Childminder, Out-of school day care in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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319010 Unique Reference Number 28 June 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 has been registered since 1992 and has over 20 years experience. She lives with her husband with whom she co-minds, and one adult child. They live in a detached house in Kingston Park, a residential suburb of Newcastle upon Tyne. They are close to local amenities, a park and public transport networks. The childminder is registered to care for six children and currently has seven on roll. The whole of the ground floor areas of the property and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are very well cared for in a well presented, clean 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 children gain a good understanding of hygiene. Older children are actively encouraged to become more independent in their personal care, using the bathroom independently and washing their hands without prompting. All children have access to fresh

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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 towels and anti-bacterial hand wash reducing the risk of illness and cross infection. The childminder works closely with parents regarding toilet training, following home routines and actively supporting and praising children. An effective nappy changing routine is followed, the childminder ensuring changing mats are wiped down and nappies disposed of hygienically. The childminder co-minds with her husband and both hold relevant first aid certificates. If children become poorly whilst in their care, effective procedures are in place to ensure their comfort. They are given one to one care and are separated from other children to protect them all from possible infection. This combined with the diligent recording of emergency contacts, medication permission and accidents, ensures children's health and well-being is promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities that contribute to their good health and help them gain increasing control over their bodies. Outdoor play is a regular feature of their care as they walk to the local school, play in the secure back garden or enjoy trips to the park or St Mary's lighthouse. Children also have good supervised access to a range of large play equipment outside the house, such as slides and ride-on vehicles, ensuring there is ample opportunity to be active. All the children enjoy dancing to favourite pieces of music and visits to the local soft play facilities. These experiences boost fitness levels and help teach children that exercise is fun.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a nutritious diet through the provision of snacks that are healthy and balanced, with parents providing lunch for younger children and babies. A clear written policy regarding healthy eating, 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, raisins, vegetables, home cooked spaghetti bolognese, stir fry and yoghurt and sit together at the table for this social occasion. Children have their own beakers and enjoy free access to drinks throughout the day. They are offered suitable drinks, such as water 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 very safe and secure home both indoors and out. This is reinforced through the childminder's completion of a detailed risk assessment which ensures any risks are identified and minimised. The childminder and her co-childminder share responsibility for the completion of daily visual assessments, ensuring children are able to move around freely, safely and independently. Children are kept safe due to a combination of close supervision by the childminder and the appropriate use of safety equipment, such as socket covers, stair gates, smoke alarms, cupboard locks and radiator thermostats. There is also a buzzer in place on the front and rear doors of the house, alerting the childminder if either of these doors are opened. Older children learn to keep themselves safe on the premises as the childminder gives them clear guidelines and sensitive reminders not to climb on furniture and to tidy up toys. Regular

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

checks establish that sleeping children remain safe and well. There is an effective emergency evacuation procedure in place, which is practised regularly with the children. Her co-childminder takes responsibility for ensuring that the smoke and carbon monoxide batteries are regularly checked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe when outdoors through the well thought out procedures that the childminder has in place. Babies are appropriately strapped in buggies, whilst older children hold hands when out walking and are encouraged to practise good road safety procedures. The childminder implements effective safety practices on outings, undertaking a detailed risk assessment beforehand, carrying a mobile phone and contact details, as well as taking other

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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 appropriate equipment, such as nappies, first aid kit, drinks and snacks. All children are restrained in appropriate car seats when being transported in the car. Written consents are in place for outings, the use of public transport and the car, ensuring children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The playroom is very well organised so that children have space to play freely and safely, with even the youngest being able to access a broad range of high quality toys and activities independently. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe, stimulating and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder checks toys for damage as she puts them away and gets the children to help wash the toys outside when the weather is fine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected by the childminder who is confident and secure in her knowledge of child protection policies and procedures. The childminder has recently attended a safeguarding children workshop to ensure her knowledge is up to date. This is reinforced through a clear and comprehensive policy, ensuring that children's welfare is protected. However, the policy does not currently include details of the procedure to be followed should an allegation be made against the childminder or another member of the household.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle extremely well at the childminder's home, are confident and very happy. They achieve well because the childminder has a clear understanding of their developmental stages. She plans and provides an excellent range of stimulating and interesting activities for the children both in and out of the home. These are purposeful, promote their learning and development and are often planned around the children's interests. For example, they visit the aquarium, have picnics in the park, explore the rock pools at St Mary's lighthouse and have fun at the Laing art gallery. Children also have very good opportunities to socialise with each other and their peers through visits to local amenities and places of interest, such as drop-in groups, soft play and the local community centre.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children also enjoy a broad variety of activities which contribute to their imaginative, physical, creative and language skills, such as role play, drawing, construction, garden games and listening to stories. Children thoroughly enjoy pretending to cook a stir fry as well as writing a list of the ingredients they need. Involved in the children's activities, the childminder and her co-minder help and encourage 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. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this in her planning for under three's.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder demonstrates an overriding commitment to equal opportunities which is evident throughout her practice. She acts as an excellent role model for the children, fostering a positive attitude to diversity, ensuring children develop respect for individual and differing needs. There are excellent opportunities for children to learn about the world around them, their local community and the wider world through a variety of planned activities and play materials including books, posters, dolls, puzzles and cooking utensils, all of which are highly visible to the children, encouraging them to celebrate the diversity of the world around them. Children not only experience celebrations and festivals such as Christmas and Easter, but also learn

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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 about other religious and cultural celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Diwali and Eid. Children are beginning to learn some basic French words and the childminder works hard to ensure that activities reflect the culture and background of all children for whom she cares. Both the childminder and her co-minder work hard to ensure that children with English as an additional language are made to feel welcome in their home, working closely with parents to learn key words in the child's language.

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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 shows a good understanding in this area. She is happy to undertake additional training should this be necessary in the future. The childminder 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

Children's behaviour is excellent. They learn about sharing and valuing others through the excellent example provided by the childminder and her co-childminder. The childminder ensures that she supports, praises and encourages children at every opportunity, thereby developing their self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging. She is calm and composed when speaking to children and employs excellent behaviour management techniques, explaining clearly and calmly why certain actions are not acceptable. The children are very happy and content in her home and respond well to the encouragement they receive. They clearly trust and respect the childminder as evidenced by the way they seek her attention and comfort when, for example, they are feeling tired.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed well. Prospective parents receive a very informative pack which tells them about the setting, as well as the policies and procedures. Parents also receive information regarding the complaints procedure and the Ofsted helpline number. Extremely detailed and informative information is collected from parents prior to their child starting and parents are able to participate fully in the exchange of information necessary for their child's ongoing care. The childminder gives verbal feedback to parents at the end of the day, and there is an excellent daily diary system in place for younger children. Parents and children have extremely positive views about the childminder and her co-minding husband and their commitment to the children. Parents report that 'they do a fantastic job' are 'good role models' and provide a 'flexible, quality service'. Children think that they are 'kind and helpful',

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder takes an extremely professional approach to her work, a fact reflected in all aspects of the care provided including the effective safety measures taken and the range of activities and opportunities available to the children. As a result, children are extremely well cared for and feel at home in a well organised home that keeps them very safe and secure. Toys and resources are organised very effectively, enabling all children to access them independently, allowing them to make free choices about their play and learning. Children's art is displayed on the walls in the playroom, a reflection of how their contributions are valued and their self-esteem promoted.

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Organisation

The childminder works as part of an effective team within her home, alongside her husband. They work together to develop an extensive and detailed range of policies and procedures, including child protection, behaviour management and equal opportunities, and use these to inform practice and protect the welfare of the children they care for. There are well maintained

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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 systems in place to record attendance, as well as effective recording systems for medication administration, accidents and allergies. These are all meticulously kept and monitored. All confidential information is stored appropriately. The childminder's registration certificate is prominently displayed in the playroom. All adults living in the house have undergone the relevant checks to ensure their suitability to be in close proximity of children and these are readily available in the childminder's file.

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Organisation

The childminder has an extremely positive attitude towards her career and puts the maximum effort into the provision. This is reflected in her commitment to ongoing personal development. She has recently attended a number of relevant short courses, including safeguarding children, first aid, equality and diversity and manual handling. Regular monitoring and self evaluation 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

The childminder's planning is excellent. She has a weekly planning sheet in place and ensures that the children are always actively engaged in fun and stimulating activities.

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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 last inspection it was recommended that the childminder further develop her knowledge and understanding of both child protection and equal opportunities issues and obtain a copy of 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused' summary booklet.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed each of these areas and made excellent progress in both. She has recently attended a safeguarding children awareness courses and has a detailed child protection policy in place, about which she has a good understanding. She has also obtained a copy of the 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused' summary booklet. The childminder has also attended an equality and diversity training course and has an excellent understanding of these issues. Practice is supported by a detailed and comprehensive policy.

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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 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):

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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 • develop child protection policy to include the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder or another member of the household.

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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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