Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 311594 Inspection date 12 July 2005 Inspector Julie, Anne Swan

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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 was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and adult son in the Lobley Hill area of Gateshead. The whole ground floor and the first floor bathroom of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and five children over five before and after school. Four of these children are aged over eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She uses her car

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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 occasionally for outings. The childminder attends the local parent-toddler group. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care. For example, they wash their hands after using the toilet and touching the dog. The childminder's rigorous daily routines, such as restricting the dog's access to play areas, using disinfectant spray and regularly washing floors, ensure a high level of hygiene and minimise the risks of cross-contamination and infection. Children benefit from a healthy diet and are provided with 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 such as fresh fruit, that children enjoy. Children participate in a good range of daily activities inside and outside of the home to help them develop physical skills and to promote their good health. For example,

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Helping children to be healthy

older children walk to and from school and younger children play with a good variety of push and ride garden toys. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of appropriate activities and levels of support for children of different ages and abilities. She encourages children to try out new skills, and they confidently choose to rest or be active according to their needs and preferences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well protected and cared for in a child-orientated home where risks are identified successfully and addressed effectively. They are able to move about and play safely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children to understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, by teaching road safety awareness when walking to and from school. She provides younger children with a good level of adult supervision so that they are able to take appropriate risks as part of their development. Children choose and use activities independently from a comprehensive range of good quality resources. The childminder regularly checks and supervises children's choice of toys and equipment so that they remain appropriate for their age and stage of development and ability. The childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place to promote and ensure children's safety and well-being. These include written parental

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

consents, a current first aid certificate and a very good understanding of her role and responsibility concerning child protection procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the home and with each other and are familiar with the daily routine, which is based around their individual needs and interests. Younger children develop confidence to choose and use space, toys and activities. They gain independence and new skills when participating in activities which involve preparing food and drinks. Children receive appropriate, positive interaction from the childminder whose good understanding and knowledge of children's development results in their making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder plans effectively and adapts a comprehensive range of resources and activities to meet the needs and interests of all children. They enjoy and engage in stimulating and purposeful play, for example, singing and dancing, outdoor physical play, creative activities and baking. School-age children have access to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

quiet areas for homework and reading as well as being able to enjoy the company of the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides an environment in which children are valued and respected as individuals. Children are encouraged to show care and concern to others by, for example, sharing, taking turns and considering the feelings of others. The childminder understands the impact an adult has on the emotional well-being of children and makes sure that children's feelings, ideas and needs are considered and responded to with sensitivity. Good behaviour is valued and children are encouraged to think about their actions and the impact they have on others. The childminder communicates with parents every day. They share information about children's activities and progress to ensure that any concerns are dealt with 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 very well organised. She makes the best use of her time, space and resources to create an orderly and stimulating environment for children. The children are safe, settled, secure and confident within their environment. All required documentation is up-to-date and well recorded and mostly available. It is shared regularly with parents to ensure that they are fully informed about their child's achievements and progress and this contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the need of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, actions and recommendations were raised. They related to first aid training, documentation for emergency medical treatment and the documents for the childminder's car. The childminder has now successfully completed an approved first aid course and has written consent from parents for emergency medical treatment, ensuring children's well being is safeguarded. Documentation for her vehicle was not available. However, the childminder gave her assurance that all documentation relating to the safety of the car, i.e. insurance and MOT certificate are in place, ensuring children are transported safely and with protection.

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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): • ensure registration certificate is clearly displayed.

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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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