Large, Andrea Susan

Large, Andrea Susan Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY252649 Unique Reference Number 20 March 2007 Inspection date Janet Fairhurst 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 since 2003. She lives with her partner and two children aged six and 10 years. They live on a private residential estate in the Whitley Bay area of North Tyneside. The property is within walking distance of local amenities and public transport systems. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, along with the two children's bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. There is a fully enclosed safe garden available for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a BTEC National Diploma in Nursery Nursing and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for six children under eight years and one over eight years on a part time basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well presented, clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are confident and aware of appropriate routines when

p.2

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 using the bathroom. The written sickness policy is shared with parents ensuring that they are aware of the childminder's expectations. Relevant records are in place for accidents and the administration of medication to protect children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate which ensures the treatment of injuries is carried out appropriately.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from physical activities which help them to learn control of their bodies. They have daily trips out in the fresh air as they are dropped off and picked up from school. Good access to the local parks and the good use of the garden means that children are able to participate in a range of outdoor activities on a daily basis.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

In the main, meals are provided by the parents and stored appropriately by the childminder. The childminder has a good awareness of special dietary requirements through consultation with parents. She regularly discusses the benefits of healthy food with the children and occasionally cooks with the children; further developing their awareness of healthy foods. 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.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around freely within the home, protected by the appropriate safety measures in place. The garden is safe and secure for children. Children are kept safe on outings through the good procedures the childminder has in place. The childminder is aware of fire safety and has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation which is practised with the children. Through the childminder's explanation and effective routines, the children are learning how to keep themselves safe outdoors. For example, using the pelican crossing when crossing the road.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a well organised, secure environment. It is made welcoming with an extensive range of resources available. Children independently make their own selections from them, which supports enjoyable activities that stimulate and challenge in ways appropriate to their age and ability. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by the childminder who is very confident and secure in her knowledge of child protection policies and procedures. She has developed a written policy to share with parents, ensuring they are aware of the procedures she would follow. Recent training has been undertaken in child protection, which ensures the childminder is aware of what to look for and who to contact if issues arise.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a calm, confident manner when caring for children. This results in children being content and settled. She uses good procedures to find out about what they can do through a staged introduction to herself and her home. The childminder plans ahead possible activities for the children, which are flexible, dependent on what they would like to do. Activities are purposeful, and promote learning and development well. For example, they visit Tynemouth park and story time at the local library, and enjoy a range of creative activities including painting and gluing. The childminder has recently attended a workshop on the 'Birth to three matters'

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are valued by the childminder. They 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. They are encouraged to understand right from wrong through a very sensitive approach appropriate to their age. There are clear boundaries that all ages understand. They receive a lot of positive praise and encouragement for their efforts which helps to develop their self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities to promote a positive view of the wider world. This increases children's understanding of others. They learn about the local community as they have regular walks in the environment. They use relevant resources within the home, such as play figures, puzzles and books. Children show a sense of belonging in the setting, settling well and making choices about what they do. They are included in a wide variety of experiences, encouraging a sense of achievement and enjoyment. A good relationship is developed between the childminder and children. Ground rules have been developed with the children which raises their awareness. Good behaviour is encouraged through praise with the result that children learn to manage their own behaviour. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of equal opportunity and special educational needs issues.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

A very good relationship has been established between the childminder, parents and carers. Written policies and procedures have been developed and are shared with parents. However, the Ofsted information poster is not made available to parents. Children are settled in over a period of time, ensuring that they settle really well. Time is taken prior to admission to ensure that each child's needs, interests and abilities are identified. This enables the childminder to plan effectively and provide appropriate care and activities. Information on the child's development is shared daily between the parent and childminder.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is significantly enhanced by good organisation. The childminder plans ahead possible activities which are flexible based on the children's needs. Good daily routines allow children to experience a range of exciting activities in the home and wider community. Regular access to the outdoors develops their understanding of a healthy lifestyle. They feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning as well as being well supported by the childminder.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder is committed to the continuous development of her childminding practice to provide a good quality service. She keeps abreast of current issues in childcare by accessing training which ensures she is well informed and up to date with new developments. Written policies and procedures are individual to the setting and are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. All relevant records and consents are in place in line with the National Standards.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding in respect of allegations made against her or others; develop resources in respect of equality and disability and obtain permission from parents prior to administering medication to children. The childminder has made good progress with regard to child protection procedures. This has been achieved through training and relevant reading material which further safeguard children's welfare. Ample good quality resources have been purchased and used well to promote positive attitudes and raise awareness of disability and equality. The childminder has good systems in place to record parental consent and administration of all medicines given to children.

p.5

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.

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

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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): • make available the Ofsted information poster for parents.

p.5

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.5

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.5