Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY331534 Inspection date 28 July 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 March 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and six years. They live in a detached house in the Gosforth area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Local transport systems and local amenities are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor apart from the utility room is used for childminding purposes, access to the first floor is restricted to the use of two bedrooms. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The family have two pet dogs, a cat, a rabbit and two guinea pigs, they also have two horses which are kept at local stables.

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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 currently caring for four children all of whom attend on a part time basis. 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. Children enjoy a wide range of well planned activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor and indoor activities which help them develop increasing control of their bodies and to enjoy being active, such as music and movement, horse riding, snooker, using swings, slides and climbing apparatus. Garden games, visits to parks and toddler groups improve children's physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where they are learning 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, as they help themselves to tissues and wipes, learn the importance of applying sun cream and wearing hats in hot weather, independently washing their

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Helping children to be healthy

hands and helping with cleaning activities. Effective policies and procedures implemented by the childminder ensure that children are protected from illness and infection. Children are developing a good understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet. They are able to make choices from a variety of healthy snacks which they also help to prepare, such as sandwiches, vegetables, salads, yoghurts and fruit. Children are able to help themselves to a selection of fruit and drinks throughout the day. In depth discussions and comprehensive records ensure that parents are kept informed of what their children have had to eat and drink throughout the day and that children's individual dietary needs are met.

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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 home where the risks are identified and minimised. This means that they are able to move around freely, safely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe both in and out of the home and whilst in the car. She effectively 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 from harm, for example, as they use climbing apparatus, cross roads, travel in the car, and help to tidy away toys.

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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 Children independently select activities from a comprehensive range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, however, she lacks clarity on the correct procedures to follow if an allegation is made against her or others in the household.

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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 because the childminder has a clear understanding of their developmental stages. Children access a wide range of activities and experiences that promote and enhance their individual development and learning skills. They relate very well to each other and socialise with other children through visits to local amenities. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy a wide variety of experiences which contribute to their imaginative, physical, creative and social skills, such as role play, construction, garden games, arts and crafts and board games. 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. The childminder actively encourages children to share their knowledge of different cultures and languages with each other. They are able to access some resources that show positive images of race and gender, however, these are limited and there are no resources that reflect positive images of people with disabilities or learning difficulties. They have good opportunities to learn about their local community as they visit parks, shops, stables 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, encouragement and nurturing nature, for example, they help tidy up, share games

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and take turns. They behave very well. Children benefit from the good relationships between the childminder and parents. Good verbal and written communication ensures parents are kept well informed of all aspects of the childminding practise and the care, welfare and progress of their children. However, parents are not given clear information about how to make a complaint.

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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 The well organised environment and good daily routines ensure that children are happy and well settled. Good opportunities are made for all children to enjoy free play, social interaction, meals, rests and outings. This means that they 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. Policies and procedures are implemented effectively to promote the welfare and learning of children and underpin the good quality care. 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

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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): • develop knowledge of child protection procedures in relation to an allegation made against the childminder or others in the household • ensure that children have access to a range of resources that increase their awareness of diversity • ensure that parents are provided with clear information about the complaints procedure.

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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 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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