Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295449 Inspection date 14 June 2005 Inspector Cilla Burdis

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her partner in the Fenham area of Newcastle upon Tyne. All rooms except the main bedroom will be used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years on a part-time basis and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and childminder drop-in. The family has two cats.

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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 are learning the importance of good personal hygiene practice by following care routines to develop their understanding of personal care. The childminder provides individual hand towels and face cloths and sustains a clean and hygienic environment to help prevent the spread of infection. Healthy and nutritious snacks and meals are provided for the children which are in accordance with any specific dietary requirements. Children are encouraged to try a range of tastes and textures to add greater variety to the food they eat. Regular drinks are provided and water is made accessible to the children in their individual containers. The childminder is using Birth to three matters guidance well to provide a good range of physical play activities for the children to age three years. Children have many opportunities for physical activity, for example, they walk to and from school and

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Helping children to be healthy

enjoy a variety of activities in the garden using slides, wheeled toys and balls. The children also enjoy walks and games in the local playing fields and park. Provision for sleeping and resting is good and in accordance with the needs of the child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The effective organisation of space and the good levels of support provided by the childminder allow children to play safely and independently. The childminder has minimised risks to children effectively in most areas of the home. Children's safety on outings is promoted and a written procedure is followed. Emergency contact details are documented and the details are stored in the childminder's mobile phone for easy access when on outings. Children are developing an understanding of ways to keep themselves safe and display an awareness of the boundaries set. The childminder shares good practice with the older children with regard to fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures. Children are able to select from a wide range of age appropriate resources that are clean and in good condition. The childminder rotates toys to provide a good variety of experiences for the children. Children's ages and abilities are also considered and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the childminder ensures that the toys are suitable for the ages of the children having access to them. Children's welfare is promoted effectively by the childminder who has a very good understanding of her role and responsibilities concerning child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 provision is outstanding. Children settle well with the childminder who has a very good understanding of their individual needs from the information obtained from parents and her own observations. The childminder provides a very good level of support and comfort to the children and, as a result, the children are confident, secure and happy in her care. Children relate very well to the childminder who responds and interacts with enthusiasm and interest. The childminder supports and extends children's learning. She encourages children to recall what they have been doing and to express their thoughts and ideas. Questions are put to the children to help develop skills, such as thinking and decision making. The children are able to communicate their needs effectively to a childminder who is very sensitive to their needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has the expertise to plan activities for the children that are purposeful and aid their development. She displays a very good understanding of how children learn through practical, enjoyable activities. A very good range of indoor and outdoor play opportunities are provided to promote children's development and learning including active play, imaginary play and creative activities. Children's experiences are supplemented by outings to toddler group and other child centred facilities. The childminder knows the level of development each child is at and is clear about the support each child needs. Her knowledge of the children's abilities enables her to provide one activity in which they all can participate according to their skills and development level. An example of this is that, if carrying out a baking activity, the younger children would be involved in mixing the ingredients whereas the older ones

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

would be able to weigh and measure them. Because the childminder has such an excellent understanding of the children's level of development she is able to set appropriate challenges to progress their learning further.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals and develop a positive attitude towards others. Children learn good manners; the value of sharing and taking turns and to show care and consideration to others. The childminder promotes a positive view of diversity and develops children's knowledge through books, discussion and activities, such as food tasting from a variety of cultures. Children learn about the local community by going on outings and visits. During school holidays children are taken to places of interest including the farm, beach and parks where there is something to keep all the children interested and involved. The individual needs of all children who attend are met effectively. The childminder knows the children well and is very respectful of any specific requirements they may have. Children's behaviour is very good. Children learn what is right and wrong through the clear and consistent boundaries set and the support and guidance

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Helping children make a positive contribution

provided by the childminder. Partnership with parents and carers is good. The childminder values good relationships with parents and is respectful of their wishes. The information parents provide at the beginning of a placement helps the childminder to get to know the

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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 children and their individual requirements. This enables her to meet the child's needs effectively and contributes to the way children settle well. Parents are fully informed about their child's day by the documenting of each child's care and activities in individual daily diaries. This is a very good form of communication whereby children's needs and interests are shared.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and are happy in the well organised environment. Activities are planned and rotated to ensure that children have opportunities to participate in a good variety of activities to support their learning and development. A daily routine develops children's security by enabling them to anticipate what they will be doing and what happens next. The accessibility of toys and resources supports children's independence well and encourages them to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures she has developed to promote the care, welfare and learning of the children. She shares them with parents to ensure that they are well informed about the service and their child's activities. This actively contributes to the continuity in the children's care. All documentation is complete and well organised. Confidentiality is ensured by the secure storing of all

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Organisation

personal details. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association; she uses their records and has their public liability insurance. The effective organisation reflects the professional approach the childminder takes to her work and promotes positive outcomes for the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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 the spindles on the staircase do not pose a hazard to children.

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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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