Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY261445 Unique Reference Number 20 April 2007 Inspection date Elaine Marie McDonnell 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 satisfactory. 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 May 2003. She lives with her husband and two children, who are aged 11 and 13 years, in the Teesville area of Middlesbrough. The home is within easy walking distance of local amenities, such as a play park, leisure centre, library, primary schools and shops. Most of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. The conservatory is used on an occasional basis. There is also an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is now registered to care for up to six children under eight years at any one time and there are currently six children on roll aged from 15 months to six years, all are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene procedures, for example, by ensuring that the premises and equipment are kept clean. Children

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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 are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene routines through the daily routines, such as hand washing. Older children are beginning to understand the importance of this through discussions with the childminder. Appropriate procedures are in place to protect children’s overall health, for example, the exclusion of children with certain illnesses. Accident and medication records are available and are appropriately completed and kept up to date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are appropriately nourished. They receive a varied range of nutritious two course meals and snacks. The childminder finds out about individual dietary requirements or family preferences from parents. These are recorded on each child's record form, for example, any allergies, special diets, health problems and childhood illnesses.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy physical activity. For example, they visit toddler groups, the local park, they walk to and from school each day and also visit various soft play areas. Sometimes they participate in singing and dancing activities indoors. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and individual routines, which the childminder is aware of. Quiet and restful activities are provided for older children when they return from school, such as watching a television programme or completing homework.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. For example, the premises is kept secure, a suitable first aid box, fire blanket and smoke alarms are available. There is a stair gate in place and cupboard locks are fitted in the kitchen. However, additional steps need to be taken to ensure that the outdoor play area is safe. For example, the rear garden is not secure, large equipment is not secured into the ground and other items are accessible to children, such as wooden planks and a barbecue. The childminder occasionally uses a car for minding purposes and ensures that all children have appropriate booster or safety seats available. However, there is no evidence of appropriate business use when using the family car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is reasonably warm and welcoming for the children. However, resources are not readily accessible for children; they are brought from upstairs by the childminder. The childminder ensures that resources are safe and suitable for children's use with regular checking routines. Children learn to keep themselves safe when involved in fire drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are appropriately protected. The childminder understands her role in relation to child protection issues and is able to put initial procedures into practice when necessary. However, she is unsure of local procedures and does not have contact numbers readily available. She demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the different areas of abuse and of possible signs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a varied range of activities and outings that cover all areas of development. For example, craft activities, outings to places of interest, such as 'Flatts Lane Country Park' and 'Natures World', visits to local social groups and soft play areas. They also participate in reading, writing, singing and completing homework.

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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 Children develop confidence and self-esteem well when being praised and encouraged by the childminder for their efforts, for example, when remembering the sequence and formation of letters which make up their name.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show interest in what they do and respond to challenge. They concentrate well and are acquiring new skills and knowledge, such as when involved in jigsaw puzzles and when practising writing skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have some basic opportunities to learn about wider society and begin to appreciate their own culture and the cultural traditions of others. For example, they participate in making Christmas and Easter cards but there are limited resources available which reflect positive images of wider society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to promote equality of opportunity. For example, by ensuring that all children are included and involved and all are treated as individuals. Appropriate procedures are in place for the identification and assessment of children with learning difficulties or disabilities and the childminder has a positive attitude about caring for children with additional needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy being with the childminder and enjoy the activities available. They are settled and happy, present as being very 'at home' and have a positive relationship with the childminder. Children are well behaved. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how to manage behaviour appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works well in partnership with parents and carers. Parents are kept informed of their child’s development and progress through regular discussions. They receive written information about the provision which includes information about the childminder and her family, fees, activities, holidays, no smoking and smacking policies and comments and complaints procedures. The childminder has several letters and cards available from parents of children she has cared for; all contain very positive comments. Some consent forms from parents are available, however, consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment has not been obtained from all parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that adults caring for children are suitable to do so as both she and her husband have complied with vetting procedures. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards personal development and has undertaken additional training since her last inspection. She is also in the process of completing a National Vocational Qualification at Level 3, as well as a diploma in 'home based childcare'. She has an appropriate, current first aid qualification.

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Organisation

Attendance records and observation show that adult to child ratios are maintained and registers are kept up to date and are accurate. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children and they receive good adult support and attention.

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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 Most documentation and records required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are available, well kept and up to date. 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 include some additional records, such as food intake for children under two years and the information given to parents. She was also asked to extend play opportunities and resources for children as well as making sure the garden is made safe. Some progress has been made since the last inspection with most of the recommendations being addressed. However, further steps need to be taken to ensure the safety of the rear garden.

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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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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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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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written permission from all parents before administering medication to children • ensure that the rear garden is free from hazards, including large play equipment, and is kept secure • increase knowledge and understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures and ensure that contact numbers are readily available.

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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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