Childminder in South Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312415 Unique Reference Number 22 May 2007 Inspection date Jim Bostock 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 1997. She co-childminds with her husband who is also a registered childminder. Children are cared for at her semi-detached home in South Shields and have access to the ground floor lounge, kitchen-diner, conservatory, bathroom and toilet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The premises are within walking distance of the Metro and local bus routes, a toddler group, a playgroup, local schools and nurseries, local shops, a leisure centre, parks and the beach.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and son. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. At the time of inspection there were five children aged under eight years on the register.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children 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

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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 of children. Children's individual dietary needs are recorded and reflected in the meals and snacks provided. Children are helped to learn about healthy eating and benefit from the good communication between childminder and parents. They are encouraged to eat healthily as the childminder talks to them about what is good for them. Children have easy and constant access to drinking water within the playrooms.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and hygiene is promoted as they carry out daily routines including washing hands before eating and after toileting. They have access to individual towels and liquid soap dispensers to reduce the risk of cross infection. Children learn about washing their hands to prevent germs and illness and enjoy being independent in their self care. Accidents and medicine administered are fully recorded and shared with parents to protect children. The childminder has updated her first aid training and her qualification is current.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted through regular outings to interesting places. They visit toddler groups on four mornings, go to the library, the park and soft play. They play with sit and ride toys, meet their friends and have good opportunities for active play to help their physical development.

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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 environment which is light and in good decorative order. The childminder promotes child safety within the home through encouraging children to be aware of danger and keeping themselves safe, as well as taking precautions to reduce the risk to children. For example, she has stair-gates in place, has socket covers and ensures dangerous items are locked away. However, she does not always ensure that door keys are inaccessible to children which compromises their safety. Children are helped to learn about safety indoors and on outings. They learn about crossing the road safely. For instance, a three-year-old child knows to look both ways before crossing the road when safe to do so. Close supervision of children is used by the childminder to help prevent accidents and keep children safe. The childminder is aware of fire safety, has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has practised drills to help children learn about keeping safe. The toys and equipment are all in good condition, are checked regularly to ensure they are safe and are easily accessible to children.

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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, and has undertaken additional child protection training. These procedures are discussed with parents.

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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 settled, secure and comfortable with her care and she provides them with both emotional and physical support. They interact confidently with the childminder who shows a detailed understanding of their individual needs. Children are encouraged to be independent as the childminder supports and guides them to select and use the toys and equipment effectively. She helps their play by being at children's level, suggesting ways they can use toys and play with them, asks good open questions to encourage children's thought processes and to help them express themselves and uses opportunities to aid their learning and progress. For example, a child was constructing a train track and the childminder suggested it would be better in a circle shape. The child

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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 immediately grasped the idea and made a circle and the train could then go around without falling off. The childminder helped the child to count the number of trains, talked about what colour they were and encouraged the child to explore experiences of steam trains. The child responded with enthusiasm and interest throughout this exchange. This enables children's abilities and confidence to be developed through effective use of the wide selection of resources available. The childminder has a very good understanding of the educational development of children, putting into practice skills and methods gained from experience. Children's self esteem is developed through the childminder valuing each child's contribution. The childminder has a fundamental knowledge and experience of the care and provision for babies and very young

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children and uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help organise the activities and promote children's development. They benefit from their parent's involvement through daily updates and the daily diary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for as individuals with differences being acknowledged and enjoyed. Children gain a good understanding of the wider world and their local community through outings and topical visits connected to the theme of activities. Children learn to be respectful and interact positively as the childminder is a very good role model. She treats children with kindness, respect, understanding and patience. Children develop self confidence very well because they receive lots of praise and encouragement. They are eager to participate in activities and are helpful as they develop responsibility by tidying up. They learn to share, relate well to each other and behave well.

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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, both verbally and from individual files. They are fully consulted and have access to good written information about policies and procedures which the childminder has developed. They provide written information for the childminder about their children and have contracts with her to ensure the relationship is on the correct footing and children's needs are met. Some parents have been using the service for a number of years which reflects their satisfaction with the care provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good activities, toys and resources related to multicultural play and the childminder understands equal opportunity issues. She provides good support for children with learning difficulties or disabilities and ensures all children are fully involved and included. This helps children develop an awareness and positive attitude to difference.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides clear routines and organised activities which give children confidence in the setting. Children benefit from the relevant experience of childcare and the two childminders work well together to meet their needs. The well planned and well resourced service allows children to experience a wide variety of stimulating and interesting activities.

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Organisation

The documentation kept enhances the care provided by being relevant and well organised. There is a record of which childminder is caring for children. The childminder ensures records are securely stored to ensure confidentiality of information. She has written agreements with parents, contracts and has a daily diary about the children to ensure parents are well informed and the care of children meets their agreement. She has current public liability insurance cover

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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 so that children are well protected. She displays her certificate on the wall as is required. All suitable checks are in place for the adults living and working on the premises to protect 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 an action was set to ensure that the childminder has a current first aid qualification. The childminder has met this action by attending a first aid training course and has a current qualification in first aid to protect children in the event of a serious injury or incident.

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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 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): • improve safety arrangements by always ensuring door keys are inaccessible to children.

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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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