Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293625 Inspection date 09 May 2005 Inspector Sandra Davies

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 September 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 11 years. They live in a house in an established residential area in Loftus, East Cleveland, close to local shops and schools. Most of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a lounge, conservatory, and dining area of the kitchen available. The toilet is located at first floor level. There is a garden available for supervised outdoor play. The family do not have any pets.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered for five children at any one time and is currently minding six children. One attends full time and the others attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Regular visits to local parks and playgrounds contribute to children's good health. The apparatus, including slides and swings, help them to develop physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, protecting and promoting their health. Children are encouraged to help to clean up, for example children wipe the table after a baking activity. Hand washing is given high importance and reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet through the childminder's good practices. The childminder has borrowed a children's book from the library on 'Eating Well'. Children are regularly offered fruit for their snack. Older children are able to ask for a drink and younger children always have a drink

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Helping children to be healthy

available. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, child orientated environment where risks are identified and minimised. They are able to move safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. Children are able to select independently from a range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder monitors children's choice to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Positive steps are taken to promote safety indoors and outdoors, ensuring that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has reasonable understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Well organised activities help children progress effectively in all areas of development. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They are confident and

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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 make themselves at home. Children relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular visits to other childminders and the park. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys and resources which appeal to them. Activities are well balanced with both adult led and child initiated activities. The childminder is kind and affectionate to the children and encourages and praises them. She is interested in what they do and say and asks questions which make the children think. The childminder is beginning to use the Birth to three matters framework to adapt activities to promote younger children's learning. Children spend their time purposefully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources, including jigsaws and books, to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's understanding of others. Children learn about their local community through visits to other childminders, the library and the local park. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are well met by the childminder. Realistic boundaries are set and good behaviour is praised, encouraging children to behave well. Good manners are encouraged and children respond well to requests such as helping to tidy up. The childminder works well in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children. Information is shared on a daily basis when the child is collected, contributing to the health and welfare of the child.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment. They are confident and able to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Most of the required records are kept and verbal information is shared with parents to keep them informed about the service and their child's progress. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • develop arrangements further for keeping parents well informed and ensure the required written consents are in place.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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