Childminder in Darlington

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 301001 Inspection date 30 June 2005 Inspector Elizabeth Blenkhorn

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1990. She lives with her husband and two adult sons. They live in the Cockerton area of Darlington with local amenities within walking distance. The ground floor and bathroom on the first floor of the childminders home are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for eleven children, on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. She attends local parents/toddler

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 groups, library and parks. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and of the Darlington Childminder Network and she runs a parent and toddler group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to develop very good self-care skills, as a result of the well-established hygiene routines. Clear explanations increase children's understanding of the importance of washing their hands to help maintain good health and reduce the risk of cross contamination. For example as they wash their hands before meals and after use of the toilet. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and help children learn about the importance of activity in a healthy lifestyle. They join in free play and organised activities, both indoors and outdoors, for example as they play on the climbing equipment and ride on the wheeled toys. Children's nutritional needs are very well-met. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their individual dietary requirements.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in the well-organised environment. This means that they are able to move around freely, independently and safely, both indoors and outdoors. Children are able to access safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate resources. These are well-organised at child level to encourage independent access. The children are learning safe practice because the childminder explains why they should tidy-up items, for example, so that children do not fall and hurt themselves. The children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as a result of the childminders good knowledge of accident and medication procedures and her clear understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled. They enter confidently and relate well to each other. They have good opportunities to socialise with other children through regular

p.3

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 attendance at local groups including toddlers, visits with other children and play group. The very well-organised space and resources helps children take initiative and develop increasing independence. Children spend their time purposefully. The childminder plans interesting activities which she adapts to meet individual needs and interests as a result children enjoy exploring a wide range of stimulating, appropriate activities which contribute to their learning, such as planting and growing and different painting techniques. Children are well-supported by the childminder who encourages children to extend their experiences by listening and talking with them and providing activities which promote their well-being and development.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy very good relationships with each other and the childminder. They develop confidence and self-esteem as they make choices and decisions. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world, for example as they visit the farm, through routine outings to the park and walks in the local community. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as they follow their daily routines, as discussed with parents. Children show care and concern for each other and play well together. Children's behaviour is very good because of the childminders use of positive strategies for managing behaviour, helping children learn to understand boundaries and play together.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home, are settled and happy in the well organised environment. Space, indoors and outdoors, is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. they are able to move around safely, confidently and independently. All policies, procedures and records are used effectively to promote the care, welfare and learning of children. However, records of attendance are not always clear and up to date. Documentation is shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities, progress and achievements. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Planning systems are monitored and adapted to keep children safe and to enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children cared for.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended that the childminder keep appropriate records for any assistants. This no longer applies as the childminder does not work with any assistants.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure the record of attendance is accurate and kept up to date.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.5