Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299728 Inspection date 25 May 2005 Inspector Elaine Marie McDonnell

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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 good. 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 January 2005 she lives in a mid terraced house in the Redcar area of Cleveland with her husband and their three children who are aged 16, 13 and 11 years. The family have a dog. The home is close to local shops and a play park. Green Gates Primary School and the local Sure Start facility are very close by. The main areas used of childminding purposes are the lounge, the kitchen for meals and painting and the enclosed front garden for outdoor play.

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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 registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She currently has four children on role aged from one to six years, all of whom are cared for on a part time basis. The childminder has a sessional crèche workers certificate, an NCFE special needs assistant certificate plus a cert of attendance of a child protection course. She also has B-Tec certificate in childhood studies (level 3) and is a member of the Redcar and Cleveland childminder network group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has implemented satisfactory routines to teach children about personal hygiene. The home is warm, clean and well maintained. Good procedures are in place for the management and prevention of illness and accidents. Children's physical development is well promoted through regular opportunities for exercise and energetic play both indoors and outdoors. For example, a ball pool is available within the lounge and children are taken on various outings within the local community. Children's health and growth are very well promoted through the excellent, varied and nutritious home cooked meals which they thoroughly enjoy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where they are happy and well settled. The childminder has a good understanding of how to keep children safe both indoors and when on outings, and possible risks have been identified and minimised to ensure safe surroundings for example, an emergency escape plan is displayed. There is a varied range of suitable and stimulating toys, books and other play materials readily available and easily accessible for children. The childminder ensures these remain safe and hygienic for children with regular checking routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities in relation to child protection and has received training in this area. She ensures that all required procedures and documentation are in place for the promotion of children's welfare.

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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 The provision is good. Children are involved in a varied and interesting range of activities, outings and play experiences that are appropriate for their age and promote overall development. The childminder has recently attended Birth to 3 matters training and is beginning to consider how to implement this in her activity planning. The childminder takes account of children's individual needs and stages of development and activities and outings for the different age groups are planned around the days that the children attend. Children's confidence and self esteem are promoted as the childminder displays examples of their work and craft activities on the notice board.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Minded children have a very good relationship with the childminder and they present as being happy and well settled with their individual needs well met. The childminder is aware of children's individual capabilities and preferences for example, she knows exactly what they like to eat and play with when at her house. Children are well behaved and the childminder acts as a good role model and manages behaviour well. She promotes children's understanding of acceptable behaviour with appropriate and timely explanations. Most documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the provision is available and up to date. However some consent forms from parents are not currently available. Detailed and comprehensive information is given to parents about the policies and procedures of the setting. The childminder works well in partnership with parent to ensure that the needs of the children are fully understood and met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a very professional attitude towards her role and is keen to improve the service she offers. She has attended additional training since she became registered for example, Intermediate Food Hygiene and Safety course which helps her to promote children's health. The care and environment is well organised to meet children's needs and the childminder uses information from parents as a basis for their individual care. Children receive good adult support and attention at all times and in particular lunch time was observed to be a relaxed, sociable and enjoyable occasion. All available documentation is comprehensive, well kept, well presented and promotes the safe and efficient management of the provision. The provision effectively meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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 good. 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 consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and for transporting children in a vehicle.

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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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