Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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318928 Unique Reference Number 04 June 2007 Inspection date Shirley Peart 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 outstanding. 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 established for 20 years. She lives with her husband and their adult children in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. The home is situated close to local schools, shops and the high street. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed patio and garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years, three children over five years and four children aged eight years and over, mainly on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Excellent provision is made so that children learn how to manage their own self-care tasks independently and gain a very good understanding of healthy practices. For example, pre-school children find and use their own hand towels for drying their hands, which are available in both the bathroom and kitchen. These are colour coded and hung on low level, labelled pegs so that

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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 children easily reach them. They know that they need to wear their cap and put on sun cream when it is hot. All children have participated in making the 'Being Healthy' book, which is easily accessible for them to look at. They have contributed drawings, captions, designs and photographs of relevant issues, such as why exercising and eating healthily is good for you.

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Helping children to be healthy

Very good documentation is in place regarding administration of medication, accident forms and emergency consent, which is held confidentially in children's individual files. The childminder holds a relevant first aid certificate, a first aid box is available and children do not attend if they are ill. This ensures that children's health needs are very well met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have superb opportunities to be out and about in the fresh air and to learn new physical skills. For example, the childminder takes the children swimming, to soft play facilities, the beach and the park. They also have excellent chances to play indoors or out, due to the effective way in which the childminder has organised her home. When they are outside, children eagerly tap in the pegs and use the tape to make lanes for running. They balance the sturdy 'eggs' on the 'spoons' and competently run in the sack race and have lots of fun with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Snack and lunch times are a lovely social occasion for the children. They sit with the childminder eating their food from their packed lunch box and talk about their holidays and what they do and do not like to eat. Children help themselves to their bottles of water throughout the session, which ensures that their nutritional needs are very well met. As most children bring their own packed lunches and snacks from home, the childminder has made a very good list of healthy suggestions for lunch boxes to assist the parents, which is available in the 'Parents Pack'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a very clean environment which is exceptionally well set out. They generally use a designated playroom known as a 'sun room' which is light, bright and comfortable. Indoor toys and games are stored well so that children easily access them. Outdoor toys are stored in a bunker, so that they are maintained in a very clean, safe condition. Children sit at a low level breakfast bar for their lunch; a small table with a wipe clean cloth and small chairs are also available for them to carry out craft activities easily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an excellent range of toys, games and equipment, which includes sturdy wooden items, such as shape and size sorters. A box of real materials, such as telephones, sunglasses, keys and mirrors is also available, which the children clearly enjoy playing with. The childminder regularly uses the toy library to introduce new activities and equipment, such as saris and Indian dishes and pots for role play, which enhances the children's curiosity and enjoyment very well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe due to the highly effective procedures, practices, documentation and very good use of child safety equipment where necessary. For example, there is a clear evacuation plan and map displayed, smoke alarms are regularly checked and fire drills are practised. Discussions and activities with the children regarding safety practices supports their safety very well. For example, the next fire drill will be incorporated into a planned safety awareness activity, as the childminder has worksheets and information available from a fire safety officer, which enhances children's understanding of safety in a fun way.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Very good information and procedures are in place regarding child protection and relevant information is displayed and also available to parents. The childminder has carried out further

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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 training and understands her role and responsibility regarding child protection. This ensures that children's welfare is very well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely settled, happy and confident as they independently decide and choose what to do within the childminder's home. They benefit from a very good mix of adult-supported and self-directed play during the session. For example, after lunch they sit comfortably on the settee with the childminder, listening attentively to a familiar story. The childminder makes the story exciting as she uses a range of tones while reading, which assists children's concentration and interest very well. Children are highly animated as they ask questions and make statements about the story.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Excellent challenges are offered during outdoor play as the childminder recognises children's competent abilities when they throw and catch bean bags. She extends their play effectively which enhances their physical skills exceptionally well. Children learn through play exceedingly well and are thoroughly absorbed in their creative activities. For example, they eagerly glue shapes to their previously painted name plaque and make good attempts at recognising familiar letters. They are very animated and show real excitement and determination during play, such as when they happily explore the 'treasure box', count and pretend to dial the numbers on the telephone, put on sunglasses and smile at their image in the mirror.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is highly involved in the children's play. For example, she races with them outside as they competently use the egg and spoon or enthusiastically run in the sack race. Children approach her easily, make their needs known and relate very well to her. Therefore, children achieve exceptionally well and thoroughly enjoy what they do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder relates to children and understands their individual needs exceptionally well. She is well aware that all children have differing needs and personalities and has a positive attitude to meeting the individual requirements of all the children in her care. Children have participated in making a delightful book entitled, 'All Kinds of People,' which not only includes different ethnic groups, but includes examples of different types and colour of hair, height and ability, which gives children a positive awareness of differences in the world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good, which is due to the childminder's firm but fair approach, positive praise and comments and attention offered during the session. For example, she calmly perseveres with children if they refuse to put their shoes on for outdoor play and uses gentle reminders so that children remember to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Positive activities, such as choosing stickers for the good behaviour chart and being involved in making the 'We are kind to each other' book, ensure that children understand the boundaries and are effectively rewarded for good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has excellent relationships with the parents, which significantly contributes to the care and well-being of the children. For example, some children have been with her for 14 years. She supplies parents with a 'Parents Pack' which clearly details her policies, procedures and documentation. She feels that it is important to build up strong and supportive relationships with children and parents, so that they feel confident and secure. She therefore offers settling-in

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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 periods and spends a few minutes at the end of the day chatting to parents, and for younger children she uses a written two-way daily diary system. This ensures that parents are fully informed and that they work together well to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has taken the time to ask for parents' feedback on her provision by providing them with a questionnaire and comments form based on the 'Every Child Matters' outcomes. Comments are highly positive, such as, 'her amazing knowledge has provided us with great support' and the 'loving, stimulating care offered' indicates that parents are more than happy with her provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has over 20 years' experience in caring for children. She clearly enjoys her work and is highly dedicated and committed to the children that she cares for. She has continued to update her knowledge by attending regular ongoing training. She is also a qualified nursery nurse and has recently successfully completed the National Childminding 'Quality First' award endorsed by the National Childminding Association. This ensures that children are cared for by a knowledgeable, caring and competent childminder.

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Organisation

Children follow a very good routine that meets their individual needs exceptionally well, such as enjoying quiet story time after lunch then eagerly participating in outdoor physical play. They also celebrate different events, such as Halloween, and enjoy regular interesting outings to the beach, parks, soft play facilities and childminder 'drop-ins', which ensures that children's social skills and enjoyment are enhanced very well.

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Organisation

Certificates and relevant information are very well displayed in the playroom for the parents. Her operational file, parents pack and children's individual files are meticulously well organised and ensure that comprehensive policies and procedures are in place which positively support the overall care of the children. 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 continue to develop knowledge of current childcare practices. The childminder is highly committed to developing and continuing her childminding knowledge. She regularly updates her training by attending relevant courses and has successfully completed a recognised quality assurance scheme.

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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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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