Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 305855 Inspection date 08 August 2005 Inspector Elizabeth Blenkhorn

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 9 years. They live in a house in the Norton area of Stockton-on-Tees. It is within walking distance of local amenities, including shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a total of 6 children at any one time and is currently caring for 2 children under 8 years on a part time basis. The childminder attends local parent/toddler groups.

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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 The family has 2 rabbits. The childminder has a Teaching Assistant qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder follows clear, effective hygiene routines and procedures to promote children's good health and protect them from the spread of infection. High standards of cleanliness are maintained in all areas used for childminding to ensure children are cared for in a clean and warm home. Children's awareness of good hygiene practices is raised through the childminder explaining the importance of following good routines and by setting a good example. Older children know to flush the toilet, wash their hands after use of the toilet and before meals and younger children are beginning to gain understanding of routines and good practices. Children enjoy activities, both indoors and outdoors, which contribute to developing their physical skills and good health. For example, as they play in the garden riding on wheeled toys, go for walks in the local community, visit the park to use the

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Helping children to be healthy

climbing equipment or dance to music. All children rest, sleep or are active according to their needs. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are offered drinks regularly throughout the day and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children's individual needs are met.

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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 well-organised, safe and secure environment. The good organisation of space and resources and daily checks ensure children have room to move around freely, safely and independently. A good range of toys, furniture and equipment which are of good quality and well maintained are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Toys and resources are organised so that children can access them easily, make choices and develop their independence. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety, both inside and outside the home, for example, preventing access to dangerous substances and sharp objects and road safety when on walks. She has a good awareness of children's constantly developing needs and takes appropriate safety measures to ensure children's safety at all times, for example, by carrying out informal risk assessments, in the home and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

garden, to identify risks or hazards. The childminder has all the required documentation in place to ensure the children's

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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 welfare is promoted and safeguarded. Children are well protected. She has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminders care. Positive relationships have been developed and children approach the childminder with confidence and affection. She helps to raise children's self esteem by giving meaningful praise, encouragement and valuing what they have to offer. Children's individual care routines have been established which are consistent with home, this promotes children's sense of belonging, security and develops their confidence. The childminder has a sound understanding of the range of experiences required to enable children to develop. The children are involved in a broad range of interesting and stimulating activities, both indoors and outdoors. Play opportunities take account of children's individual needs and interests, resulting in children being purposefully engaged in activities. Everyday activities, such as creative activities and outdoor play,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

provide exciting learning opportunities. Good use is made of local facilities, such as the library and toddler group, to support children's speech and language and help to develop children's social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world in their daily play and as they go for walks in the local community and visit places of interest, such as the farm and library. However, there are no resources which reflect positive images of disability. Children behave very well. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing children's behaviour taking account of their ages, stages and level of understanding. She helps them learn how to negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour by supporting them, encouraging children to help each other and being a positive role model. This helps children understand boundaries, play together and develop respect for each other. Positive partnerships have been established with parents which helps to promote

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's well-being, development and progress. Parents' views about their children's needs and interests are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs and parents' wishes for their children.

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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 The organisation is good. Children feel at home in the well-organised, relaxed environment resulting in children being confident to initiate their own play and learning. Space and resources, both indoors and outdoors, are organised to maximise play opportunities for children. They are able to move around freely, safely and independently. The required adult to child ratios are maintained, resulting in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being met effectively. The childminder has completed relevant training. This has increased her knowledge and skills and allowed her to develop her practice. She is committed to improving the service and seeks ways to enable her to do this. Records, policies and procedures are all in place and maintained appropriately. Children's records are shared with parents to keep them informed about the service,

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Organisation

their progress and achievements. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children cared for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the record of attendance showed times of children's attendance for all children cared for and to maintain appropriate written parental consent forms. The childminder has reviewed and updated all records. Documentation now includes clear, accurate and up to date details of all children's times of attendance and all required written parental consents. The improved documentation has improved children's care and well-being.

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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):

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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 • ensure activities and resources are used which reflect positive images of culture and disability.

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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

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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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