Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY314338 Unique Reference Number 25 October 2006 Inspection date Elaine Steedman Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged six and 10 years at their home in Killingworth in Tyne and Wear. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children aged under eight years. There are currently three children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access on the ground floor to a lounge and kitchen-diner and a bathroom on the first floor. The rear garden is used for outdoor play. The premises are within walking distance of bus routes, a toddler group, a playgroup, local schools and nurseries, a park and the library. Children take part in local walks and outings to parks, the beach, an animal centre, a nature reserve and a toddler group.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is satisfactorily protected. The childminder maintains a clean, non-smoking environment and her maintenance arrangements ensure the environment is clean and hygienic. She employs satisfactory strategies to prevent the spread of infection, for example, by observing exclusion periods for infectious diseases.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have satisfactory opportunities to learn about how to stay healthy and care for themselves. They follow the childminder's positive example and benefit from her good hygiene routines. The childminder gives children explanations about good personal hygiene habits. Children learn to wash their hands before eating or cooking and after using the toilet.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further promoted by the childminder having the appropriate first aid qualification and well organised record keeping arrangements. These enable the childminder to effectively address any individual health needs the children may have.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding about healthy diets and children's nutritional needs. She provides the children with opportunities to learn about healthy eating and drinking. Children have regular access to and are encouraged to drink water. Children are provided with a balanced, healthy diet including a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes into account children's individual needs and preferences.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further promoted by having opportunities to exercise in the fresh air. Children participate in a range of outdoor activities, for example, garden play, local walks and regular outings.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, comfortable and well maintained home. The home is satisfactorily organised for childcare. Children can move around freely and safely and are able to easily reach most of the facilities and play resources they need.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder sets out a range of toys at the children's level, within their easy reach. Children can choose with minimal adult intervention from a range of good quality, age appropriate play resources and equipment. The childminder encourages all children to play with the toys and join in activities where developmentally appropriate. The childminder's good resource maintenance procedures ensure children's toys and equipment are safe and hygienic for their use.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is generally satisfactorily promoted. The childminder has satisfactory supervision, health and safety and fire evacuation procedures and effectively uses a range of safety equipment. She has a satisfactory level of safety awareness, however, the kitchen carpet presents a trip hazard for children and a garden drain and some dangerous substances in the kitchen are accessible to them. Children are given clear explanations about how to stay safe in

p.3

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 the home, outdoors and when crossing roads and are learning about how to keep themselves safe. For example, children can explain how to cross roads safely and the possible consequences of not waiting for the road to be clear of vehicles before crossing.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is satisfactorily protected by the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have good relationships with the childminder and are well settled, happy and relaxed in her company. The childminder interacts with them in a warm, friendly manner. She joins in their activities, such as building a railway and drawing. She talks and listens to them enthusiastically about their interests and activities. The childminder understands how children learn and plans satisfactory routines, giving the children some opportunity to choose their own activities. Children have quiet periods, for example, listening to stories and they take part in daily outings. The childminder encourages children to play together and consider each other's needs.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children choose independently from a range of good quality, developmentally appropriate play resources. The childminder also offers structured activities with her support, for example, children make buns with the childminder. Children have opportunities to take part in other stimulating play and learning activities, such as role play, construction, imaginative play, musical activities and games. They take part in various outings, such as visits to the library, children's activity centres, the park, the beach and an animal centre. This variety of activities enables children to develop their imagination and practise all their developing skills.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards equal opportunities and respect for differing needs. Children have access to all play resources and equipment and are encouraged in their choices. The childminder uses the information she collects about children to address their individual needs. Children learn to respect others through discussion with the childminder. Children learn about their own community through local outings. Children have access to positive images of diversity, such as story books and small world imaginative play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and have good relationships with the childminder. The childminder discusses children's behaviour with parents to ensure that it is managed consistently. The childminder is warm and friendly towards the children and children respond likewise. The childminder treats children respectfully and acts as a role model, praising children's efforts and thanking them for their help. Children play well together, share and cooperate with each other and thereby avoid conflict.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has satisfactory arrangements for promoting children's care, such as children's gradual introductory visits with their parents. She has positive relationships with parents and welcomes them into her home. She keeps detailed records of children's information and complies

p.4

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 with parent's wishes. She communicates with parents regularly about their children, for example, she shares daily diaries with them.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. The childminder has completed the required training. Children's needs are supported by the satisfactory organisation of space, resources and routines. Children have easy access to the facilities and equipment they need.

p.5

Organisation

Satisfactory systems are in place for maintaining records and all records are up to date. Parents are kept well informed about their children, for example, the childminder gives parents a detailed verbal report when they collect their child. Satisfactory security measures are observed to protect confidentiality.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has satisfactorily addressed the issues raised at the previous inspection. The childminder has obtained the required first aid qualification. The register is up to date and accurately maintained. The unsafe blind cords have been made inaccessible to children and the hazards have been removed from the garden.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • protect children's safety further by ensuring all dangerous substances and drains are inaccessible to children and trip hazards are made safe.

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6