Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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305834 Unique Reference Number 14 May 2007 Inspection date Pauline Pinnegar 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 2000. She lives with her husband, her 13 year old daughter and her 11 year old son. They live in a house in Ingleby Barwick, which has amenities within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden available 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 under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for three pre-school children and three children before and after school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and of the Yarm Childminding Group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy lots of worthwhile exercise regularly. The childminder takes younger children for walks in the fresh air, in the local community. Children also visit toddler groups and the local parks where they have opportunities to use a range of large play equipment. They enjoy

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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 riding around in the garden on bikes and cars or playing on the small trampoline. The childminder also takes children to soft play facilities locally. Very young children purposefully explore equipment, such as the small tunnel indoors. They successfully develop crawling skills and noticeably improve confidence in their own abilities with great delight. Toddlers have sturdy push-along toys to help their developing mobility.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from infection by the childminder's clear awareness of health and hygiene guidelines. Parents are clearly informed that sick children cannot be cared for. Children's understanding of the importance of good hygiene is promoted in their everyday routines, for example, they know why they must have clean hands before they eat. The childminder's own hygiene practices are meticulous, which sets an excellent example to children. There are clear procedures in place for nappy changing, with each child having their own changing mat. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children effectively. The childminder has written agreements with parents regarding administration of emergency medication and consent to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very aware of foods that constitute a healthy diet and talk about them frequently in their discussions with the childminder. They are very well nourished and enjoy snacks, such as chopped vegetables and plenty of fresh fruit. Meals are balanced and home-cooked with a big emphasis on healthy eating. Mealtimes are a very social part of the day and clearly enjoyable for all children. They are actively encouraged to try individual vegetables as the childminder describes them in a fun and interesting way. The childminder works effectively with parents to promote healthy eating and older children are rewarded with stickers if they try new foods.

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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 safe and child friendly home. The childminder places high priority on safe supervision and assesses risks effectively to promote children's safety and enjoyment. She actively encourages children's independence, for example, they can access toys very easily. The childminder organises space and resources to reduce potential hazards and carefully considers the age range present when planning different activities. Children use a broad range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, helping them to enjoy a wide variety of experiences safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use the whole environment freely and can visit the toilet independently. Their awareness of risk and safety is raised in everyday activities. They learn to stay beside the childminder when they are out walking, to hold the pushchair and stop at the kerb when crossing the road together. She talks with children all the time about the dangers of busy roads. The childminder has a well considered plan for emergency evacuation. However, she has not practiced the procedure for a while to raise children's awareness in an emergency situation. Children's risk of accidents is minimised by careful supervision and consistently reinforced safety rules.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities within child protection procedures. She has recently accessed training to update her knowledge of the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She clearly explains to parents the requirement to keep a record of all accidents and existing injuries. She has confidence in her own ability to protect children and keep them safe. Her willingness to share concerns with parents, ensures that the welfare of children in her care is given high priority.

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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. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development and this means that children's personal, social and intellectual development is fostered and supported. Close and caring relationships have been developed between the childminder and the children, which increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self. Children's communication skills are developing as a result of the childminder talking and listening to them. Their self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them. The childminder has attended 'Birth to three matters' training and has begun to implement this in her planning of activities. Very young children enjoy using 'treasure baskets' exploring with natural materials, such as wooden spoons. The childminder works closely with parents in order to keep to young children's own routines and to ensure consistency with the care they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a variety of interesting activities and resources. Children confidently initiate their own play as they select their own resources. They also take part in planned activities which develop their learning, for example, as they learn to count, recognise and name colours and listen to stories. The childminder is interested in what the children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play. Consequently, children are interested in the activities and are settled and happy in the childminder's care. Children are incredibly confident and show high levels of self-esteem. They are very talkative, ask many questions and chat freely about life at home. Mealtimes are extremely social occasions where all children sit together and eat very well. Children use their imagination well as they use small world toys pretending to go shopping to buy fruit. Children also enjoy lots of interesting outings including trips to a local farm, the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

seaside and various soft play and leisure facilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting and participate in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. Children have access to a reasonable range of resources and activities which promote positive images of the wider world. They access books which reflect different beliefs and feelings. They try foods from other countries and take part in creative activities to celebrate Chinese New Year at toddler group. Children learn about the local community as they take part in visits and outings to local places of interest, for example, as they go for walks, to the park and the library. The childminder has a good understanding of each child as an individual and uses this to provide activities which all children find enjoyable and interesting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand responsible behaviour and respond well to the calm atmosphere and consistent boundaries that the childminder has in place which help them feel secure. They develop good confidence and positive self-esteem through receiving praise and encouragement. As a result, children are very well behaved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close partnership with parents. She encourages parents to take time to get to know her well as they settle their child. She talks with parents about her childcare practice and has a detailed information folder outlining her experience and giving details of her policies. She makes time to share the day's experiences, as parents collect their child. The childminder actively encourages parents to share any concerns. She has a written complaints policy and displays the Ofsted poster for parents.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's individual needs are supported by flexible and child-led planning, within a well organised and safe environment. Children use the whole environment, both indoors and out, with safety. The childminder demonstrates a high regard for the well-being of all children in her care and successfully promotes a very caring atmosphere. She accesses training and development opportunities, which help her to plan enjoyable experiences for children. She evaluates her own practice appropriately.

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Organisation

Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding and implementation of all required policies and procedures. She understands requirements with regard to reaching agreements with parents, so that their wishes are clearly understood. The childminder shares information daily with parents about children's activities and care needs, enabling consistency of care. The registration certificate is displayed for parents. She has developed a range of detailed, written policies to support her professional practice. Written policies are shared effectively with parents and accurately reflect the good practice observed and positively support good outcomes for children.

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Organisation

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 make sure that glass in doors is safely identified for children so as not to pose a potential hazard. The childminder completes thorough risk assessments within the home and all low level glass has been clearly identified and does not pose any risk to children.

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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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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): • develop the emergency evacuation procedure to include a fire drill

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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 • develop the resources which reflect positive images of diversity.

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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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