Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY320678 Inspection date 31 July 2006 Inspector Sandra Davies

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in February 2006. She lives with her husband and adult son. They live in an established residential area of Redcar, close to local amenities, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a lounge, dining room and kitchen available at ground floor level and also two bedrooms upstairs. Toilets are located at ground and first floor levels. There is an enclosed rear garden, available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under eight years on a part-time basis. The

p.2

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 childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Children are taken on outings, including reading time at the library, the park and beach. The family do not have any pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and local childminder network

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. The childminder has appropriate hygiene routines in place to protect and promote children's health. Systems are in place for addressing children’s health needs. For example, the childminder holds an appropriate first aid certificate and a first aid box is to hand. Some documentation is not in place which compromises the health of the children. The childminder does not have a sick children's policy, has not got written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and an accident was not recorded A balanced diet is provided for children, which considers allergies and special dietary needs. Children benefit from a healthy diet. For example, meals which include fruit, cheese or ham. Children are offered drinks regularly. Children have opportunities to develop large physical skills with energetic play both

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

indoors and outdoors. For example, when they play bat and ball, dancing and pretending to be animals. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location. They are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development. Children use good quality toys and equipment which is appropriate to their age and stage of development. Steps are taken to promote safety within the setting and on outings and precautions are taken to prevent accidents. However, at the time of inspection there were hazardous objects in the upstairs bathroom and the garden. This compromises children's safety. Children learn to keep themselves safe outdoors. For example, crossing the road when out walking. The childminder has procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, a record of who can collect the children and ensuring

p.3

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 that all people named have been met. However, knowledge and understanding of the child protection procedure is limited.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Warm relationships have been established which ensures that children feel happy, settled and secure in their environment. The childminder enjoys the company of the children and is interested in what they do and say, and they are confident and engrossed in their play. The childminder has a secure understanding of the range of experiences required to enable children to develop. For example, children have opportunities to take part in craft activities, role play and outings including the park and taking part in a nature trail. Children are encouraged to make their own choices regarding their play, which ensures that they are interested and enjoy their activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the local community as they take part in outings. They have access to some resources which increase their awareness of diversity and all play equipment is available to all children, regardless of gender. The childminder works well with parents to ensure that children's needs are met. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour and this helps children to learn to understand behaviour boundaries and play harmoniously together. Children are encouraged to share and take turns. Parents are given verbal information on behaviour methods used. The childminder is aware of the need to keep a record of any incidents of physical intervention. The childminder has established a positive relationship with parents and has written information for parents, on the service she provides. Parents are given the opportunity to discuss their child and they are kept verbally informed about their

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

child's day and activities. This ensures that each child's individual needs are met. A daily diary is kept and information is exchanged.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease with the childminder and in the environment. This means they are confident in their play. Children are able to move around between the rooms available. For example, messy activities in the kitchen and quiet activities in the lounge. Most records required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children, are in place.

p.4

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 childminder has taken relevant courses for working with children and plans to increase her knowledge by taking further appropriate courses. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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): • obtain written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • put in place a policy about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious which is discussed with parents • ensure that all accidents are recorded • further develop awareness of child protection procedures • ensure that areas used by children are free from hazards.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5