Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333770 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2006 Inspection date Jacqueline West 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 2006. She lives with her husband in a house in Hebburn, South Tyneside. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside 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 and is currently minding two children under five all day and two child over five before and after school. There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has no pets.

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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. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how children’s health is promoted. She describes how she encourages the children to develop their personal hygiene skills as part of the daily routine, such as washing their hands after messy play and before meals. The childminder has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. She has not, however, obtained clear written permission from all the parents to seek any necessary emergency advice or treatment; this has a negative impact on children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder recognises the importance of regular physical exercise to promote children's health and well-being. Visits to the local park, playgroup and daily access to the rear garden are planned to encourage children to test and develop their physical skills. From discussion, the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to children being appropriately nourished through a healthy diet with a variety of fresh foods. The childminder ensures children are provided with regular drinks to enhance their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Satisfactory procedures are followed by the childminder to ensure individual children are cared for appropriately should they become ill, such as through regular discussions with the parents. This reduces the risk of cross infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussions with the childminder and observations, evidence suggests that children access a clean, welcoming environment. The childminder has taken appropriate action to ensure risks in her home are minimised, allowing children to play safely. For example, she checks all areas prior to the children arriving. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of how she promotes children's safety and raises their awareness when on outings. For example, she helps children learn how to cross the road safely, ensuring they hold hands and stay close beside her.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are clean and in satisfactory condition. A suitable range of resources are available to develop children's learning; they are arranged to provide some opportunity for children to self-select. The outdoor area is well resourced with a large play house, bicycles, play garage and kitchen. The childminder explains that these are maintained through regular cleaning and throwing away any damaged or broken resources. This ensures children can play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder verbally demonstrates a reasonable understanding of child protection procedures. However, she does not have a copy of the child protection guidance, which has a negative impact on 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 satisfactory. Evidence suggests that children are settled and move confidently around the setting. The childminder talks about how she encourages interaction with other children; she attends the local playgroups, which enables the children to develop meaningful relationships. The routine is flexible and incorporates child-led and adult-led activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Through discussion, it is evident that the childminder provides activities and outings that contribute to the children's overall development. The childminder knows the children well and is aware of their likes, dislikes and interests. She encourages the younger children's speech and language by setting time to look through books and read stories. The childminder explains that the children can choose their own activities. The childminder describes how she involves herself with children's play when playing board games. The childminder explains that the children enjoy physical activities. She ensures that they have access to the outdoor area and local park, which means they have regular opportunity to run, jump and develop their gross motor skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Discussion with the childminder suggests that children are valued and respected as individuals. She organises the daily routine so that it takes into account children's individual needs. Children are provided with regular opportunities to learn about the local community through frequent visits to places of interest. They access a reasonable range of equipment to develop their awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of behaviour management. She is consistent when helping the children to become aware of the rules and boundaries and begin to understand right from wrong. She helps the children to develop an understanding of others as she regularly takes them to playgroup settings where they are encouraged to share and take turns. The childminder explains how she helps develop children's self-esteem and confidence. For example, she values the children's art work, offering animated praise and delight in their efforts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder talks about how she develops positive partnerships with the parents. She provides daily support in addition to regular discussions to inform parents about the provision and the activities the children have participated in. The complaints procedure is discussed, however, parents are not provided with all the appropriate contact details.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Evidence suggests the childminder is generally well organised. The majority of the record keeping systems are in place and available for inspection. All documentation is stored in a file; this ensures confidentially. The childminder has developed systems for sharing information with parents on a daily basis. She shows she supports children's individual needs by incorporating

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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 a flexible routine. Children are kept safe and their welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's satisfactory understanding of the National Standards and supporting guidance.

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Organisation

Evidence from discussion and observation suggests that children are cared for in a welcoming environment that is appropriately resourced and generally well organised. Some of the equipment is stored to enable children the opportunity to self-select. Discussions with the childminder indicate that children feel at home and at ease in the setting.

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Organisation

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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration 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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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): • obtain written permission from all parents to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. • ensure parents are provided with Ofsted's details should they wish to make a complaint • obtain a copy of the Government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused'

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The quality and standards of the care

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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