Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

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311786 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2007 Inspection date Janet Fairhurst 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 1998. She lives with her husband and their two adult sons in the Low Fell area of Gateshead. Areas of the house that continue to be used for childminding are the lounge and kitchen. Daily outings are undertaken as children have no access to the garden. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children one of whom is over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of the local Childminding Network. She takes and collects children from the local school and attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 well presented clean home, where they learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care throughout their daily routine. Consistent adult support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene, with older children actively encouraged to become more independent in their personal care, using the bathroom independently to wash their hands. The childminder ensures all children have their own towel which reduces the risk of illness and cross infection. The effective recording of emergency contacts, medication permission and accidents promotes children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities that contribute to their good health, and help them gain increasing control over their bodies. Outdoor play is a regular feature of their care, as they walk to the local shops and school, enjoy trips to the Angel of the North and local art galleries. Children also have good supervised access to a range of large equipment inside the church hall and good opportunities to play football and hop scotch. These experiences boost fitness levels, and help teach children that exercise is fun.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a balanced and healthy diet which includes fresh fruit, snacks and drinks each day, the childminder has a very good understanding of the nutritional needs of children. Sample menus are made available to parents. Parents are informed both verbally and for younger children in writing of all the meals they have enjoyed throughout the day. Children have easy and constant access to drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe when outdoors through the well thought out procedures that the childminder has in place. Babies are appropriately strapped in buggies and older children hold the buggy and use special safety harness which is attached to the childminder when out walking, they are encouraged to practice good road safety procedures. The childminder implements effective safety practices on outings, such as carrying a mobile phone, contact details and the use of fluorescent wrist bands which holds relevant contact numbers, helping to keep children safe. The childminder discusses emergency evacuations with the children and practices and record these on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises is very well organised so the children have space to play freely and safely, with even the youngest being able to access a broad range of high quality toys and activities independently. The good use of natural resources, such as the treasure basket ensures very young children are well stimulated. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe, stimulating and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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 very well protected by the childminder who is confident and secure in her knowledge of child protection policies and procedures. She has recently attended a safeguarding children workshop to ensure her knowledge is up to date. This ensures that children's welfare is protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder plans and provides a broad range of stimulating and interesting activities, both in and out of the home, which she adapts well to suit the age range of the children attending. Activities are purposeful, and promote learning and development well. For example, they visit Saltwell park and the Laing art gallery, and enjoy a range of creative activities including painting and gluing. The childminder has recently attended a workshop on the 'Birth to three matters' framework, and is beginning to incorporate this into her planning for activities. The childminder is very enthusiastic and fully involved with the children's activities. Children have good opportunities to socialise with others, through visits to a local toddler group and library.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Interaction between the children and childminder is very good. The children learn that they are valued through the constant praise and encouragement she gives them, and as a result the children are secure, happy and settled. This close, caring relationship increases children's sense of trust and helps their developing sense of self.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from familiar routines which helps them feel secure. They are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder and the varied activities. Photographs taken demonstrate the wide range of activities which helps to promotes children's development and learning both within the home and the community. The nurturing environment and the childminder's sensitive, caring nature helps children feel totally secure in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are becoming independent as they are encouraged and supported very well to make their own decisions and develop preferences, for example, as they choose what activity they wish to participate in. Children's individual needs are well addressed as the childminder is well informed about each child and consequently able to provide them with the appropriate care and activities. The childminder has a very positive attitude to caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and effectively ensuring clear rules and boundaries are in place. The childminder makes very good use of praise and encouragement to help children develop their self-confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed well. Prospective parents have access to very informative policies and procedures which tells them about the setting. Information regarding the complaints procedure is displayed for parents on the kitchen notice board, though it does not include details of Ofsted's new address. Current parents are kept very well informed of their child's progress and details of their physical care on a daily basis, through verbal

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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 feedback and the use of a diary. They are consulted about all aspects of the care provided, and the childminder incorporates any requests into her service whenever possible. Parents have very positive views about the childminder and the excellent service she provides. They value her dedication and commitment to the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for and feel at home, in a well organised environment that keeps them safe and secure. Toys and resources are organised effectively, enabling all children to access them independently, allowing them to make free choices about their play and learning. Documentation is well organised, with children's individual files in place, records up to date, and effective written policies and procedures in place. The childminder's registration certificate is prominently displayed in the kitchen. All adults living in the house have undergone the relevant checks to ensure their suitability to be in close proximity of children.

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Organisation

Children benefit immensely from the childminder's active involvement with the local childminder network and drop-in group. Committed to ongoing personal development, the childminder has recently attended a number of relevant short courses including, safeguarding children and Birth to three matters. Regular monitoring and self evaluation ensures the childminder is constantly reviewing her practice, ensuring she provides the best opportunities for the children in her care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection it was recommended that the childminder include dressing up clothes to enable children to further develop their imagination. The childminder now provides children with a range of dressing up clothes which extends and enhances their imagination. Finger puppets and pretend play resources further enhances children's imaginary play.

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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 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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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 parents are provided with Ofsted's new address as part of the complaints procedure.

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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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