Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298027 Inspection date 09 May 2005 Inspector Josephine Ann Northend

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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 lives with her husband and their two children aged 4 and 6 years in a bungalow in New Marske, close to shops, park, woods and a picnic area. All areas of the home are used for childminding purposes with the exception of the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor activities. The childminder has been registered since November 2004 to care for four children under eight years. There are currently three children on roll, one who attends full time and two after school.

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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 family have a pet rabbit that lives outdoors. The Childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to enable them to improve their physical skills. They walk to and from school each day, enjoy regular use of the garden with the use of bikes and scooters and visit local parks and woods regularly. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. Children learn the importance of good hygiene practices through well planned daily routines. The childminder supports and guides the children well, helping them to gain understanding of hygiene while increasing their personal independence. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They receive regular drinks throughout the day. The childminder provides nutritious meals and snacks that children enjoy and that

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Helping children to be healthy

meet their individual dietary requirements ensuring they remain healthy.

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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 home environment where the childminder minimises all risks which helps children move around freely, safely and independently. The childminder helps children gain awareness of safety both indoor and outdoors by talking and explaining to them and through setting a good example. Children use good quality, age appropriate toys and equipment that are easily accessible, allowing children to make choices. Resources are well organised to ensure children's choices are safe and appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children are well protected, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, food hygiene certificate and has a good understanding of child protection procedures. All the required procedures and documents are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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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 Children are happy and well settled in the childminders care. The strong bonds evident between the children and the childminder contribute to the children's sense of belonging. Clear routines are in place, consistent with home promoting children's security. Children's self esteem is promoted due to the praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder. The childminder has a secure understanding of the children's developmental stages and the range of experiences required to enable them to develop. Children enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences that are well planned and take into account their interests. The childminder is interested in what the children do and say, she is actively involved in their play and the children are interested and enjoy their activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has completed training on the Birth to Three Matters framework and is keen to further develop her practice and the children's experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of well planned activities that promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity, though resources reflecting special needs are not available. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are met well. Children are made to feel welcome in the setting and demonstrate a good sense of belonging. Children are well behaved due to the positive behaviour management strategies used by the childminder. The effective use of praise and encouragement ensures children feel happy and confident. The childminder has realistic expectations of the children contributing to their sense of self worth and achievement. Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder has developed with their parents. Through clear settling in procedures, seeking of parents views and ensuring they are fully informed children are well settled and cared for.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The well organised, friendly environment created by the childminder ensures children feel relaxed and at home. They receive individual attention and are supported well within stimulating surroundings. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared well with parents to keep them informed of the service offered and their child's progress. The childminder keeps her own knowledge up to date through attending relevant training opportunities as they arise. This contributes and enhances the care provided to the children. The provision meets the needs of the range of children cared for.

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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

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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 resources promoting diversity particularly special needs.

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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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