Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 313703 Inspection date 28 June 2005 Inspector Eileen Rochford

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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 a registered childminder since 1995. Her home is a mid terraced property in the village of Langley Park, approximately four miles from Durham City. Her home is situated near the centre of the village within walking distance of local amenities including school, playgroup, toddlers sessions and shops. She shares her home with her two children both aged over eight years. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is a enclosed rear yard, but she takes the children off the premises for outdoor play, walks etc.

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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 registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding eight children of whom one is over eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through a range of activities, for example they are aware that hand washing prevents the spread of germs which make you ill. This is enhanced through the positive role model the childminder provides. Children enjoy a range of physical activities on a daily basis. Children walk to and from school, whilst developing their understanding of the local environment. They access the local play park and make maximum use of the community yard opposite the childminders home. This provides space for larger team games, working together and supporting younger children. Children are provided with a healthy, balanced diet. Meals are served to children in a social setting, which encourages them to taste a variety of foods The childminder ensures that children's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The risk of accidents to children is minimised by the strong emphasis given to safety by the childminder. She ensures that all appropriate equipment is in place, well maintained and used effectively. Children are able to move freely, and safely throughout all areas of her home. She ensures all safety issues are addressed when children access community areas to expand physical development. Children discuss how to keep themselves safe within the community. Children are able to choose independently from the range of activities available. These activities are stored for easy access. All equipment is well maintained, and children are encouraged to care for these. For example they understand that they tidy away equipment at the end of the day, and respect the importance of this for other children. To ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted the childminder has a range of records and policies in place. She is aware of the child protection

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have settled well into the childminders home and are now extremely

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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 confident and happy. They have established excellent relationships with both the childminder and her family, freely seeking their support both verbally and through body language. Through the rich varied and imaginative activities she provides, children develop a wealth of skills. They choose their activity and freely seek the support of the childminder who is highly skilled at understanding when children will benefit from adult support and when they require time to explore and experiment independently. Children extend their activities into the local environment whenever possible. For example buying items at the local shop for tea, discusses likes and dislikes, and in developing an appreciation and understanding of peers. This is further developed through team games and by encouraging children to work together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take pride in their achievements, they talk about what they have completed and about the achievements of other children who attend, with the childminder offering constant praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Through the range of activities she provides the child minder encourages children to develop an understanding and awareness of the diversity of society. These are developed through fun exciting activities to supplement learning. For example children celebrate various religious festivals and the Chinese New Year. All children are valued and respected as individuals. Children's behaviour is very good. They are aware of what is expected and respect these guidelines, stating what is unacceptable and why. The childminder carries through her positive approach to equal opportunities in ensuring behaviour is managed on an individual basis with consideration for the child. She discusses behaviour management with parents. The childminder has established a good partnership with parents. Parents are aware of the childminders expectations and the care she provides for their children. This partnership working enables everyone to be kept informed which has a positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

impact on the care the children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Space within the home is well organised which results in children feeling at ease, comfortable and confident in their environment. This enables children to play and learn, developing new and consolidating previous learning. Her organisation of time provides children with the opportunity to experience activities in an appropriate setting, whilst considering the needs of other children. Children work well together as part of a group.

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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 The wide range of records enable parents to be kept informed. The childminder understands of the need for these comply the regulations and, she addresses any issues as soon as they arise She will ensure the consent is sought from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. The childminders current first aid certificate has expired, however she is in the process of arranging a further training course.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has developed her records to include written consent for outings.

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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): • obtain written consent from parents, to seek emergency medical treatment • complete an appropriate first aid course

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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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