Childminder in South Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312433 Unique Reference Number 26 March 2007 Inspection date Cathryn Parry 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 was registered in 1991. She lives with her husband and two adult daughters in the residential area of South Shields in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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 four children. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has two goldfish.

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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 good. Children enjoy regular opportunities for physical play. They are fostering a positive attitude to exercise through well planned fun experiences, such as using the trampoline and doing summersaults on the gymnastics mat. The childminder’s flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. Children have a growing awareness of healthy food options, which is fostered through positive, appropriate discussions with the childminder. She encourages children to try different vegetables using imaginative games, such as 'eating the top off the tree' as they try broccoli. They have regular drinks of diluted juice, which quenches their thirst and benefits their health. Systems are in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. This ensures individual needs are met well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning good personal hygiene through consistent routines and positive role modelling. This fosters children's emerging understanding of how to stop germs spreading and how to keep themselves well and healthy. They are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and clean their teeth afterwards. The childminder’s appropriate relationship with parents and relevant training, ensure children are cared for well when they are ill. This reduces the risk of the spread of infection. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including consent forms are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are secure with effective procedures being in place for the collection of children, ensuring they are well protected. Children are able to progress well in a safe environment using high quality resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. They are able to move freely as there is adequate space, which is clean and well maintained. This reduces the risk of accidents. The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. Those who go on outings are kept safe, as she supervises them closely and encourages good practice, such as holding hands. This is supplemented with the use of wrist bands with contact details on.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. All safety equipment is in place reducing the risk of accidents. This includes safety gates, a fire guard and electrical socket covers. Toys and equipment are clean and in good condition, which the childminder explains is maintained through regular cleaning and by throwing away any damaged or broken resources. This ensures children can play safely. Children are protected well as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She does not drive .However, very occasionally her mother transports the childminder and the children in her car. The insurance for the vehicle does not have business cover. Consequently, it is not appropriately insured. The childminder has all other required documentation in place to ensure that children’s welfare is safe guarded and promoted.

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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 provides a wide range of resources and activities, which are appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. Children are eager to share books, complete floor jigsaws and use push and pull toys. Effective use is made of the local area giving children a wealth of opportunities, including trips to the beach and park. The childminder talks to children during their everyday play, for instance, discussing the tree and aeroplanes when they go for walks. This promotes children's knowledge and understanding of the world and extends their vocabulary. Children delight in using their imagination as they make sauce in the pretend kitchen. They gain confidence when using numbers as they count out spoonfuls of ingredients when baking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older and more able children are challenged sufficiently as the childminder plans to suit their growing needs. This includes providing a range of toys and activities including a pogo stick and more difficult jigsaws and games. A variety of creative activities, including drawing, cutting and sticking promote children's self-expression whilst having fun. Sufficient effective support is given, which nurtures children’s independence. Examples of this are where children start to use the toilet independently and put their own coats on. Their self-esteem is raised as the childminder praises and encourages them, including applauding when they complete the jigsaw. Children are happy and confident. They are fully involved and interested in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled in the friendly and welcoming environment. This is encouraged as they benefit from a short induction period, including visits with their parents. Children generally play harmoniously together and show concern for each other, for instance, saying sorry and giving each other a cuddle. The childminder has limited experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. However, she shows a positive attitude to including any child, so long as she can meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive role modelling by the childminder and appropriate resources encourage children’s growing knowledge of equal opportunities. Some opportunities to celebrate different festivals are provided, including decorating eggs for Easter. Parents and carers are spoken to on a daily basis to ensure they are informed of activities that their children have been involved with. Appropriate behaviour management strategies are employed, including explaining why something is not acceptable and the use of a short time out period. This approach is discussed with parents and carers before their children start, to promote continuity of care. Consequently, children generally behave well and spontaneously show good manners, saying please, thank you and pardon.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children access a variety of play opportunities through the suitable organisation of space, time and resources. The use of the lounge, dining area and kitchen enables individual children to participate in different experiences simultaneously. The fully enclosed garden gives further opportunities for more boisterous play. The flexible routine incorporates time to visit the local parent and toddler group, which encourages children's social skills. The childminder rotates the toys on a weekly basis to encourage children's participation. The low level storage of resources promotes free choice and independence.

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Organisation

The childminder has experience of caring for children for 16 years. This has a positive impact on the quality of care provided. She and the rest of her family have been suitably vetted to ensure children are safeguarded. The childminder is aware of her current registration restrictions and adheres to them. Consequently, children's safety is promoted. All legally required documentation is in place and implemented appropriately. This positively contributes to children’s overall well-being.

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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 previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have access to resources that reflect positive images of disability. There are now some resources reflecting positive images of disability, which has a positive impact on raising children's awareness and understanding of difference.

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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 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):

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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 any vehicle used to transport children has appropriate insurance.

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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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