Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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506947 Unique Reference Number 23 January 2007 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 registered since 1993. She child minds from her home in Cramlington, Northumberland. She shares her home with her two grown up children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to care for a maximum of six children and there are currently five children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the ground floor lounge-diner, kitchen and utility room, a first floor bathroom and the rear garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The premises are within walking distance of local transport, a toddler group, a playgroup, local nurseries and schools, the shopping centre, a leisure centre, parks and the library. One dog is kept as a pet. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are cared for in a warm, clean environment where the childminder is fully committed to providing good hygiene. For example, toys are washed on a regular basis and children each have their own hand towel. Children's health is well promoted through an effective range of detailed policies and procedures being in place, and also through the childminder having a valid first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid kit. Most required documentation is in place, however, medication administration records do not always clearly indicate the time and dosage of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through guidance from the childminder. They are encouraged to wash hands and cover their mouths when coughing, which further protects their health. The provision of outdoor equipment and physical activities helps children to learn control of their bodies. A variety of outdoor activities, such as local walks and trips to the park and toddler groups, further contributes to children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are well met, through the childminder having a good understanding of the dietary needs of children and providing healthy and balanced snacks. Children independently access their drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is welcoming, warm and clean which children fully benefit from. Children freely move around in the well organised, comfortable and stimulating environment. Potential risks to the minded children have been assessed and most precautions have been put in place. The premises are kept secure whilst minded children are present to prevent children leaving unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The safety and suitability of toys and equipment is ensured through the childminder checking toys after each use and regular cleaning. Children confidently make choices and happily play with the wide range of age appropriate equipment and toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted through the childminder having a good understanding of child safety, both within the home environment and on outings. Children are encouraged to be aware of their behaviour, they are gently reminded of what is expected of them and offered the alternative of play when they become unsettled or distracted. They are taught road safety which is put into practice when on outings. Children are also protected on outings through the provision of appropriate equipment, such as a buggy and wrist straps for younger children. The childminder is fully aware of her procedure should a child become lost or is uncollected. Fire safety is effectively undertaken, with the childminder fully understanding the risks and she has devised a safe evacuation plan.

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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 Children are well protected through the childminder having a good understanding of safeguarding children and the required contact numbers are available. There is a detailed policy in place, which is clear, relevant and available to parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides a very good standard of care, therefore the children are motivated, enthusiastic and happy in their play. The purposeful attention they receive develops their confidence and feelings of self worth, ensuring they feel good about themselves and their abilities. Children are respected and valued as individuals, and their individual needs and preferences are thoughtfully incorporated into the planning and organisation of the daily routine.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A wide range of stimulating and appropriate activities is well organised, which provides the children with good levels of challenge appropriate to their ages and stages of development. Children's communication skills are supported through the childminder's use of stimulating language and positive attitude, prompting children to communicate with confidence. Each child is given time and encouragement to respond and express themselves. Their knowledge and understanding is continually supported and extended by the skill and expertise of the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's social skills are developed as they interact well with one another and are also given regular opportunities to interact with others at various toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder displays a positive attitude towards equality of opportunity, a written policy is in place and children have access to a broad range of multicultural toys and equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are all valued as individuals, the childminder spends quality time to get to know each child, including their interests and preferences. They learn effectively about the community they live in through visits to local facilities, such as the park, library, shops and toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder displays a good knowledge and understanding of caring for children with disabilities or special educational needs, and will liaise 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

Children's behaviour is good. Children interact very well with the childminder, who skilfully and purposefully makes use of praise and encouragement which helps to further develop children's self esteem. Their behaviour is very good. An appropriate behaviour management policy is in place and used, which ensures that children understand right from wrong and that parents are kept fully informed of the childminder's procedures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit fully from the positive relationships that have been developed and maintained with parents. This ensures that their needs are fully met and parents' wishes reflected in the

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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 care provided. Most documentation is completed fully and regularly updated to keep the child's records and contracts accurate.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder keeps her own knowledge effectively up to date by attending regular, relevant training. The knowledge gained is used to significantly enhance the care given to children.

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Organisation

The childminder is fully aware of how many children she is registered to care for. There are currently five children on roll. The space available within the home is very well organised, presenting a vibrant and interesting environment for a wide variety of activities to be very successfully provided. Children feel very at ease and confident to move around the premises freely and safely. The childminder effectively balances her time allowing a lively and stimulating programme of activities to be provided, or allowing those who wish to spend their time quietly the opportunity to do so.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are in place and effectively used to promote the care and welfare of the children. They are shared with the parents to keep them fully informed of the childminder's childcare practices. Information is maintained and retained in an organised and confidential manner.

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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 recommendations to ensure children do not have access to garden tools and rubbish, and loose cables. She was also asked to ensure written parental permission is gained for emergency medical care. Children are now safe to play in the garden, as garden rubbish and tools have been removed, cables are out of reach and there is now written parental permission for emergency medical care.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a log 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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Complaints 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): • ensure that records of medication include the time and dosage of medication • ensure that the fire blanket is installed according to manufacturer's instructions.

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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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