Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY102298 Inspection date 08 August 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 registered since April 2002. At present she cares for five children, aged between seven months and eight years, on a regular basis. Overnight care is not provided. She lives with her husband. Their home is situated on a housing estate in Toft Hill, which is a semi rural village. Schools, nursery, leisure facilities and shops are accessible on foot or by car. The ground floor is used for childminding with the rear garden available for outdoor play.

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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 She is able to take and collect children from the local school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they begin to learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care, for example not to drink from one another's beakers. Procedures are in place for nappy changing and the disposal of nappies, which minimises the risk of cross infection. Children benefit from a healthy diet and have access to drinks throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents, and the routines and choices of children, in order to provide well balanced meals and healthy snacks, which children enjoy in a social setting. Children participate in a good range of daily activities inside and outside the home to help them develop a range of physical skills and promote their good health. For example, children go to the nearby park and use large push and pull toys in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The management of safety issues within the childminders home ensures that all risks are minimised. Safety equipment is appropriately used with consideration for the age and stage of the children in her care. Children have the freedom to explore in safety all the areas of the home extending to the outdoor area. Through a range of activities, children have developed an understanding of keeping themselves safe. All toys and equipment within the childminders home are well maintained. She has developed children’s understanding of how to care for toys through fun everyday activities. For example, children are encouraged to tidy activities away if areas are becoming cluttered and at the end of the day. Children’s welfare and safety is of paramount importance and to support this she has developed a range of records. She has a sound understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in their environment. They share warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and are keen to communicate with her, play games and share books. Children enjoy socialising with other children in the childminder's home and on various outings to toddlers groups and soft play. They begin to show

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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 respect for others and develop acceptable behaviour. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and how children learn. This means that children's personal, social emotional and intellectual development is well supported. She plans a range of activities geared towards the individual ages and stages of development of each child, and provides a good selection of toys and books to support learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident in their environment because the childminder strives to ensure that their individual needs are met. Children begin to develop an understanding of the wider community and develop respect for others. This is developed through play and resources which are reflective of equal opportunities issues. Children behave well and begin to understand the consequences of unacceptable behaviour. The childminder has good strategies in place for managing behaviour that are appropriate for the ages and stage of the children. The childminder communicates with parents everyday. They share information about the children's activities and regularly review arrangements to ensure that any issues are addressed immediately and effectively. This contributes to the continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised. She makes the best use of her time space and resources to create a stimulating environment for young children. Most required documentation is in place. However she should ensure that all appropriate written consents are in place. Documentation and information that support and compliment her childminding are shared with parents at the initial visit, and whilst children are in her care. This ensures that parents are kept informed about her positive approach to childminding, and about daily practice. Overall the provision meets the need of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that the childminder should improve fire safety and develop the range of toys and equipment that reflect the cultural diversity of society. The childminder now has fire safety equipment installed as required. She has a range

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Improvements 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 of equipment in place that reflects the diversity of society. This provides children with the opportunity to learn about race, culture, gender and ability issues.

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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 for outings and for seeking emergency medical treatment.

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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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