Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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310161 Unique Reference Number 25 October 2006 Inspection date Jim Bostock 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 lives with her husband and two daughters aged 18 and 19 years in a three bedroom semi detached house on an established housing estate in Wallsend. It is close to public transport systems including a bus service that runs regularly through the estate. There are three local first schools within walking distance, in addition there are playgroups, carer and toddler groups and local parks that the childminder uses on a regular basis with children in her care. Children have access to the living/dining area, conservatory and supervised access to the kitchen on the ground floor and to the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for their use. Children may have supervised access to the family dog. At the time of the inspection there were five minded children on the register.

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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 well cared for and protected because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children have ready access to drinking water and fruit juice and the provision of snacks is excellent. Children are helped to learn about healthy eating and regularly have fruit, such as apple and banana. Parents provide some food for children and the childminder discusses the provision of healthy options with them. Children benefit from the good communication between the childminder and their parents about their individual diet, any allergies and the provision of balanced meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is proactive in helping children gain an understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, children know that they should wash their hands to prevent germs. There are good procedures to maintain children's health in relation to nappy changing and contact with the childminder's dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop and test their physical skills through stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. The childminder ensures that children have a variety of active play, such as walks to the park to feed the horses, using sit and ride toys in the garden, visiting activity centres to run, slide, balance and play in the ballpool, and attending sports events. Children enjoy singing and dancing to songs, such as "happy and you know it clap your hands".

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use a safe, well organised environment which is well furnished and they have clean, sturdy, well maintained toys. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is vigilant and takes good precautions to reduce potential hazards. She has a good understanding of setting safe limits and how to help children develop an understanding of keeping themselves safe. For example, they learn about road safety very well and how to go up and down stairs safely. The childminder ensures that children are well supervised to prevent accidents and keep them safe. The house and garden are secure and the childminder takes good precautions on outings, including when using the car. Although there is a fire evacuation procedure, children are not helped to develop an understanding of what to do in the event of a fire because it is not practised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. The childminder has attended training in child protection and is fully aware of the types of abuse and the signs to look for. She has a good understanding of the procedures to follow if there are any concerns and gives high priority to children's welfare.

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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 good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and achieve well because she is skilled and has a good understanding of the age and stage of development of the children who attend. Children are helped to settle well because the childminder is sensitive towards their individual needs. The childminder gives children good support to help them make good progress. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. Early communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality adult-child interactions. Children begin to make sense of the world and express their ideas as they join in with a diverse range of interesting activities and experiences. For example, the childminder uses alphabet jigsaws to help children learn about, and begin to recognise letters and words. She explains well and helps children engage in good imaginative play, such as dressing up as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

animals. Children are interested in their play and concentrate well. Their progress is well supported by regular discussions with parents. Although the childminder is aware of the "Birth to three matters" framework and uses it to some extent it is not used fully to support children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and play a full part in the setting because the childminder values and respects their individuality and the family context for each child. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of the needs of children with disabilities to ensure they would receive good support and would be able to participate fully in the activities. The childminder provides a good range of toys and activities which reflect positive images of diversity to help children develop an awareness and a positive attitude towards difference. For instance they have dolls, dressing up, books and jigsaws as well as activities related to festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Halloween. Children especially look forward to dressing up as skeletons and witches.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. Parents' views about their child's needs are actively sought on a regular basis throughout their time there. The childminder ensures that parents know how their child is progressing and developing. Children benefit greatly from the involvement of their parents in the care and activities which contribute to their good health, development and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder helps children learn to share and take turns. They learn how to relate to others and get on well with each other. The childminder is kind, gentle, patient and understanding with children, praises them often and helps them develop self-confidence and independence well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and has clear routines which give children confidence in the setting. She is very experienced and knowledgeable about child care which ensures children's needs are met. The well resourced service allows children to experience a wide variety of stimulating and interesting play.

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Organisation

The documentation kept enhances the care provided by being both relevant and well organised. The childminder keeps good records which are securely stored to ensure confidentiality. She has written information about each child so that the care of children is well based. Although there are written contracts and consents in place, the childminder does not have written consents for emergency medical treatment of children. All the information is easily accessible to parents and includes written policies and procedures. The childminder has current public liability insurance cover and a current first aid certificate so that children are well protected. All adults, aged 16 years and over, living in the house have been vetted to ensure they are suitable to have contact with minded 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 childminder was asked to fit smoke alarms to each floor. These have been fitted to ensure that children are protected. She was also asked to further extend the positive approach to equal opportunities to include disability. The childminder has developed activities and toys that give positive representation of disabilities to help children develop their awareness and positive attitude.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. 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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Complaints 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

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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): • improve fire safety by regularly practising the fire evacuation procedure with children • continue to develop the use of the "Birth to three matters" framework to provide care and activities for children • obtain written permission for emergency medical treatment.

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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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