Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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318847 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2007 Inspection date Jayne Utting 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 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 12 year old foster child in Chapel Park, in Newcastle upon Tyne. Registered in 1988, the childminder can look after a maximum of six children under eight years. Of these, no more than three children can be under five years, and no more than one child can be under one year. Overnight care for one child is included in the registration.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently looking after three children aged seven months, 18 months and six years. None of these have learning difficulties or disabilities and none speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The rooms designated for childminding include the lounge, dining room, kitchen and the back garden. An upstairs bedroom is used to accommodate children sleeping overnight.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a small, friendly dog and no one in the house smokes.

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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 good. Children are well cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where they begin to learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care throughout their daily routine. Consistent adult support and guidance helps older children gain a good understanding of hygiene and become increasingly independent in their personal care, washing their hands before eating, after playing in the garden or with the dog and after using the bathroom. The childminder follows an effective nappy changing routine, ensuring changing mats are wiped down and nappies disposed of hygienically. The childminder effectively implements a range of good hygiene procedures which reduce the risk of illness and cross-infection. A recent first aid certificate, clear written policies regarding sick children and the effective recording of all emergency contacts and accidents promote children’s health and well-being. Effective hygiene

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Helping children to be healthy

procedures, the safe storage of food and bowls and regular checks by the vet, ensure that the family dog does not pose any health risk to the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of fun activities which contribute to their good health. Each day the childminder plans both indoor and outdoor activities which help promote children’s physical development and help them gain increasing control over their bodies. For example, visits to the local park, playing in the garden and soft play, as well as walking to school and the local shops. The childminder achieves a good balance between busy and quieter times for younger children, having a flexible routine which enables them to sleep when they are tired.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a nutritious diet through the provision of meals and snacks that are healthy and balanced. A clear written policy regarding food and drink, combined with good ongoing communication with parents, ensures that the childminder has a clear understanding of the individual dietary needs of the children. Children enjoy a wide range of healthy foods including fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and crackers and yoghurt and sit together at the table for this social occasion. Children have free access to drinks throughout the day and are offered suitable drinks, such as water, milk and fruit juice.

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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 and secure environment both indoors and out, where the risks are identified and minimised. Comprehensive risk assessments have been undertaken for each room, enabling children to move around freely, safely and independently. Children are safe due to a combination of close supervision by the childminder and the appropriate use of safety equipment, such as smoke alarms, cupboard locks, low level safety glass, a fire blanket, socket covers and finger jam guards. The childminder effectively achieves a good balance between freedom and safety. Children learn to keep themselves safe on the premises as the childminder gives them clear guidelines which she subtly reinforces with sensitive reminders, such as not to stand on the furniture or leave toys lying around. Regular checks establish that sleeping children remain safe and well. There is an appropriate emergency evacuation procedure in place

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

which she practises regularly with the children. No record is currently kept of these evacuations. Smoke alarms are in place and regularly checked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has effective procedures in place to keep children safe when outdoors. Younger children are appropriately strapped in buggies, older children hold hands when out walking

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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 and are encouraged to practise good road safety procedures. The childminder implements effective safety practices for outings, undertaking detailed risk assessments, carrying a mobile phone and emergency contact details, as well as taking other appropriate equipment including drinks, a first aid kit, snacks and sun creams as necessary. Written consent is in place for outings and the use of public transport, ensuring that children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Rooms are well organised so children have space to play safely and they are able to access toys and activities easily. Toys and equipment are varied, age-appropriate and in good condition, the childminder undertaking regular checks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very good understanding of child protection issues and her responsibilities in this area. She has recently attended a safeguarding children course and has a secure knowledge of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. This is reinforced through a clear and comprehensive policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home and are confident and happy. She plans and provides a broad range of stimulating and interesting activities for the children, both in and out of the home. Activities are purposeful and promote learning and development well. For example, they visit the aquarium, enjoy the interactive displays at the discovery museum, go on trips to the beach and park and have fun at soft play. Involved in the children's activities, the childminder helps and encourages them to move onto different activities when appropriate, so that they are fully occupied and remain interested in their play, asking appropriate open-ended questions that make them think and respond.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy good opportunities to socialise with their peers through visits to the local soft play and childminder drop-in sessions. They enjoy a range of activities which contribute to the development of their imaginative, creative and language skills, such as drawing, painting, making cards for different occasions and painting mugs and plates. Close, caring relationships help to increase children's sense of trust and further develop their sense of belonging and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Good role modelling helps children to celebrate diversity and develop a positive view of the wider world. Children are cared for as individuals with differences acknowledged and celebrated. The children learn about other cultures through the childminder's sharing of information with them. For example, she uses books to explain to children about the different religions in the world. This helps to raise children's awareness of diversity. Children also learn about the community they live in through visits to local facilities, including the shops, park and drop-in groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities and recognises this as an area for further professional development. She demonstrates a good understanding of the needs of individual children and is committed to working with parents and other professionals to ensure children's ongoing individual development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 develop self-confidence well because they receive lots of praise and encouragement and they respond very well to the childminder. She has realistic expectations of their behaviour and implements a good range of age-appropriate strategies to promote good behaviour and help children learn right from wrong. They are encouraged to share, relate well to one another and behave well. The childminder is sensitive, patient, kind and understanding with children and they are responsive towards her. She ensures their individual needs are met by spending quality one to one time with each child. This enables the children to understand that they are valued and cared for as individuals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed well. Parents are informed about key policies and procedures at registration, including the complaints procedure, although Ofsted's new number is not readily displayed. Parents are kept well informed of their child's progress on a daily basis through verbal feedback and the use of a diary for the youngest children. Feedback from parents is good, describing the service as 'flexible', and 'homely', whilst reinforcing how happy their children are in the childminder's care. This is a reflection of the childminder's professional dedication to the children in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for and feel at home in a well organised home that keeps them safe and secure. Toys and resources are organised effectively, enabling all children to access them independently and allowing them to make free choices about their play and learning.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised with children's individual files in place, records up to date and effective written policies and procedures in place. Children's records are stored securely ensuring confidentiality is maintained. The childminder's registration certificate is prominently displayed in the house. All adults living in the house have undergone the relevant checks to ensure their suitability to be in close proximity to children.

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Organisation

Committed to ongoing personal development, the childminder has recently attended a number of relevant short courses, including safeguarding children, first aid, and equality and diversity. Regular monitoring and self-evaluation through the use of parental questionnaires ensures the childminder is constantly reviewing her practice, ensuring she provides the best opportunities for the children in her care.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection it was recommended that the childminder ensure all records are readily available for inspection, that public liability insurance is in place and that all records of daily attendances be retained for a minimum of two years.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed all these issues. Records were available for inspection and public liability insurance is in place. In addition, the childminder ensures that all daily attendance registers are retained for a minimum of two years.

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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. The provider is

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Complaints 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 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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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): • keep a written record of all fire drills • display Ofsted's contact number ensuring it is readily accessible to parents.

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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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