Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

310055 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2007 Inspection date Jim Bostock Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1992. The premises used for childminding purposes are situated in New York, North Shields. Local amenities and the town centre are approximately a five to ten minute car drive away from the premises. Areas of the premises used for childminding purposes include the living room-diner, kitchen, hallway, conservatory and an upstairs bathroom. An enclosed back garden is available for outdoor play. Living on the premises with the childminder is her husband and their teenage son and daughter. The household has pets which include a rabbit and two dogs, to which the children have full access. At the time of inspection there were eight children on the register, six of whom were under eight years of age.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children generally receive a balanced and healthy diet including the provision of fruit, snacks and drinks each day and the childminder presents as having a good understanding of the nutritional needs of children. Children's individual dietary needs are recorded and reflected in

p.2

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 the meals and snacks provided. Parents provide food for babies. Children are helped to learn about healthy eating and benefit from the good communication between the childminder and parents about food and drink issues with the childminder fully respecting any requests from parents. Children have easy and constant access to drinking water within the playrooms from the water cooler.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and hygiene is promoted through the childminder having undertaken first aid training. They carry out daily routines which promote hygiene as they wash their hands before eating and after toileting. The arrangements for the pets meet the hygiene and safety needs of children. Accidents are recorded appropriately and shared with parents, however, the record is not fully confidential. The recording of medicine administered to children does not clearly show the name of the medicine in the section concerning written permission from parents. This puts children at risk as medicine administered should be clearly identified.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted through regular use of the outdoor area where they enjoy playing with wheeled toys and looking for minibeasts, such as ladybirds, in the garden. Children enjoy regular outings to parks, go on walks and have visits to interesting places, such as Whitehouse Farm.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment which is light and in good decorative order. The childminder promotes child safety by taking precautions to reduce the risk to children. For instance, she has socket covers in place, stores all dangerous items out of reach of children and has safety seats for the car. Close supervision of children is used by the childminder to help prevent accidents and keep children safe. She is especially careful not to leave children unsupervised when the dog is near them. The childminder is aware of fire safety and has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation which is practised with children. She helps children learn about road safety. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment that are well maintained.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of the issues involved in protecting children from abuse, has undertaken additional child protection training and has written information for parents.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They are confident, secure and happy in her care as she treats them with kindness, affection and respect. They interact confidently with the childminder who shows a detailed understanding of their individual needs. Children are encouraged to be independent with support and guidance in selecting and using the toys and equipment effectively. The childminder uses expressive and enthusiastic language with children and they respond with enthusiasm and interest to the activities and play available. Children's abilities and confidence are developed through effective use of the wide selection of resources available. The childminder has a good understanding of the educational development of children putting into practice skills and methods gained from experience and relevant training. Children's self esteem is developed through the childminder valuing each

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

child's contribution. The childminder has a fundamental knowledge and experience of the care and provision for babies and very young children and uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help organise the activities and promote children's development.

p.3

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 Children benefit from a planned activity programme which encourages their interest and progress. They engage in good imaginative play with dolls and dressing up, enjoy craft activities, learn about recycling and weather and read books and magazines. Children say that they enjoy attending, it feels like home and they have fun with the activities. Parents are fully involved in their children's experiences as they receive regular updates from the childminder.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to be respectful and interact positively as the childminder is a good role model. She is patient, tolerant, kind and gentle with the children and helps them learn about getting on with others. Children develop self-confidence very well because they receive lots of praise and encouragement. They are eager to participate in activities and respond very well to the childminder. They learn to share, relate well to each other and behave very well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed very well. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress and details of their physical care on a daily basis. They are fully consulted about all aspects of the care provided, provide written information for the childminder about their children and have contracts with her to ensure the relationship is on the correct footing. Some parents have been using her service for many years and say that their children do well, they have good information and a very good relationship with the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for as individuals with differences being acknowledged and enjoyed. Children gain a very good understanding of the wider world and their local community through outings and topical visits connected to the theme of activities. There are activities, toys and resources related to multicultural play and the childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunity, disability and learning difficulty issues. From these, children develop an awareness and positive attitude to difference.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the good experience and relevant training attended by the childminder which is reflected in the standard of care provided. The childminder provides clear routines and organised activities which give children confidence in the childminder and the environment. The well planned daily routine allows children to experience a wide variety of stimulating and interesting activities.

p.4

Organisation

The documentation generally supports the provision of care for children, however, the childminder does not have written permission for emergency medical treatment and as mentioned previously, written permission for medicine administered does not clearly name the medicine involved. Records are stored in a way which ensures security. The childminder is developing written policies and procedures for parents. She has current public liability insurance cover so that children are well protected and displays her certificate as required. The childminder ensures that appropriate checks and clearances are in place for all adults in the house to safeguard children.

p.4

Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her attendance record, improve fire safety precautions and record children's dietary and allergy requirements. The records have been improved and meet all requirements for the safety and welfare of children. Fire safety precautions have been improved by the fitting of a fire blanket in the kitchen.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

A complaint was received against National Standard two, Organisation. A compliance notice was issued and, after inspection, the provider is meeting all National Standards and remains suitable for registration.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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): • make sure the written permission for medicine to be administered clearly shows the name of the medicine • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5