Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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313795 Unique Reference Number 12 October 2006 Inspection date Pauline Pinnegar 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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and son aged 14 years old. They live in a house near the centre of Newton Aycliffe. From her home she is able to access a range of local amenities including shops, parks and local schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the first floor apart from the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for three children under five years and one child over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local groups for minded children. She is part of the local Childminding Network and the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children enjoy a suitable range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. Activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors as they play in the local park with large play equipment and they also access soft play equipment at the local leisure facility. They enjoy playing in the garden using a range of play equipment to practise their gross motor skills. Children also enjoy walks within the local community. Younger children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home and the importance of good hygiene is reinforced in their everyday routines. Children are suitably protected from infection because the childminder has implemented a sickness policy, which is shared effectively with and respected by parents. Accident and medication records are correctly completed and meet mandatory requirements. Older children understand simple, good health and hygiene practices as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals and snacks. Daily routines are flexible and follow children's individual needs, so that children are content. Children are very secure and confidently express their own needs and wants. The childminder's clear understanding of the needs of younger children supports their developmental progress.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide packed lunches for children but children are encouraged to choose healthy options at snack time, such as fruit which is always available. Drinks are freely accessible if children are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around freely and independently. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe inside the home and on outings. For example, she promotes road safety when out walking. There are good arrangements in place to keep children safe in the event of a fire. Appropriate fire safety equipment is in place. However, the emergency evacuation procedure does not include a practise fire drill to raise children's awareness in the event of an emergency, as the childminder feels the children are too young to fully understand the procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a good range of safe toys and equipment, which the childminder constantly develops to provide variety. All are kept clean, are in excellent condition and are presented invitingly to children at floor level. This successfully promotes their developing independence. Children's safety is well considered by the childminder. For example, all equipment such as cupboard safety catches, socket covers and car seats are always in place.

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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. Children are very settled and content; they develop very warm relationships with the childminder and are happy in her care. The childminder is interested in what children do and say. She becomes involved in their play and as a result children are interested and motivated. Children behave well and begin to understand why some behaviour is unacceptable; they learn to take turns, to be polite and to have good manners. The childminder has limited knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, to enhance planning for the experiences of younger children. However, younger children are very settled and well supported in their play. The childminder liaises closely with parents to ensure she responds to their individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a suitable range of activities for children. Children's communication skills are developing well as a result of the childminder talking and listening to them. She encourages them to talk about what they are doing and sensitively supports their language development. The childminder is interested in what the children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play as they look at books and play with the cars. As a result, children are interested, motivated and their all round development is promoted. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes children out most days. Children enjoy visits to the 'Play shack', the Marina at Hartlepool and the Railway Museum at Shildon. Children also enjoy trips to the local garden centre where they look at the plants. Children's imagination is fostered as they play imaginatively with tents in the garden and use a range of equipment to promote their physical skills. Feeding the birds in the garden is also a favourite activity. Children also enjoy music and dancing sessions indoors. Younger children enjoy lots of free play with everyday objects such as wooden spoons, pots and pans.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have their individual needs met due to the childminder's excellent working relationships with parents. She clearly knows children well because she is kept successfully informed and parents in turn receive written information about the childminding service. A clear complaints policy for parents is in place and the complaints record is in line with new registration requirements. Settling in procedures are effective and ensure children feel happy and secure in their environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are welcomed into the setting and participate fully in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world through sensitive discussions with the childminder, who also acts as a positive role model. However, children play with a limited range of resources which promote positive images of diversity. Children's awareness of their local community is raised by regular outings to the shops, the park and local groups. The childminder has a basic understanding of issues relating to the care of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 Children behave well. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. She helps them to take responsibility for their own behaviour by supporting them, being a positive role model and encouraging the children to help each other. She consistently reinforces boundaries giving children clear messages of right and wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare is promoted in the well organised and safe environment. Their individual needs are supported by flexible planning. Routines are responsive to individual needs and effectively support children's care and development. Resources are accessible, so that children can independently select their own activities and plan their own play. The childminder has completed all mandatory training. The children feel at home and at ease with the childminder and in the environment. This means they are confident and can initiate their own play and learning. Adult to child ratios are maintained with good organisation of time to allow children one to one attention to meet their individual needs.

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Organisation

Children are kept safe and their welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's understanding and implementation of the required policies and procedures. However, her registration certificate is not displayed clearly for parents. There are effective systems in place for the sharing of information with parents about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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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 continue the childminding network course to keep up to date with current changes. The childminder continues to keep up to date with current changes by attending the childminding network course and a couple of other training courses related to childcare such as child protection and behaviour management.

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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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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 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework so that effective practice in the care and education of young children is further enhanced • develop the resources and activities for children to promote positive images of diversity • clearly display the registration certificate.

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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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