Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

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311801 Unique Reference Number 16 November 2006 Inspection date Janet Fairhurst 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 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two daughters, aged 16 and 19 years in the Low Fell area of Gateshead. The house is in easy walking distance of schools, nursery and toddler group. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding purposes which includes an open plan lounge and dining room with a separate kitchen. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property which is available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of the local Childminding Network. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for five children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through informal daily routines; for example, as they are encouraged to wash their hands the childminder provides

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Helping children to be healthy

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 children with simple explanations as to why. Children sleep or rest according to their individual needs. Children's health is further supported by the very clear policies and procedures which the childminder follows to protect them from illness and to deal with any accidents. Good procedures are followed when changing nappies, ensuring they are done in a clean environment. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate which ensures the treatment of injuries is carried out appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of activities that contributes towards their good health. They move freely enabling them to explore the childminding environment. Each day they walk to and from school, they visit the local park and enjoy singing and dancing in the home. The result is children develop a positive attitude towards exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy wholesome, nutritious meals and snacks. Meals are freshly prepared using fresh fruit and vegetables. Regular drinks are offered throughout the day to ensure children never become thirsty. Mealtimes are a relaxed social occasion for the children to enjoy. The childminder keeps parents informed verbally of what their children have eaten throughout the day.

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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 welcoming environment which is light and in good decorative order. The childminder promotes child safety within the home through encouraging children to be aware of danger and keeping themselves safe, as well as taking precautions to reduce the risk to children. She carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted within the home by the completion of risk assessments and there is good security to prevent them getting out of the house unsupervised. Close supervision of children is used by the childminder to help prevent accidents and keep children safe. The childminder is aware of fire safety and has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation which are practised with the children, however, these are not recorded. Through the childminder's explanation and effective routines, the children are learning how to keep themselves safe outdoors. For example, using the pelican crossing when crossing the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of the issues involved in protecting children from abuse. She has undertaken child protection training, has written guidelines about what to look for and who to contact if issues arise, and gives child protection a high priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a warm and caring relationship with the childminder who gives them good physical support, including cuddles. They interact confidently with the childminder who understands their individual needs. Children are encouraged to be independent with support and guidance in selecting and using the toys and equipment effectively. Expressive and enthusiastic language is used by the childminder when interacting with the children and they respond with enthusiasm and interest. Children's abilities and confidence are developed through use of the toys and resources available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's self-esteem is developed through the childminder valuing each child's contribution. The childminder has a sound awareness of 'Birth to three matters' and is beginning to implement

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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 aspect of the framework into her practice to help organise the activities and promote children's development. She is responsive to their needs. For example, she sits on the floor with the children, makes eye contact and joins in with their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are praised often to help them develop self-confidence and self-esteem. They are eager to participate in activities and respond very well to the childminder. They learn to share, relate well to each other and behave well. The childminder uses good techniques to encourage and support positive behaviour and she is a good role model.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed well. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress and details of their physical care on a daily basis. Parents are consulted about all aspects of the care provided by the childminder, discussing all issues and incorporating parents' requests into her service. They provide written information for the childminder so that their children can be cared for appropriately. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents, however, the complaints policy does not contain the regulator's contact details.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for as individuals with differences being acknowledged and enjoyed. Children gain an understanding of the wider world and their local community through discussions and creative activities. Children have access to the suitable range of toys and playthings which reflect difference and diversity. This helps to develop a positive attitude and an understanding of difference and similarities. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of equal opportunity and special needs issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides clear routines and organised activities which give children confidence in the setting. Children benefit from the good experience and training attended by the childminder. Children have access to a range of suitable activities, toys and resources to meet their needs and encourage their progress which they access with ease. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning as well as being supported by the childminder. The childminder is involved with the local childminding network which broadens children's experiences and increases her knowledge and understanding of quality childcare.

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Organisation

The documentation meets all requirements and provides a good basis for the care of children. They are securely stored to ensure confidentiality. Information is fully shared with parents to involve them so that continuity of care will benefit children. The childminder ensures that the numbers of children present are within the requirements so that she can effectively care for all children.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the provider was asked to ensure parental consent was obtained for children to travel in a vehicle and to extend the range of resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. The childminder has obtained written parental consent for the transport of all children and has increased the range of toys and resources that reflect

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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 equality of opportunity and diversity. These improvements promote children's safety and help them to develop an understanding of the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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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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.

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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): • ensure a record is maintained of all emergency evacuations that are carried out • ensure the regulator's contact details are included in the complaints policy.

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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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