Childminder in South Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312387 Unique Reference Number 04 June 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 1992. She lives with her partner and son, aged 11 years, in South Shields. There are shops, parks, schools and a transport system within walking distance. Minded children have access to most of the ground floor, and the first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed rear yard for outdoor play. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. At the time of inspection there were six children on the register.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for and protected because the childminder follows generally effective procedures and practices which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ready access to drinking water, milk and fruit drinks and the provision of snacks is good. Children are helped to learn about healthy eating and say they like fruit, such as strawberries, grapes and apples. Children benefit from the good communication between the

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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 childminder and their parents about their individual diet, any allergies and the provision of balanced meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The environment is clean and children learn about washing their hands after using the toilet, however, the nappy changing procedure does not fully protect children from cross infection. Children are protected as the childminder has a current first aid qualification and she ensures that their health details are recorded. Records of accidents are recorded and fully shared with parents to ensure they are aware of issues that may affect their children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop and test their physical skills through stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. Children are helped to develop a positive attitude towards physical exercise. They delight in the many outings and visits to interesting places, such as local parks, toddler groups, the library and to a farm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm, welcoming and friendly for children and parents. Regular checks and cleaning keep the broad range of toys and resources in a good condition. This ensures that children handle items that are clean and safe. Toys and resources are appropriate to the children's developmental stages and interests, which they can independently access at all times, keeping them motivated and interested. Extensive safety precautions have been implemented to minimise accidents and keep children safe. For example, smoke alarms have been installed, electrical socket covers, cupboard locks and stair gates are in place, and the childminder has a fire blanket fitted in the kitchen. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place and regular fire drills are practised, which develop children's awareness of fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised at all times and the childminder ensures children's safety outside the home, developing children's awareness of road safety. The childminder requests permission from parents to transport children in her car and has appropriate car safety equipment, further enhancing children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the various types and possible signs of abuse. She knows the procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child and has written information to help her address any issues that arise. She undertakes regular child protection training to ensure that she updates her knowledge in order to enhance the protection of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and relate well to the childminder, as she joins in with their play. She is positive in her interaction and the children enjoy the close contact with the childminder and respond well to her encouragement. Children are happy and secure as a result of the childminder's praise and support. They enjoy playing a variety of games with the childminder. For instance, when they make 'Mr Potato Head' as they find eyes, teeth and other parts which she names with them, and thus helps them to develop their vocabulary. She uses open ended questions and takes an interest in what children have to say, promoting children's self-esteem and confidence. The childminder organises toys and resources to ensure they are readily accessible to the children within the designated playroom. This supports and develops children's play and learning.

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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 Resources and activities provide children with first hand experiences. They enjoy experimenting with cogs and wheels, show natural curiosity and concentration as they play with shape sorters, matching games and imaginative play with dolls and figures. The childminder has a clear understanding of how children learn and develop, and plans a stimulating range of activities for the children. She is working with the local authority to implement the 'Birth to three matters' framework, to enhance the provision she provides for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and treated as individuals. The childminder works in close partnership with parents to ensure the individual needs of all children are met. Clear information regarding children's needs is gathered, enabling the childminder to provide the appropriate care and the childminder provides good written information to parents to keep them well informed. A complaints procedure is in place and available to parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have a good range of toys, resources and activities, which is developing their awareness of diversity. She celebrates a range of festivals with children that represent their own and other cultures, such as Christmas, Easter, Ramadan and Chinese New Year. Children with additional needs are very well supported as the childminder works closely with parents, carers and the local authority to meet their needs and fully involve them in the service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved as the childminder uses a range of positive strategies to manage behaviour, according to the children's age and stage of development. These include praise, encouragement and distraction. Regular communication between the childminder and parents enhances children's welfare. The childminder seeks parents' views about their child's likes and dislikes and routines to ensure she meets the individual needs of all the children in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from a good standard of care as the childminder is very well organised and has good toys, playthings and resources which enables her to provide a good quality of care. All people who live on the premises are vetted appropriately and the children are supervised at all times, ensuring their safety. The childminder is very experienced, knowledgeable, pro-active in developing her practice and is eager to attend relevant training courses, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children's welfare, development, care and learning are fully promoted and maintained as the childminder has clear policies and procedures in place, which are available to parents. Children are safeguarded as all required documents and records are in place and stored with regard to maintaining confidentiality. The childminder ensures ratios are always maintained, promoting children's safety. She has current public liability insurance

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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 develop her knowledge and understanding about equal opportunity issues. She has attended diversity and equality training and developed her toys and activities to help children develop their awareness and positive attitudes towards difference. She was also asked to improve fire safety. Children are now well protected as the

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Improvements 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 fire blanket is appropriately situated for ease of access, and they learn about evacuation in the event of a fire.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns relating to National Standard 1 (Suitable Person) and National Standard 11 (Behaviour). The concerns were originally shared with another agency. A childcare inspector from Ofsted Early Years then visited the provision on 27 June 2006. Actions were raised and satisfactorily met by the registered provider. The provider remains qualified for registration. 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 the nappy changing procedure to protect children from the risks of cross infection.

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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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