Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331289 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2006 Inspection date Shirley Peart 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 satisfactory. 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 April 2006. She lives with her husband and their grandchild aged nine years, in Byker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The home is situated in a residential area very close to the school. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, as well as two upstairs bedrooms and the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed patio area for outside play and children also have use of a communal enclosed play area, under supervision.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and two children for overnight care. She is currently minding one child under five years and one child over five years, as well as some of her grandchildren.

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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's health is well protected due to the childminder's good procedures and hygiene practices. For example, the home is lovely and clean, relevant written policies are in place, such as health and hygiene, no smoking and hand washing. Older children also like to follow the guidelines displayed on the bathroom wall for the correct hand washing procedure. The childminder responds well when children are tired, offers cuddles and puts them down to rest; they sleep comfortably in their own pushchair.

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Helping children to be healthy

The healthy eating policy ensures that children follow a nutritious diet. Parents often provide the food for younger children, and older children have a choice of dinners and will choose food that they like, such as spaghetti bolognaise. Full cream milk is given to children under five-years-old and the childminder explains to children, in simple terms, that drinking their milk will make them 'big and strong'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of good opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They regularly walk to and from school and play outside with a range of suitable equipment, such as balls and small bikes. They also have further physical opportunities when they play in the secure communal play area at the back of the house, or when they attend the childminding drop-in session.

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Helping children to be healthy

Documentation regarding administration of medication and accidents meets requirements. The sick child policy, discussions with parents and contracts ensure that the childminder's exclusion policy works in practice to protect children's health and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a welcoming, homely environment. They have plenty of space to move around safely and to use their new found skills, such as walking, to access the toys. Children play with toys that are age appropriate, clean and in very good condition. There is an extensive range of equipment that meets the developmental needs of children from birth to eight years well, such as stimulating activity centres that make noises and light up, interesting board games, books and small world toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is enhanced very well through a combination of good practices, documentation, use of suitable child safety equipment and the childminder's vigilance. For example, children are closely supervised as the childminder is always down on the floor with them, or when they toddle off towards the dining room and kitchen. The childminder has a suitable emergency evacuation plan and has practised this with the children. She has made alterations to her home, such as replacing doors, to further protect the children from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate information and procedures are in place regarding child protection. The childminder has carried out basic training and understands her role and responsibility regarding child protection. This ensures that children's welfare is appropriately protected.

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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 satisfactory. Toddlers are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. For example, they sway to the music on the television when they watch a favourite children's programme. They clearly know what they want and what they do not want. For example, they use gestures and point to toys or items, such as their drink, and push their food away when they have had enough. They show a keen interest in the activity centre and are able to move the knobs and press the buttons independently. Children benefit from lots of cuddles and kisses and warm, natural interaction is apparent. Although toys meet the development needs of the children, they have limited opportunities to be creative and to explore with natural, safe, sensory materials. For example, young children are clearly showing an interest in drawing and mark making and there are no suitable, age appropriate materials for them to use.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder's intervention and interaction is good. She is constantly down on the floor, chats and makes lively comments about what the children are doing. She follows the children's interests well and plays spontaneous games such as 'peek a boo' which the children clearly enjoy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are starting to form lovely relationships with the childminder. They relate well to her and approach her easily for cuddles or put their arms out when they want to be lifted up. She knows the children well, for example she explains different characteristics they present when they are tired. She communicates well with parents to ensure that she understands children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children are given lots of attention, therefore they are fully occupied and interested in their toys and surroundings. Older children also play together well, therefore there are no behaviour issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Settling in periods are offered, which appropriately assists with children's transition from home to setting. Relevant documentation supports the partnership with parents well and they give their written consent where necessary. The childminder regularly discusses children's care with the parents, such as their routines and what they have done. This ensures that parents are appropriately informed of their children's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. An appropriate routine is in place and the children benefit from playing indoors, outdoors and regularly attend a childminding drop-in group, so that they have suitable opportunities to play alongside other children. The childminder has recently become a member of the local childminding network group and is receptive to regular support visits from a local authority worker. Therefore, she has taken on a professional approach towards her childminding career which benefits the children well. She has completed all required training and is receptive to

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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 attending further training courses to enhance her knowledge. Although there is a very good range of toys, the childminder does not use any natural, safe and sensory materials for the younger children and has limited knowledge on the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Organisation

Documentation is up-to-date and well organised. A good childminding file is in place and shown to parents which clearly explains her policies and procedures. The Ofsted certificate of registration is appropriately displayed for parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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. Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • provide further opportunities for younger children to be creative • consider using more natural, safe and sensory materials in activities and develop knowledge on the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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