Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

309951 Unique Reference Number 25 June 2007 Inspection date Cathryn Parry Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 13 years in the residential area of Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding. The bedroom on the first floor is used for overnight care. There is a fully enclosed yard for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and to care for one child overnight. She is currently minding six children aged under eight years. The childminder also cares for children aged over eight years. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children can participate in activities as the playroom and equipment are clean. This includes a sand pit that is protected and the sand is new each year. Children are encouraged to wash their

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 hands after using the toilet and before meals. This ensures they are learning appropriate personal hygiene practices. The childminder's dog does not pose a health risk to children as he is fully inoculated and regularly checked by the vet. The childminder has attended a first aid course and has good relationships with parents and carers with regard to them collecting their child should they become ill. This has a positive impact on reducing the spread of infection. Children's well-being is safeguarded as the childminder has ensured all relevant documentation with regard to health is in place and up to date.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children access regular opportunities for physical play, including using sit and ride toys in the back yard and at the local parent and toddler group. They explore, test and develop physical control, for instance, when doing gymnastics. The childminder’s flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. Parents and carers complete a registration form for their children, which include any specific dietary requirements. This enables the childminder to provide suitable meals and snacks. She also gives parents and carers the option to bring food for their children if they wish. Consequently, this has a positive impact on meeting individual needs. As well as freshly cooked meals being provided, children are also offered fruit and water at snack times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are made welcoming and friendly to children, parents and carers. Information for adults is displayed on the wall in the hall. Consequently, they can easily see the certificate of registration, insurance document and some policies. The playroom has been recently decorated and furnished with new storage units for children to access. The original glass door in that room has been replaced to incorporate safety glass, which has a positive impact on children's safety. They also benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. The building is secure with effective procedures being in place for the collection of children. This ensures they are well protected. Children are able to explore safely using clean and well-maintained resources. These are bought from reputable suppliers and are suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children attending.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks inside and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. She explains how she helps children to learn about their own safety. Examples of this are where she shares books about fire and road safety, as well as the danger of talking to strangers. All safety equipment is in place reducing the risk of accidents. This includes a fire blanket, electrical socket covers and a fireguard. The childminder is vigilant on outings, with an active approach to children taking responsibility for their own actions. This results in the reduced risk of accidental injury and raised self-awareness. She complements this by using age-appropriate restraints when needed. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. Consequently, children are well protected.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Sufficient effective support is given, which nurtures children’s independence. This includes providing them with manageable little jobs, such as setting the table and pouring their own drinks. Children’s confidence and self-esteem is raised through praise and encouragement, as well as their pictures being displayed in the kitchen. Children are motivated to play with a wide variety of toys and activities, including connecting the train track together and drawing. These

p.3

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 offer appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development. A range of experiences are planned for the children, including trips to local places of interest. Examples of these are trips to the beach, park and childminder drop-in groups. Consequently, they make progress and have fun.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s communication skills are fostered well, resulting in good interactions between themselves and the childminder. Their mathematical thinking is encouraged as they weigh ingredients for baking. Children show an awareness of shape as they complete puzzles. They use their imagination well, for instance, when building a house out of sticks. Children's all round development is fostered appropriately, because the childminder provides a wide range of activities for the children. She aims to extend their learning and development by being actively involved in their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. A flexible induction period ensures individual children settle well into the childminding environment. This includes short visits with parents and carers until their child is confident and familiar with their new carer. The childminder’s positive attitude to equal opportunities ensures children have a good awareness of the wider community. This is supplemented with a variety of resources reflecting positive images of the world they live in and the celebration of various festivals. Although the childminder has very limited experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, she shows a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Consistent behaviour management ensures children understand right from wrong. The childminder uses age-appropriate strategies, including distraction and explaining why an action or words are not acceptable. This encourages the children to have an awareness of their own behaviour. A relevant policy is in place, which is shared with parents and carers during the induction period. Effective partnership with parents and carers ensures individual needs are met well, which promotes stability. Verbal feedback is given daily, as well as written diaries being provided for younger children. This is complemented by all children having individual photographic journals of activities participated in. A complaints policy is in place. However, it has not been reviewed to include Ofsted's current contact details. This has a negative impact on empowering parents and carers to make a formal complaint.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The effective organisation of space, time and resources has a positive impact on children's play opportunities. The use of the playroom, sitting room and kitchen enable children to play alone or with others. They can partake in floor games in the carpeted rooms or creative experiences in the kitchen. The flexible routine includes time to visit various groups, such as music sessions. These widen children's experiences and promote their social skills. New storage units have low-level cupboards, which children can easily access. They also have higher shelves to store informative books for the childminder.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has attended all legally required training and has many years experience of caring for children. This has a positive impact on the quality of care provided. This is complemented with her being booked to commence a quality assurance scheme in September of this year. She is aware of her current registration requirements and adheres to them. This

p.4

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 positively contributes to children's safety. Documentation for each child is organised well and stored confidentially. This ensures every child and their family's privacy is respected at all times.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to develop and implement an action plan showing how a first aid course is to be completed. A relevant course has now been completed, which has a positive impact on children's welfare.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the complaints procedure is reviewed to include Ofsted's current contact details.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.5