Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY252819 Unique Reference Number 12 June 2007 Inspection date Ann Coggin 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 July 2003. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 14 years and 11 years in the town centre area of Hartlepool. All of the ground floor and the bathroom upstairs is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children at any one time and is currently caring for six children on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have their health needs met well. The childminder ensures her home is clean and has implemented clear and effective hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health. Good practice includes the use of paper towels and individual wipes to prevent cross infection.

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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 learn the importance of good personal hygiene from an early age through well planned daily routines, for example, they know that they must wash their hands after toileting and before eating to prevent germs getting into their tummy. Good procedures followed by the childminder results in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. Systems are in place for addressing children's health needs and the effective use of the written sick children's policy and the recording of accidents and medication ensures children's health and well being. Children are well protected in the event of an accident as the childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides many opportunities for physical play and development within the garden and by the daily walking to school. There are many varied types of equipment in the garden to encourage pedalling and swinging, and the local park provides opportunities for climbing and running which contribute to their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a balanced diet by the childminder. They are offered healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, and enjoy fresh fruit each day. For example, melon, pineapple, grapes, banana and strawberries, as the childminder follows the recommended 'five' a day fruit and vegetables. Children have their dietary needs met well because the childminder uses information from parents to ensure special requirements and likes and dislikes are taken into account. Children are given a choice of water, fruit juice or milk at snack time and water is available throughout the day for children to help themselves.

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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 warm, welcoming and well organised environment where the childminder places a very high priority on children's safety. Policies and procedures are in place for ensuring that the risk of accidental injury to children is minimised, enabling them to move around the home safely and freely. Safety equipment, such as socket covers and cupboards locks are in place ensuring children's safety and the main entrance is secure. There is a clear written emergency evacuation procedure in place, which she practises with the children to ensure they are safe in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe outdoors as the childminder has suitable procedures in place. Children are beginning to understand and learn about keeping themselves safe outdoors. For example, by staying close to the childminder and taking care when crossing roads, they know they must cross roads when the green man flashes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The downstairs is organised so that children have space to play freely and safely. They independently select activities from a wealth of safe, well maintained, good quality toys and resources which meet safety standards. Children's choice of toys is carefully supervised by the childminder to ensure that they are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and welfare is further assured because the childminder has a good knowledge of what to do if she had a concern about a child in her care. She is aware of her roles and responsibilities and has documentation in place for reference, including contact telephone numbers. The childminder has a written child protection policy which is shared with parents.

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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 make positive relationships with the childminder and their peers. Routines have been established to promote children's sense of security and develop their confidence. They develop a sense of belonging because the childminder takes time to get to know them well. Children enjoy a wide range of interesting and enjoyable activities, both inside and outside the home, that extend their learning effectively across all areas of development. For example, visits to the park to feed the ducks, the marina to look at the boats and local toddler groups to socialise. They play confidently with a very good range of toys and resources. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they do. Children's art work is displayed for all to see and they proudly show their pictures and their Chinese dragon.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a very good knowledge of child development and uses her understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help promote children's emotional, social, physical and intellectual development. The childminder is enthusiastic and fully involved in the children's activities resulting in children being eager to join in. They particularly enjoy stories, anticipating what comes next, for example, listening to the 'Big Brown Bear', all the children used props to relay the story. Activities are interesting and exciting, for example, children explore with different textures, such as play dough and sand and have good opportunities to develop their imagination through dressing up and role play. They enjoy playing with the kitchen and making lunch for everyone especially their 'babies'. The childminder is affectionate with the children and recognises when they need a cuddle or reassurance and as a result they are happy and settled

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in her care. There is lots of laughter when children and the childminder play together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and have their individual needs well met. The childminder has a written policy which is shared with parents and she ensures all children have an equal chance to learn and develop. They are encouraged to develop a sense of their own identity and taught to value and respect each other. The childminder listens to the children and values their contribution resulting in children feeling good about themselves. Children are gaining a clear and positive view of the local community, through walks around the area and of the wider world. They have good opportunities to develop positive attitudes towards others through accessing a varied range of resources reflecting diversity, such as dolls, books and finger puppets.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a written behaviour management policy which is shared with parents and has reasonable and appropriate limits in place which are consistently adhered to. Appropriate strategies are in place for managing behaviour and good behaviour is promoted and encouraged. The childminder sets a good example, such as asking children to do something rather than telling them to do it and thanking them when they tidy up. This means children feel appreciated and valued. Children are beginning to share and take turns whilst playing together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship that has been established between parents and the childminder. They exchange information regarding sleep times, meals and activities and children are encouraged to take their art work and creations home. Parent's views about their children's needs are actively sought before the childminding arrangement commences and this enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs and to contribute towards the continuity of care. Policies and procedures have been developed to reflect practice and they

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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 are shared with parents. There is a written complaints procedure in place, however, it does not contain Ofsted's address and the complaints log does not respect confidentiality. All parental consents are in place, including consent to take photographs, make observations and apply sun cream.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a happy, stimulating, safe and well organised environment. This means children are confident and secure in themselves and with the childminder, and can initiate and develop their own play and learning. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space to play freely, safely and independently. Children's care, learning and play experiences are continually improved because of the childminder's positive attitude towards training. For example, she has attended training and workshops, such as first aid, promoting equality of opportunities, 'Birth to three matters' framework, introduction to child protection, healthy eating and food hygiene. As a result, children are well cared for and they enjoy stimulating experiences.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised and securely stored to ensure confidentiality. Children's personal and attendance records are up-to-date and written policies and procedures are in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Each child has their own individual folder containing contracts and parental consents. The childminder's registration certificate is clearly displayed and the childminder never exceeds her registered numbers.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure written statement that provides parent's with details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint includes Ofsted's details and ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has given each parent her written complaint's procedure to ensure they are aware of whom to contact should they have a complaint. Children are provided with a good selection of resources which promote positive images of diversity to help children understand the world in which they live.

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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 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 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): • amend the complaints procedure to ensure Ofsted's address is available to parents and develop the complaints log to ensure confidentiality is maintained.

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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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