Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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313572 Unique Reference Number 12 June 2007 Inspection date Janet Fairhurst Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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 1988. She lives with her husband, their adult son and their 17 year old daughter. They live on an established residential estate on the outskirts of Burnopfield, a rural village community at the western boundary of Gateshead and Durham. Local facilities include shops, school and green areas, and most activities are based at the community centre.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor. There are front and rear gardens for outdoor play. The family has two dogs. The childminder is involved in the local childminder group which offers social contact for childminders and children as well as advice and support.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for four children under eight years and four children over eight years.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s health benefits from the childminder implementing appropriate day to day practices. For example, she uses regular routines to keep play areas clean and tidy and she has suitable arrangements in place for pets. Children are beginning to learn the importance of personal hygiene routines with regard to keeping themselves healthy. For example, they are encouraged to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating. The childminder has completed a current first aid course and has adequate arrangements for the administration of medication; however, not all accidents are documented and written parental consent for emergency medical treatment has not been obtained for all children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily fresh air and outdoor play, which contributes towards their personal health. They walk to and from school, go for regular walks and enjoy using large, outdoor equipment in the garden. They are learning to move around confidently and developing gross physical skills, for example, as they explore the climbing frame, scale ladders, and use the slide.

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Helping children to be healthy

Some parents choose to provide food which the childminder prepares for children. She has effective systems for the storage and preparation of food. This helps children to stay healthy. Children are offered drinks on a regular basis and the childminder carefully monitors children's fluid intake during hot weather to ensure they remain hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy warm, welcoming and suitably organised premises where risks are identified and minimised, for example, through a visual risk assessment and through regular monitoring of toys and equipment. Rooms are comfortable and adequately spacious. A satisfactory range of toys, resources and equipment provides interest and supports their learning. Resources are accessibly stored at children’s height, thereby enabling them to make independent choices. Children move around confidently, under the close supervision of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety and welfare are given sound consideration. Satisfactory arrangements are in place regarding the pet dogs. The childminder uses a suitable range of safety equipment, such as socket covers and safety gates, which adequately contributes towards children's safety. She reinforces road safety issues with the children when they are out walking. Children practise fire drills regularly so they know what to do in an emergency which further assures their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should a concern arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are enabled to relax and settle quickly in the childminder’s home because she has created an organised and welcoming environment. The childminder takes careful account of children’s school routines and individual requirements, when planning her daily activities. This enables children’s care arrangements to be effectively met. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They play confidently and are involved in a good range of planned activities which

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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 support their development and overall learning. Very young children are beginning to develop skills of independence. For example, they are able to make decisions because the childminder offers them a choice of toys and resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. A selection of toys are set out for them so that they can access them easily and safely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a good range of stimulating play and learning opportunities based on their individual ages and interests. For example, they are developing good imagination and creative skills through various art and craft activities, such as stencilling activities, colouring and decorating biscuits. Young children's social skills are encouraged well because they regularly visit toddler groups and local play areas where they play alongside other children of a similar age. As a result, they are forming positive relationships with the childminder and their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder values and respects children and their families equally. She is aware of children’s individual needs and routines, which contributes towards their continuity of care. Children are developing a sound sense of community through regular outings in the local area. All children are developing confidence, for example, through regular opportunities to make individual choices and by contributing towards making decisions. For example, they help with household activities and keeping play areas tidy. The childminder develops close relationships with children, giving them cuddles to reassure them when necessary. This helps to build their self-confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to manage their behaviour well because the childminder uses positive behaviour management practices that are suitable for children’s levels of understanding and maturity. For example, children are closely supervised, realistic boundaries are set and reinforced, and the childminder uses appropriate speech and clear explanations so children know what is expected of them. As a result, they are generally well behaved and show care and concern for each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s continuity of care is ensured, as a result of effective arrangements that promote satisfactory partnerships with parents and carers. Introductory visits enable children to settle in comfortably. Regular verbal exchange helps to keep them informed about what their children have done each day they attend.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound understanding of the need to maintain records. Most of the required paperwork is organised appropriately. This means it can be easily retrieved and updated as necessary. She has a satisfactory awareness of the National Standards and is keen to develop her practices through ongoing training. As such, she is soon to attend training on 'Birth to three matters'.

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Organisation

Children feel at ease within the childminder's home because the indoor space is inviting and organised to meet their play needs. With appropriate support, children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs 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 the childminder was asked to obtain written consent for emergency medical treatment. This continues to be an area for development.

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Improvements since the last inspection

It was also recommended that written parental permission to use car and public transport was obtained. The childminder now has appropriate record systems in place to ensure that parental consent is obtained for the transport of children. The improvement made generally enhances children's safety and overall well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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.

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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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 that all accidents are documented and consent for emergency medical treatment is obtained for all children.

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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

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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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