Robson, Helen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY239857 Inspection date 07 June 2005 Inspector Donna Suzanne Lancaster

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 July 2004. She lives with her daughter aged two and a half years. They live in a house which is situated in the Denes area of Darlington. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, bathroom and sleeping facilities are provided in this area. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family pets are gerbils and a rabbit. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children under 8 years at any one time and

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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 is currently minding 3 children, one aged 11 months and 2 aged 6 years. All attend on a part - time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local primary school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. The childminder has most documentation in place for addressing children's health needs, for example, appropriate documentation for the recording of accidents and medication administered. The childminder understands the importance of good hygiene routines to protect children's health and the children develop independence in personal care with encouragement and support. Children enjoy a suitable range of physical activities to help them develop their good health. Daily activities include opportunities to be outdoors, for example, in the garden, visits to the park and swimming. The childminder has a good understanding about appropriate types of activities and provides good levels of support giving children the confidence to try out new and build on their existing skills. Children benefit from a healthy diet and drinks are freely available to them. Varied

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Helping children to be healthy

snacks are provided to the children after school and their individual dietary needs are catered for to ensure children remain healthy.

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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 spacious home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around inside and outside the home safely, freely and independently. The childminder maintains children's safety, for example by the use of cupboard safety locks to prevent children's access to hazardous substances. However, the childminder and the children are not aware of emergency evacuation procedures resulting in children's safety not been fully safeguarded. Children safely and independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has an acceptable knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the Local Area Child Protection

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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 Children are happy and settled with good levels of self confidence. They relate well to the childminder and to each other. They have a sense of belonging and make themselves at home. The children have good opportunities to socialise with other children in organised group activities, for example regular visits to the swimming baths and the park. Children can choose to take part in relaxing or busy activities depending on their needs and interests. Children spend their time purposefully. The childminder plans interesting activities outside the home allowing children to explore and build upon their capabilities. Children are supported by the childminder who encourages them to extend their experiences by listening and talking with them and providing activities which offer sufficient challenge and promote their well-being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy good relationships with the childminder. They develop self-esteem and confidence as they make choices and decisions. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world, for example, as they go for walks in the local community. All children are welcomed into the home and participate in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. Their needs are well met as they follow their daily routines as discussed with parents. Children’s behaviour is very good, as a result of the childminders consistent and positive behaviour management strategies. Children feel relaxed and secure in the positive atmosphere that the childminder creates. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has developed with their parents. Parents views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis through daily verbal sharing of information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease with the childminder and in the organised environment which contributes to the children being happy and settled. Space indoors and outdoors is well used to cater for all the children’s play needs. They are able to move around safely, confidently and independently. Although the childminder has completed some relevant training courses, her first aid certificate is out of date. Most of the required documentation is available although some parental consents forms, public liability insurance, the daily attendance record is not accurately recorded and the procedure to be followed in the event of a complaint are not in

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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 place. Verbal information is shared on a daily basis with parents, keeping them informed about their child’s day. Overall the provision satisfactorily meets the needs of the children cared for.

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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): • ensure that an approved first aid course is completed • develop an emergency evacuation plan to raise children's awareness of the procedure to be followed in the event of a fire • ensure documentation is available for inspection and includes an accurate record of children's daily attendance, appropriate parental consents, written complaints procedure and public liability insurance.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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