to each other and behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed very well. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress and details of their physical care on a daily basis, both verbally and from individual files. They are fully consulted about all aspects of the care provided with the childminder incorporating parents requests into her service wherever possible. They provide written information for the childminder about their children and have contracts with her to ensure the relationship is on the correct footing. Some parents have been using the service for a number of years and comments by parents, for this inspection, are very positive concerning the care and development of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good activities, toys and resources related to multicultural play and the childminder understands equal opportunity issues. She provides good support for children with learning

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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 difficulties or disabilities and ensures all children are fully involved and included. This helps children develop an awareness and positive attitude to difference.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder provides clear routines and organised activities which give children confidence in the setting. Children benefit from the relevant experience of child care and the two childminders work well together to meet their needs. The well planned and well resourced service allows children to experience a wide variety of stimulating and interesting activities.

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Organisation

The documentation kept enhances the care provided by being relevant and well organised, however the record of attendance should indicate clearly which childminder is caring for children. The childminder ensures records are securely stored to ensure confidentiality of information. She has written agreements with parents, contracts and has a daily diary about the children. She has current public liability insurance cover so that children are well protected. However, as noted previously, she has not planned effectively to renew her first aid training which expired in May 2006. This is a requirement of her registration which is not met and results in children being put at risk. She displays her certificate on the wall as is required.

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Organisation

Overall the provision does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to fit a smoke alarm on the first floor and request written permission for emergency medical advice or treatment. She has met both of these recommendations which ensures children are better protected.

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions:

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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 • make sure that you have a current first aid qualification These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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