Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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403115 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2006 Inspection date Ann Marie Lefevre 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 outstanding. 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 1998 and to the current premises since 2001. She is approved to mind a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently four children under the age of eight years attending for a variety of full, part or occasional days. An additional four children are aged eight years and over.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The household consists of the childminder, her husband and their two children who are aged eight and 14 years. Their home is a detached house which is located on a modern estate on the outskirts of Morpeth and close to local amenities. Minded children have access to the play room, dining kitchen, lounge, cloakroom and utility room on the ground floor. Rooms on the first floor and the dining room on the ground floor are not used for minding purposes. The front garden is used for access to the premises. The enclosed rear yard is used for play by the children.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes children to local places of interest on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive and progress extremely well in this excellent setting. They have many opportunities to learn about health and hygiene in their daily routines and activities as they benefit from the excellent example set by the childminder. Children are encouraged to take responsibility as they gain age appropriate awareness of why it is important to wash their hands before handling food, after going to the toilet or after playing out. Each child has their own clean face cloths and towels each day. Wipes are taken on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about dental health and have their own toothbrushes in the setting so they can clean their teeth after meals. Children participate in activities to help promote health and hygiene, for example, they each have an attractive colouring book to complete showing pictures of washing hands, keeping ourselves clean, having clean clothes and teeth cleaning. Children respond well to requests to help put play things away and are happy to join in. The childminder is keen to ensure that minded children benefit from being cared for in a very clean and healthy environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies and toddlers benefit from the childminder’s gentle and caring approach. There are very sensitive nappy changing routines in place, so that children may have a positive experience. The childminder wears disposable gloves to deal with dirty nappies. Children are soothed and comforted as they are settled to have naps and are given lots of cuddles and support when they awake.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health requirements are highlighted in the excellent records and in the wealth of detailed health information. Effective accident and medication recording systems are in place and the childminder is clear on how to maintain these. The childminder makes sure that children's health needs are met. She has completed first aid and food hygiene training. There is a very well stocked first aid box and a travel kit which are kept replenished as necessary. Children learn about keeping their bodies healthy through meaningful discussions and practical activities. They gain an understanding of wearing warm clothing in cold weather and hats and sun cream when it is sunny.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder’s enlightened approach to healthy eating and has a food policy in place. Children may have breakfast of porridge, boiled eggs and 'soldiers', cereal, or toast and jam. There is a variety of fresh fruit and raw vegetables available during snack times. Some parents provide packed lunches or food for the childminder to prepare. However, the childminder is happy to prepare freshly cooked meals. Children plant seeds, tend plants and are able to eat some of their produce, for example, cherry tomatoes. They also participate in simple cookery, they measure and mix ingredients to make biscuits and cakes. These activities help children appreciate how food arrives on the table. Drinks of milk or water are available at all times during sessions and the childminder encourages children to have plenty of liquids.

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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 Meal times are very pleasant social occasions with lots of animated discussion. The childminder has effective strategies in place to ensure that any special dietary needs are monitored effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children progress extremely well as they develop their physical and emotional well-being in a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities and projects. They have energetic fun during supervised outdoor play on large and small equipment in the garden. Children really benefit as they gain lots of exercise and fresh air when walking to activities in the area. They may go on nature trails and enjoy chatting about the things they see or collecting leaves and acorns to use in their wonderful artwork. In addition, children have opportunities to socialise with other children and adults as they attend childcare drop-in groups or go to the library.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children have many opportunities to learn about keeping safe in practical and effective ways. They really benefit from being able to access the designated childcare areas with close, age appropriate supervision and support from the childminder. The premises are extremely welcoming, comfortable and well organised for children to use safely. The childminder encourages children to be aware of safety, both indoors and outside in the garden. In addition, appropriate care is taken when children are out of the home environment in the community, for example, they are helped to understand about road safety and being careful when near traffic.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder promotes child safety in the setting and has taken many excellent safety measures. Child safety gates are in place to the top and bottom of the stairs, radiators are regulated, hazardous materials are inaccessible and the rear garden is totally enclosed. Fire safety measures have been taken, for example, a fire blanket is readily available on the utility room wall and smoke detectors are on each floor. Written fire evacuation policies and procedures are in place and the childminder has completed fire prevention and awareness training.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have ready access to a range of high quality resources so they can play in safety. Children are protected as the childminder ensures that the toys, equipment and furniture are in a safe and clean condition by checking items regularly. She also ensures that the playthings are appropriate for the age and stage of development of each child. Children receive clear and sensitive guidance about the safe use of toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is ensured by the childminder having effective and relevant documentation in place in relation to safety. There is a current public liability insurance certificate. Visitors are asked immediately to sign in and out using a designated book. Children’s attendance is well monitored as the childminder records when they arrive and again as they depart. There is a child protection policy in place. Although there have been no concerns to date, the childminder has participated in child protection awareness training to an advanced level, has a clear understanding of child protection procedures, what signs to be aware of, who to contact and what to record if any arise in the future. Therefore, children are well protected in her care.

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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 outstanding. Children participate in a wealth of stimulating activities and projects in a calm and friendly environment, therefore, they progress extremely well. They are enthusiastic as they develop their imaginations in fun and educational ways. Children settle really well, are at ease and develop greater self-confidence with the childminder. There is an excellent balance of natural and man made activities. Babies and toddlers enthusiastically play with lots of small, interesting activities as they explore treasure baskets with close supervision and relaxed, warm interaction with the childminder. Older children may make colourful papier-mâché masks or clay models.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are many ways for children to enjoy games of pretend or develop their creative skills and knowledge. They have challenging experiences, without undue pressure being put upon them. They may dress up or participate in music, song and rhyme. Children thoroughly enjoy using a wide variety of exciting art and craft materials to create lovely pictures, such as painting with hands and feet or making collage pictures with tissue paper. They learn and develop their understanding of numbers, letters, shapes and colour in many age-appropriate ways. They learn about the natural world and growing things. Children have seeds and bulbs to tend, for example hyacinths, sun flowers and tomatoes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is adept at using effective methods to promote and reinforce learning, including giving clear guidance about activities. She has a sound knowledge of each child and the wishes of parents to ensure there is consistency and continuity so that children can progress and learn effectively. Children are able to develop their vocabulary skills as the childminder uses simple and clear language. They have excellent support as they explore new words during discussions or develop their language skills as they join chats about their activities and other issues. The childminder clearly values children and has a sound understanding of how they learn and develop; this is evident in the way the children’s play areas and resources are organised and in the actual care of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have excellent opportunities to learn from the childminder's extremely positive attitude towards equality and respecting people’s individual needs. There are many ways for each child to develop a greater awareness of their local community and they are able to gain an insight into the wider world. Children visit the local fire station, go strawberry picking or have outings to a children’s activity farm. They participate in many activities relating to celebrations, such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween when they make cards to take home or hollow out pumpkins. There is an excellent range of playthings and books which are used to help children gain an understanding of different countries, backgrounds and abilities. Children learn about festivals, such as the Chinese New Year. They made dragons, lanterns and tried Chinese food. They tried Indian food, and made clay lamps in relation to Diwali which they took home. Gender

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Helping children make a positive contribution

stereotyping is discouraged as children are able to choose what they want to play with in keeping with their age-range.

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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 are polite and very well behaved during routines and activities and respond well to the childminder’s calm approach; she encourages them to share and play well together. Children learn about valuing others from the excellent role model provided by the childminder. She gently and sensitively supports, praises and encourages which helps children to develop their self-esteem and sense of belonging. The childminder also encourages children to share their opinions and make decisions. Children respond well to guidance from her and are helped to make informed choices to participate fully during each session.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that she gains a clear insight into the needs and wishes of the parents and carers in relation to the children attending. Parents are fully involved in planning for the care of their children and the exchange of information necessary for each child's daily care. The childminder keeps them informed of daily activities and events as well as health and dietary issues. She provides parents with a wealth of relevant information to ensure they are fully aware of the childcare service provided. There are excellent, detailed and well organised files in place which include policies and procedures, training and information about the current legislation in relation to car seats for children. All parents are given a card with the childminder’s contact details and a welcome booklet has been prepared for them. They have completed questionnaires in relation to their child’s care and have responded with extremely positive comments. In

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Helping children make a positive contribution

addition, children share their experiences with parents by taking art work home to show what they have achieved.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Excellent, clearly defined, sensitive daily routines enable children to settle well and feel secure in the setting. The recording systems are extremely well organised and maintained. There is a wealth of written information in place to inform parents of the childminder’s practice. The very well presented policies and procedures reflect the Ofsted standards and give clear guidance about the childcare service.

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Organisation

The childminder is professional, focussed and dedicated in her approach to the care of the children. She is very caring, affectionate and keen to ensure that children really benefit and thrive during their time with her. This is reflected in the way the child care areas are organised in her home, in the many health and safety measures taken and in the range of high quality resources and exciting activities provided for the children.

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Organisation

The childminder continues to develop and enhance her considerable childcare knowledge and skills. She has completed a vast range of relevant training including courses covering health, safety and care. She has successfully completed the Quality First Scheme and uses the excellent file to inform her practice.

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Organisation

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

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

There was one improvement issue identified at the last inspection in relation to further enhancing the childcare practice. This has been met effectively as the childminder has participated in a wealth of training for the benefit of children attending.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 01 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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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