Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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403038 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2008 Inspection date Anthea Errington 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 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 childminding since 1995. She is registered for five children and currently has seven children on roll. She minds from her home situated in Morpeth which she shares with her husband and three school aged children. Areas of the home used for minding includes the living room, dining area and kitchen located on the ground floor. An upstairs bathroom is available for children's use and an enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming family home where they begin to learn about the importance of good hygiene throughout their daily routines. Consistent support and guidance encourages the children to become increasingly independent in their care, for example, washing their hands following the use of the bathroom. Relevant records are in place for recording accidents and medication, and a clear written sick child policy ensures that children are not placed at risk of infection and illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

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's health is further supported as the childminder has a fully stocked first aid kit and has a valid first aid qualification for babies and young children. Required documentation is in place, including accident and medication records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to develop their bodies physically and benefit from a routine that offers exercise and rest when required. For example, children take part in regular 'music and shake sessions' giving them opportunities for exercise and enjoyment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands the importance of providing children with a healthy and balanced diet. A varied menu encourages children to begin to develop a good awareness of healthy meal options and the opportunity to try new foods.

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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 safe and secure environment where suitable procedures are place to reduce risks to children. For example, the childminder completes a risk assessment of her premises before children arrive to minimize the risk of accidental injury. The childminder maintains close supervision of the children at all times and has stair gates, smoke detectors, a fire blanket, socket covers and kitchen cupboard locks in place, which further protects children's safety. She organises play and resources effectively, for example small toys are kept out of reach of younger children to ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space is well laid out so that children are able to move around freely. They have access to a good range of resources which the childminder checks and cleans to ensure that they remain safe for the children. Children have further opportunities to learn how to keep themselves safe as they practise regular fire drills. However, these are not recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through the childminder having a good understanding of safeguarding children. There is a well written, informative policy in place and local contact numbers are held for specialist support and advice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children make good progress, have fun and are happy and settled at the childminder's home. They choose from a wide range of toys and resources. The childminder plans activities and experiences, both in and outside of the home. They go for walks to feed the ducks and children benefit from regular opportunities to socialise with other children as they attend local toddler and community groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

At home, children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their imaginative and creative development. They have great fun using their imagination and communication skills well as they share a game of 'barbecues and picnics' together. They concentrate fully as they match the puzzle pieces together with support and guidance from the childminder. The childminder uses skilful questions to encourage and develop children's learning as they play. For example, she asks the colours of the construction bricks they are using, providing praise and encouragement. This helps to develop children's confidence and self esteem. Babies needs are met well as they are also able to select and make choices from appropriate, and safe toys and resources.

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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 Caring relationships are evident between the childminder and the minded children as they cuddle up on the settee together to share a story. This further develops their sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities to promote children's positive view of the wider world. They learn about their local community as they visit local resources. They regularly visit the local parks to feed the ducks and attend various toddler groups within the community. An adequate range of resources are available for children's use to develop their understanding and knowledge of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder displays a good knowledge and understanding of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She liaises with parents and other relevant agencies to ensure that children have their needs met and progress well in their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Consistent boundaries are in place to encourage positive behaviour and this is encouraged through praise. Children interact very well with the childminder who remains calm and responsive to children's behaviour. A well written policy and procedure ensures parents are kept fully informed of strategies used.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Written policies and procedures are shared with parents prior to their child starting and the childminder gathers all relevant information to meet children's individual needs. The childminder keeps parents up-to-date of their child's day through verbal feedback on a daily basis. This ensures continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease with the childminder, who balances her time effectively to meet the children's needs. Toys and resources are organised so that children can access them independently and make choices about their play. Flexible routines ensure that children receive a balance of indoor and outdoor activities. The childminder understands the importance of allowing children to initiate their own play and make choices about their learning and development.

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Organisation

The childminder displays a positive attitude towards training and is aware that this will improve the childcare she provides. She holds an appropriate first aid qualification for babies and young children and has arranged to attend 'the professional toolkit awareness training'.

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Organisation

The childminder is aware of the need to maintain, display and keep documentation. Documentation is well organised, accessible and confidentially stored. A record of attendance is kept, however, this does not include children's full names.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was given one recommendation to obtain written consent for emergency medical care and treatment.

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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 Children's safety and well being is now fully protected as written consent for emergency medical care and treatment is obtained for each minded child.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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 children's full names are recorded in the record of attendance.

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The quality and standards of the care

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

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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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