Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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318834 Unique Reference Number 27 November 2006 Inspection date Kathleen Snowdon 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 16 in West Denton, Newcastle upon Tyne. Her home is close to all facilities including schools, nurseries and shops. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed back garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding three children over five after school and in school holiday periods. None of the children were present when the inspection took place.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder receives support from the local authority and is a member of 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. From discussion and sample menus, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of nutrition. For example, she talks about the meals she prepares for children. These include traditional roast dinners and pasta dishes. Snacks include bread sticks, fruit and sliced vegetables. The childminder explains that the children also enjoy occasional treats, such as biscuits or ice cream. These arrangements help the children to form well balanced views of food and eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder talks about how she encourages the children to be fit and active. She states that she takes the children to local parks where they play games such as football or cricket. The childminder adds that the children like to play in her back garden where they have access to a trampoline. These opportunities boost the children's stamina and teach them that exercise is fun.

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Helping children to be healthy

Written information and discussion show that sensible arrangements are in place to deal with children who are ill. These minimise the spread of infection and common illnesses. The childminder explains how she teaches the children about the importance of personal hygiene. For example, she reminds the children to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating. This helps the children to make the correct association between cleanliness and good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken action to minimise risk in and outside of her well organised home. For instance, she keeps external doors locked to prevent uninvited access and to prevent the children leaving without her knowledge. The childminder states that smoke detectors are checked regularly and she ensures that a fire blanket is readily available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has not taken part in any recent training in child protection. However, she shows sound understanding of signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is being abused or neglected. Alongside of this, she explains that she helps children to learn about their own safety by talking to them about road safety and by carrying out regular fire drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The range of toys and play equipment that the childminder provides is appropriate to the children's developmental stage. The childminder talks about how she checks and washes items to keep them clean and in good condition. Equipment is stored to allow the children easy access. This encourages them to make safe choices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Good quality toys are easily accessible to the children. These include treasure baskets, activity toys, construction items, role play props, small world figures and books. This helps children to

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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 progress in all areas of their development and ensures that they are engaged and interested during their time at the childminder's.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder explains that she arranges enjoyable outings for the children. She says that they go to the swimming baths and for walks along the beach and the river. The childminder adds that the children take part in other activities as well. These include cooking, stencilling, dancing and gardening.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Although no children were present during the inspection, discussion the childminder shows her clear understanding of the importance of forming good relationships with the children. She talks about how close she is to the children and says that she knows them well as individuals. Sound, early relationships such as these equip the children with the skills that they need to form secure, later relationships with others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder states that she gives the children clear explanations about why people are different. She talks about how she builds on the children's conversations about festivals that they have celebrated at school, for example, Divali and Christmas. These arrangements teach the children to respect differing abilities and increase the children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world. However, there no toys or other items which reflect images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder explains that she helps children to behave acceptably through sensible house rules. These include no fighting, no jumping on furniture and being polite. This approach teaches the children about boundaries and helps them to understand right from wrong. The childminder adds that she always praises the children for good behaviour and whenever they show positive personal qualities, such as kindness or helpfulness. This boosts the children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is satisfactory. The childminder says that daily discussions between her and the children's parents keep everyone clear about the children's recent experiences. Contracts are used. These set out clearly the expectations of the children's parents and the childminder and form the basis for sound working relationships.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All essential records are in place. They are stored securely to protect confidentiality. Discussion and the records of children's attendance show that the childminder has clear understanding of not exceeding registered numbers. However, the registration certificate is not prominently displayed. This means that parents and other interested parties cannot easily scrutinise the conditions of registration.

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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 The childminder has not taken part in any recent training although she has made plans to do so. However, she ensures that essential training, such as first aid, is completed. Consequently, the childminder is able to give children appropriate treatment following accidents and incidents.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve issues relating to documentation and resources. A copy of the National Standards is now readily available to keep the childminder aware of her obligations to the children in her care. The range of resources is satisfactory but continues to lack items that reflect all aspects of diversity. Further improvement is needed in this area to help children to develop positive views of gender, disability, ethnicity and culture.

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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 actions 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 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): • increase resources that reflect positive images of diversity • prominently 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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