Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295111 Inspection date 27 June 2005 Inspector Karen Ling

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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 lives in a semi-detached house in a residential area of Whitley Bay. She shares her home with her husband and two young children aged four and two years. The family also have two cats. The dining room and conservatory are to be used for childminding purposes. The sitting room is used as required for rest times. Children have access to a downstairs cloakroom. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property which children access for outdoor play. The childminder attends a local childminder drop in centre and also uses the local park and soft play centre.

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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 developing a good understanding of how to keep themselves healthy, for example, as they follow hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before eating and after playing with the cats. Each child knows which is their own hand towel. They also learn about keeping themselves safe in the sun. Children are well cared for and the childminder acts in their best interest if they are unwell. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They regularly take part in outdoor activities which help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they manoeuvre the wheeled toys and negotiate steps on the slide. They join in games enthusiastically and know when they need a drink or rest. They confidently try out new skills, such as making and then completing an obstacle course and know when to ask for help. Children also enjoy physical activity during

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Helping children to be healthy

visits to the park and the local soft play centre which provide good levels of challenge. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and enjoy nutritious snacks and meals which the childminder prepares. She takes account of parents wishes and children's choices, ensuring that dietary needs, such as allergies are catered for well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for and the childminder provides a welcoming and secure environment which is bright, stimulating and reflects what children have been doing. This helps children to feel safe and secure. Children can access toys and resources independently because storage is well organized at child height. Indoor and outdoor play spaces are used well by children who are able to move around safely, independently and freely. They select from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder identifies and minimises most risks, however a glass cabinet is accessible to children. The childminder has all the required procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enter confidently into the childminder's home and make themselves at ease as they happily engage in a range of indoor and outdoor activities which effectively encourage their development. The childminder develops friendly relationships with the children and they respond well to her. They show developing confidence as they

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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 make choices, for example at snack time and which game they would like to play. The good selection of outdoor equipment enables children to use their imagination and initiative, for example, they had great fun following an obstacle course. Children relate well to each other, with older ones showing a growing awareness of consideration for the needs of younger ones, such as explaining the rules of games. Children's skills are enhanced further through their attendance at local soft play centres and a music group for young children which encourages musical awareness and a sense of rhythm . They enjoy listening to stories and the childminder regularly takes them to the library where they are involved in choosing a selection of books. As yet, the childminder is not familiar with planning a range of activities for younger

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children, for example by using the Birth to three framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Relationships between the children and the childminder are friendly and this helps children to settle. They confidently decide what they would like to do and have time to be active or relax. The childminder follows clear routines and plans the time well to accommodate the differing needs of the children. Children's self-esteem and confidence is nurtured well because the childminder gives consistent reassurance and encouragement. Children show care and concern for each other and play together well. They are encouraged to share and take turns and their behaviour is good. Their ideas and opinions are valued and the childminder takes time to listen and understand what children are saying or asking for. The range of resources on offer reflects diversity, helping children to develop an awareness of different backgrounds. A good relationship exists with parents and the childminder has very detailed and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

comprehensive information for parents about how she organizes the provision. Regular verbal exchange together with children's diaries which the childminder completes, also help to keep parents informed about their child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease within the well organized environment. This means that children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and ask the childminder for things they would like, such as additional toys or resources. Documentation and records are well organized and shared regularly with parents. This contributes to the continuity of care. The childminder reflects on her own practice which in turn informs and develops practice. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and development of children. This means that overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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

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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): • make the glass cabinet in the dining room inaccessible to children • develop knowledge and understanding of planning a range of activities for younger children, for example by using the Birth to three framework.

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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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