Childminder, Out-of school day care in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 305720 Inspection date 15 June 2005 Inspector Elizabeth Blenkhorn

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 1984. She lives with her husband in Billingham. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for 6 children on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. She attends local parent/toddler groups and the

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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 park. Family pets are a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health, which include opportunities for children to be outdoors. Children are able to be active according to their individual needs. Children's health is supported by the encouragement of appropriate personal care routines which allows them to develop their independence. Older children know to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and younger children are beginning to gain understanding of routines. The childminder implements good hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health and to help prevent the spread of infection. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home and the childminder has clear policies in place regarding sick children, medication and accident recording to ensure children's health needs are met. However, parental consent to administer medication is not in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional needs are well-met. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to children and meet their individual dietary requirements.

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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 spacious environment where risks are identified and minimised. This means children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Furniture, equipment and toys which are well-maintained and of good quality are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Toys and resources are stored so that children can access them easily and make choices developing children's independence. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguard and promoted. For example she holds a current first aid certificate, food hygiene certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures. However, emergency evacuation plans are not practiced and recorded.

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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

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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. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and good relationships are evident between the children and the childminder, these contribute to the children's sense of belonging. The well-organised space and resources helps children take initiative and develop increasing independence. They experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their all round development, inside and outside the home. Children are well-supported by the childminder who encourages children to extend their experiences by listening and talking with them and providing activities which promote their well-being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a very good understanding of each child as an individual and uses this to plan and resource activities which all children can join-in, enjoy and helps them develop increased awareness of diversity. Children behave very well. The childminder helps them to negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour by supporting them, being a good role model and encouraging the children to help each other. They learn to work harmoniously together and develop respect for each other. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents. Parent's views about their children needs are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis. Parents are kept verbally informed about their child's day and activities. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident and can initiate their own learning. Space is organised to maximise play opportunities for children and the childminder organises her time well to meet the needs of the children cared for. Most policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the care and learning of the children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's progress and achievements. This contributes to continuity in the child's care.

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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 Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children cared for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last Children Act inspection recommended that the childminder should improve records to include parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and to extend resources which reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. The childminder has made improvements which promote children's good health by acquiring parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. The childminder has made improvements which further promote children's learning through extending the range of resources which promote diversity.

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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): • practice and record emergency escape plans • obtain prior written parental consent to administer medication.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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