Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

507077 Unique Reference Number 20 March 2007 Inspection date Anthea Errington Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered childminder since 1999 and is registered to care for a maximum of six children. There are currently four children on roll. She minds from her home in Amble which she shares with her husband and three grown up children. The home is close to local schools and amenities.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The areas used for minding purposes include the lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathroom located on the ground floor, a bathroom on the first floor is also available for use. The front and back gardens are used for outdoor activities.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where the childminder is fully committed to providing good hygiene. For example, children are discouraged from handling the dogs toys and know when to wash their hands. Children's health is well promoted through an effective range of policies and procedures being in place. This is further supported as the childminder has a valid first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid kit. Most required documentation is in place, however, accident records are not always signed by parents.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through guidance from the childminder. The childminder gently guides the children supporting them to wash their hands correctly. For example, she encourages them to use soap and explains to them that this will 'wash the germs away' which helps to develop their understanding and further protects their health.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

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, beach and harbour further contributes to children's good health.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a valid Basic Food Hygiene qualification therefore children's dietary needs are well met. She has a good understanding of the dietary needs of children and provides healthy and balanced snacks and meals. Children independently access their drinks throughout the day.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the warm, clean and welcoming home and move freely around in the well organised, comfortable and stimulating environment. Potential risks to the minded children have been assessed and precautions have been put in place. For example, electrical sockets are covered and safety locks are fitted on all kitchen units. The premises are kept secure whilst minded children are present to prevent children leaving unsupervised.

p.3

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 with regular cleaning. Children confidently make choices and happily play with the wide range of age appropriate equipment and toys.

p.3

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. For example, children are gently reminded not to climb on chairs as they pretend to wash windows, they are encouraged to continue their play at a lower and safer level.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children 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

p.3

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 wrist straps for younger children. The childminder is well aware of her procedures to follow if a child became lost in her care and appropriate contact numbers are held. A written statement is included within the childminders documents informing of the procedures to follow if a child was uncollected. Fire safety is effectively undertaken, with the childminder fully understanding the risks as she has devised a safe evacuation plan .

p.3

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 and the required contact numbers are available. There is a detailed policy in place, which is clear, relevant and available to parents.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are motivated, enthusiastic and happy in their play through the childminder providing a good standard of care. They receive purposeful attention which helps to develop their confidence and feelings of self worth, ensuring they feel good about themselves and their abilities. Children are respected and valued as individuals, their needs and preferences are thoughtfully incorporated into the planning and organisation of the daily routine.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A wide range of stimulating and appropriate activities are well organised, which provides the children with good levels of challenge appropriate to their ages and stages of development. Children enjoy making 'animal masks' for their own production of the 'lion king'. Children's communication skills are supported through the childminder's use of stimulating language and positive attitude, prompting children to communicate with confidence. Their self esteem is enhanced further through the childminder providing them with meaningful praise as they help to tidy up after themselves. Children are given the time and encouragement to respond and express themselves. For example, they are encouraged to make decisions of their own and make confident choices in their play. Their knowledge and understanding is continually supported and extended by the skill and expertise of the childminder.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's social skills are developed through interaction with one another and opportunities to visit community resources and friends.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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, beach and harbour.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder displayed a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of caring for children with additional needs who are valued as individuals.

p.4

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'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 good behaviour and self esteem. A behaviour management statement is in place and shared with parents to keep them fully informed of the childminders procedures.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children fully benefit from the positive relationships that have been developed and maintained between the childminder and their parents. This ensures that their needs are sufficiently met and parents' wishes reflected in the care provided. Most documentation is completed fully and regularly updated to keep the child's records and contracts accurate.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has good understanding and experience of caring for children. She intends to further increase her knowledge in relation to childcare by attending 'Behaviour Management' and 'Birth to Three' awareness training.

p.5

Organisation

Children feel at home and at ease with the childminder who balances her time effectively to meet the children's needs. The space within the home is sufficiently organised to accommodate minded children and the provision of a range of age appropriate activities.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder is aware of the need to maintain, display and keep documentation. Documentation is well organised, easily accessible and confidentially stored. She has effective and clear documentation in place that is discussed and shared with parents, to keep them informed including a complaints procedure. The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of Ofsted's expectations of her, for example, her responsibility to inform Ofsted of any significant changes or events.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were given to the childminder to increase her knowledge of safeguarding children procedures, ensure the record of attendance was fully completed, increase the range of multi cultural resources and improve fire safety precautions.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder fully understands her role to safeguard children and has documents to support her, records of attendance now include actual times of attendance. The childminder has increased the range of multicultural resources and now regularly visits the library to access books. A smoke alarm has been installed on the premises to improve Fire safety.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 accident records are fully completed.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6