Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302262 Inspection date 17 November 2005 Inspector Jean Wilson

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and their four children, aged twelve, ten, and two years and baby aged six months. They live in the Blackhill area of Consett, County Durham. 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. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a carer / toddler group and takes children to

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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 local park. The family have tropical fish and a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children settle very well as the childminder organises her home to be welcoming to children. Physical play is given a high priority and activities such as indoor games, walks and visits to local parks helps young children develop and improve their skills. The childminder makes sure that they are protected from any health risks associated with pets. Children learn about good hygiene, enjoy washing their hands and do this frequently, especially after using the toilet, handling pets and before eating. The childminder has a good understanding of nutritional needs and children receive a healthy and balanced diet which includes fruit and vegetables each day, as well as new and different tastes. They are regularly offered drinking water, milk and fruit juices throughout the day. The childminder is very caring and sensitive to children's emotional needs, as a result they develop good social skills and grow in confidence as they play together. They

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Helping children to be healthy

develop a close attachment to the childminder and are fully welcomed into the family. This means that they are nurtured, secure and are curious to explore their environment. Accurate recording of accidents and medication further enhances children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe and learn to keep themselves from harm. The ground floor is appropriately arranged and organised to meet children’s needs. Furniture is arranged to enable young children to move around unhindered. They are encouraged to become independent and many play things are easily accessible, children happily and readily help themselves. The childminder monitors and supervises their choices, ensuring all toys provided are safe and age appropriate. Risks to children are minimised as the childminder takes precautions to identify most potential hazards. For example, socket protectors, fire blanket, smoke detectors are in place and all doors and the garden are secure. Toys and recourses are mostly readily accessible to the children, however, some are inappropriately stored which compromises children’s safety and independence. The childminder has a secure understanding of her role and responsibilities with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

regard to child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 good. The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of caring for babies and young children. She organises the day so all have equal experiences while in her care. Children are involved in a broad range of activities both inside and outside the home. The childminder involves herself in the children's play and learning, consequently, they feel valued and learn by doing things together. They have fun and investigate play materials with great interest. For example, they show delight in making puppets and decorating photograph frames as gifts. Children are provided with space and time to explore and a good range of appropriate toys and resources. They are very happy in comfortable surroundings. The childminder attractively displays their work on a themed wall in the play area which changes with the seasons. They show great pride in their achievements and they delight at recognising their work and photographs of themselves and the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder's older daughters. The children particularly enjoy pretend play and have a good selection of dressing up materials and resources. They progress well as the childminder is skilled at supporting their play. She promotes language development well through her constant interaction and conversation with the children. Through ongoing discussion with parents, the childminder has a good awareness of children’s individual needs. Children have a clear structure to their day which includes regular opportunities for walks, visits to the library and social contacts at toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s independence is encouraged by the childminder’s consistent support and meaningful praise. Very strong relationships between all positively contribute to the children’s sense of belonging. They develop good self respect as their ideas and opinions are valued from a young age. They develop an awareness and understanding of others through the toys they play with and outings to places of interest. The childminder carefully selects resources such as puzzles and books to promote a positive view of the wider world. Gender stereotyping is effectively discouraged by enabling all children to freely access the full range of activities and play materials provided. Children are highly valued and respected as individuals and they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. They are supported to show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously. They increase their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understanding of right and wrong as they respond to gentle reminders to treat their surroundings and each other with care. For example, the childminder is pro active in helping children become aware of the needs of others and from a young age children learn to take care not to startle or provide inappropriate toys for the baby. A very good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. Effective relationships ensure that their views, wishes and confidences are respected which is highly beneficial to the continuity of care the children receive. Parents are

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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 kept well informed of their children's activities, progress and the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care and development is enhanced by the attitude of the childminder. She is enthusiastic and committed to developing the service she provides. The children feel at ease in the child friendly environment. Ample space is available and toys are mostly within easy reach allowing them to initiate and extend their own play. Toilet facilities are on the ground floor which further supports their developing self-help skills. All required documentation is in place and used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Records are accessible, stored securely and confidentiality is maintained, however, the registration of children on the premises is not completed accurately. The childminder ensures that all persons with access to the children are suitably vetted and has an effective procedure in place for the collection of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children attending

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 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): • ensure that all toys and resources are stored safely

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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 • ensure that the system for registering children is accurately maintained.

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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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