Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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507060 Unique Reference Number 07 March 2007 Inspection date Sharon, Amelia Robson 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 1997. She lives with her husband in a residential area of Ashington, Northumberland. The property is within walking distance to local schools, shops, park and the library. Children have access to the lounge, kitchen and ground floor bathroom, there is a fully enclosed rear yard available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, she has three children on roll at present.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and well-being are promoted through very good daily routines that help them understand about being healthy. Children are made aware of good personal hygiene through

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 positive role modelling by the childminder. She enthusiastically and actively encourages children to wash hands before meals, after toileting and playing outdoors. The comprehensive written policy and discussion with parents regarding the admission of sick children helps to minimise the risk of cross infection, which therefore safeguards children's health. Accident and medication recording systems are in place and the childminder is clear on how to maintain these. She has completed a relevant first aid course and has a suitable first aid box, which is also taken on all outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. They have regular access to drinks throughout the day, which takes into account likes, dislikes and parental wishes. Children benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge on healthy eating and also have regular opportunities to participate in cookery sessions. They are able to choose recipes, buy the ingredients and make various meals and snacks, including biscuits and pizzas.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children explore, test and develop control in stimulating indoor and outdoor experiences. The childminder's good understanding of each child's stage of development and interests means children are confident to try out new skills and ask for help when needed. Children take part in a wide range of activities that further contribute to their good health, for example walks in the local community and visits to the park. They have good opportunities to develop their physical skills, such as jumping, throwing and catching balls through visits to the soft play centre and from using the high quality equipment in the rear yard. Children are given lots of positive encouragement from the childminder to enjoy the outdoor environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment. The is well organised and maintained, so children can explore and select resources safely. A good range of safety equipment is available and in use, taking into account the age of the children being cared for. Safety procedures are in place including one for the safe evacuation of the home. The childminder ensures that all areas accessed by the children are safe, through daily visual risk assessments. The childminder discusses road safety with the children whilst walking from school and uses wrist bands with contact details for outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a variety of equipment that is appropriate to their age and stage of development. It is regularly monitored to ensure it is safe and well maintained. Toys and resources are replaced, updated and added to on a regular basis. Toys and equipment are situated in easily accessible areas of the home, therefore, promoting children's freedom of choice and their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has written policies and procedures in place to promote the care and well-being of children in her care. She understands about keeping children safe through her understanding of child protection procedures.

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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. Children have a very warm and caring relationship with the childminder who treats them with extreme kindness and affection. They are confident, happy and settled in her care. She interacts well with them, giving lots of attention, encouragement and motivation to play and enjoy activities. Children enjoy an extensive range of stimulating toys and activities in a calm and friendly environment. They develop their understanding of shapes and colours in age appropriate, educational and fun ways. Children are able to select toys and activities from the extremely well resourced play areas. They use lots of different art and craft materials in many ways to make interesting pictures and models, and regularly participate in cookery sessions. The childminder regularly sings with the children and they have access to a wide range of musical instruments. A younger child had great fun exploring the noises he can make with a recorder,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with lots of encouragement from the childminder. She values children and has a very good understanding of how they learn and develop. This is evident in the way the play areas and resources are organised and in the care children receive. She has sound knowledge of each child she cares for and knows all their interests and abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards equality and respecting individual needs. Children have opportunities to learn about their own community and the wider world through a range of resources, which contain positive images of diversity. However, the range of resources related to disability are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved, they learn about sharing and valuing others. The childminder gently and sensitively supports, praises and encourages children in their daily routines and activities, which helps children develop self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging. The childminder encourages children to share their opinions and make decisions. Older children were given the opportunity to write house rules, including what is acceptable behaviour. Children respond well to guidance from the childminder and the range of strategies she has in place for dealing with behaviour, including distraction and explanation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed well. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress and details of their care on a daily basis. They are informed and consulted about all aspects of the care provided. The childminder provides parents with both written and verbal information about the service she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the good organisation and the effective health and safety measures taken. They have access to a wide range of resources and stimulating activities, which meet children's individual needs. Children benefit from an experienced childminder who has

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 regard for the well-being of all the children in her care. The adult to child ratio positively supports children's care, learning and play.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place and regularly reviewed, which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. The recording systems in place are well organised, confidentially maintained and are supplemented by relevant parental consents. The childminder has written policies and procedures in place and makes these available to parents. 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 an action was raised regarding the childminder's out of date first aid qualification. She has now completed an appropriate first aid course and has a valid certificate.

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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 can be seen 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 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): • improve the range of resources that promote a positive image of disability.

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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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