Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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506984 Unique Reference Number 05 November 2007 Inspection date Ann Marie Lefevre 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 satisfactory. 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 1994. She is approved to mind a maximum of six children at a time. There are currently eight children attending; all on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The household consists of the childminder and her parents. Their home is an terraced house which is located in a small rural village close to the railway station and local school. It is a short drive to the nearest town of Alnwick. Minded children have access to the living room, kitchen and bathroom on the ground. A designated bedroom is available on the first floor; two other bedrooms are not used for minding purposes. The garden is not accessible to minded children and they are taken to local parks for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children are taken to local resources on a regular basis. The childminder 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 satisfactory. Children benefit from being in premises which are clean and comfortable. They develop their understanding of health and hygiene in their daily routines and activities as well as from the positive example set by the childminder. Children are encouraged to take responsibility as they gain age appropriate awareness of why it is important to wash their hands before handling food, after going to the toilet and after messy play. There is liquid soap and clean towels for the children to help minimise cross infection. In addition, children are encouraged to help keep their play space tidy after activities in accordance with their ages and stages of development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected as the childminder ensures that their health needs are met. Their health requirements are highlighted in the appropriately organised records and in relevant information provided by parents. Accident and medication recording systems are in place and generally well recorded, although not all written medication consents are signed by parents. The childminder has recently completed first aid training and is waiting for the certificate to arrive; she agreed to send a copy to Ofsted. The childminder has also completed a food hygiene course. There is an appropriately stocked first aid kit in place which is replenished as required and this kit is taken in the car for outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit as the childminder is aware of what constitutes healthy eating. Children enjoy a variety of fresh fruit provided by the childminder at snack time. Main meals, bottles and first feeds are provided by the parents and carers of the children attending. Children are encouraged to have regular drinks of water or milk. They also have opportunities to see how food arrives on the table as they go the shops to buy ingredients to make items such as buns to ice and eat in the setting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical and emotional well-being in a wide range of exciting indoor and outdoor activities. They are able to gain lots of exercise and fresh air from supervised outdoor play where they can expend energy as well as having fun. Children may go to soft play, visit a local beach, attend a singing and movement class or go to a park. They may feed ducks, see horses and chat about the things they see. Children also have many opportunities to socialise with other children and adults as they visit children’s activity settings or meet up with other childminders and minded children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children gain independence as they use the designated childcare areas with close age-appropriate supervision and support from the childminder. The premises are welcoming and generally organised for children to use safely. The childminder actively encourages children to be aware of hazards, both in and outside the home, in daily routines and in activities. Care is also taken when children are out of the home environment in the community, for example, they are helped to understand about road safety and being careful when near traffic.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes steps to ensure the premises are safe and secure. Various safety measures have been taken, for example, hazardous materials are kept out of child reach, a safety gate is in place to the bottom of the stairs and a fire guard is securely fitted to the fire place. The fire blanket is located on the kitchen wall for ease of use and there is a fire safety policy in place.

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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 However, a large clock in the living room has a glass pane which cannot be confirmed as safety glass, the bathroom door bolt is within child reach and the entrance door is not always secured.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a variety of good quality equipment and toys so they can play in safety. They respond well to guidance about the safe use of these resources. Children are protected as the childminder ensures that the toys, equipment and furniture are in a sound and clean condition by checking items regularly. She ensures that the play resources are appropriate for the age and stage of development of each child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is promoted by the childminder having documentation in place in relation to safety. Current public liability insurance has been obtained. A child protection policy is in place and the childminder has completed child protection training. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures, what signs to be aware of, who to contact and what to record if she has concerns in the future. Therefore, children are protected in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thrive and progress well as they have many opportunities to enjoy a wide range of stimulating and exciting activities and projects. They learn effectively and develop their knowledge and skills in lots of fun and imaginative ways. There is a good balance of resources in the setting so that children may play individually as well as participate in group activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use lots of different art and craft materials to create pictures or make play dough models. They learn about colour, shape and numbers in there daily play. They also gain practical life experience as they join in simple cookery activities. Children enjoy looking at story books with the childminder, play games of pretend, such as feeding dolls, focus on interactive toys as they press buttons and match shapes or join in playing musical instruments. They attend music and movement classes, visit the library and other child activity settings. Children also learn about growing things as they plant seeds, tend and water growing plants. Toddlers are well supported as they practice their early walking skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is very calm, warm and affectionate as she works with the children. She clearly values them and has a good understanding of how they learn and develop. She is skilled at using a range of methods to promote and reinforce learning, for example, as she chats with them and gives guidance to help children extend their learning and awareness. The childminder helps children to develop their vocabulary skills by using simple and clear language. There is a sound knowledge of each child, and the wishes of parents, to ensure there is consistency and continuity for children to progress and learn effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop their awareness of equal opportunities and respecting individual needs from the childminder's positive attitude and good example. There are many ways for children to develop a greater understanding of their local community. Children participate in activities relating to familiar celebrations, such as Easter when they decorate eggs and make baskets with chicks in. They make Christmas calendars, cards and decorations. They are also developing their understanding of the wider world and other cultures. Children have experienced the Chinese New Year as they made dragons and tasted different food. The childminder has a range of resources that reflect differing cultures and backgrounds.

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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 Children are encouraged to be polite and well behaved. They learn about sharing and valuing others from the good role model provided by the childminder. She gently and sensitively supports and encourages them in daily routines and activities which helps children to develop their self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging. Children respond well to guidance from the childminder and they participate fully during each session.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are fully involved in planning for the care of their children and the exchange of information necessary for their child's positive development. The childminder keeps them up to date in relation to daily activities and events as well as health and safety issues. There is a well organised and detailed information file with policies and other useful contents, however, the file also contains contracts and child details which could compromise confidentiality when the file is shown to parents. In addition, children share their experiences with parents as they may take art and craft work home to show what they have achieved, for example, Christmas and Easter cards.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder’s caring, calm and focussed approach in her contact with children. This is reflected in the way she has organised child care areas in her home, in many of the health and safety measures taken and in the range of exciting activities provided.

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Organisation

Clearly defined, daily routines enable children to settle well and feel secure in the setting. The recording systems are generally well maintained and are supplemented by written policies in relation to health and safety. The register of child attendance is kept at the end of each day. There is useful information, including training certificates, public liability insurance documentation and the policies in place.

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Organisation

The childminder has a positive approach to developing her existing knowledge, skills and childcare awareness as she has completed relevant training in relation to the health, welfare and care of children. She has also completed the Quality First Award. There are strategies in place for participating in further training.

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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

There was one recommendation raised at the last inspection in relation to developing written policies to inform parents and carers. A written behaviour policy has now been added to the written policies in the information file for parents and carers which gives them a greater understanding of the service provided for their children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 a complaint was received in relation to National Standards 6 - Safety. A childcare inspector visited the provision. A action was raised and satisfactorily met by the registered provider. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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 satisfactory. 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 the glass fronted large clock is made safe • ensure that the bathroom bolt is made safe or inaccessible • ensure that the entrance door is secured so that children do not leave the premises without supervision

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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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