Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY267093 Unique Reference Number 29 May 2007 Inspection date Vivienne Dempsey 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 2004. She lives with her husband, in a three bedroom terraced house in Billingham. Local amenities are within walking distance, for example, local schools, park, library, children's centre and shops. She is registered to care for six children and there are currently six children on roll. Currently one child attends who has English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder regularly attends the childminder drop-in session at the local children's centre and is a member of the Association Of Billingham and Norton Childminders. She is National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) qualified and is currently working towards a Level 3 Diploma in Home Based Childcare, an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 in Childcare and the Quality First Assurance Scheme.

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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's health is promoted through effective health and hygiene practices. They have their own colour-coded towel to dry their hands which minimises the spread of infection, protecting children's health. Children's health is further protected as the childminder has clear policies in place for the exclusion of children with contagious illnesses. The childminder requests permission from parents to apply sun cream when necessary, subsequently, children are protected from exposure to the sun. She creates opportunities for the children to participate in regular physical exercise, they have use of the large garden and walk regularly to the local school. They regularly visit the local park and soft play area, which helps children to develop their large motor skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has undertaken relevant first aid training and she has a fully stocked first aid box. This enables her to provide appropriate first aid treatment when necessary, protecting children's well-being. Good clear procedures are in place for recording accidents and the administration of medication. Parents sign to acknowledge entry, keeping them informed at all times. Some parents provide meals for their children and the other children are offered a varied range of healthy meals and snacks, providing them with a good balanced diet, keeping them healthy. They are beginning to learn about and understand the benefits of healthy eating through regular discussions and activities. Drinks are available throughout the day to ensure children remain hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm, welcoming and friendly for children and parents. Regular checks and cleaning keep the broad range of toys and resources in a good condition. This ensures that children handle items that are clean and safe. Toys and resources are appropriate to the children's developmental stages and interests, which they can independently access at all times, keeping them motivated and interested.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A variety of safety precautions have been implemented to minimise accidents and keep children safe. For example, smoke alarms have been installed, electrical socket covers are in place and the childminder has a fire blanket fitted in the kitchen. However, not all low level glass has been made safe. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place and regular fire drills are practised, which develops children's awareness of fire safety. Children are supervised at all times, keeping them safe. The childminder requests permission from parents to transport children in her car, further enhancing children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the various types and possible signs of abuse. She knows the procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child, protecting children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and relate well to the childminder as she joins in with their play. She is positive in her interaction and the children enjoy the close contact with the childminder and respond well to her encouragement. Children are happy and secure as a result of the

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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 childminder's praise and support. They enjoy playing with the blocks together. She responds well to verbal and non-verbal communication and takes an interest in what children have to say, promoting children's self-esteem and confidence. The childminder organises toys and resources to ensure they are readily accessible to the children within the designated playroom. This supports and develops children's play and learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Resources and activities provide children with first hand experiences. They enjoy exploring natural materials, the childminder provides in treasure baskets. The childminder has a clear understanding of how children learn and develop, and plans a stimulating range of activities for the children. She has attended relevant training and is implementing the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance the provision she provides for children. She uses observations of children's development and interests to inform future planning. This ensures she provides activities that are relevant to the interests and stage of development of the children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and treated as individuals. The childminder works in close partnership with parents to ensure the individual needs of all children are met. Clear information regarding children's needs is gathered enabling the childminder to provide the appropriate care. The children have a good range of toys, resources and activities, which is developing their awareness of diversity and promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, such as books, felt pictures and a wall display depicting people from around the world in traditional dress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved as the childminder uses a range of positive strategies to manage behaviour, according to the children's age and stage of development. These include praise, encouragement and distraction. Regular communication between the childminder and parents enhances children's welfare. The childminder seeks parents' views about their child's likes and dislikes and routines to ensure she meets the individual needs of all the children in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from a very good standard of care as the childminder is very well organised, which enables her to provide good quality of care. All people who live on the premises are vetted appropriately and the children are supervised at all times, ensuring children's safety. The childminder is pro-active in developing her practice and is eager to attend relevant training courses, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children's welfare, development, care and learning are fully promoted and maintained as the childminder has clear policies and procedures in place, which are available to parents. Children are safeguarded as all required documents and records are in place and stored with regard to maintaining confidentiality. The childminder ensures ratios are always maintained, promoting children's safety.

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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 the childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory

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Improvements 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 practice. The childminder now provides a good range of toys, resources and activities which promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, such as books, felt pictures and a wall display depicting people from around the world in traditional dress.

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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 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): • assess the risks to children in relation to low level glass and take action to minimise these.

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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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