Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 312738 Inspection date 29 June 2005 Inspector Josephine Ann Northend

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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 has been childminding for nine years, she lives with her husband and two children in a bungalow in an established residential area of Marske, close to local amenities including the beach, shops, schools and train station. Minded children have use of the back room and kitchen under supervision. There is a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the property, accessed through the back room for out door activities. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years, there are

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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 currently three children under eight years attending, one full time and the others attend one and two days a week. The family have two pet cats that the children do not have access to. The childminder attends a local toddler group with the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. Daily activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines and the childminder offers good support and guidance to the children which raises their awareness and develops their independence. The childminder works well to meet each child’s individual needs, she complies with special dietary requirements and takes into account children’s preferences ensuring children remain healthy. Effective procedures followed by the childminder results in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. Children are cared for in warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security.

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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 spacious environment where risks are identified and minimised. This means children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder has sound systems in place to ensure children's safety inside and outside the home. Furniture, equipment and toys which are of good quality and in a safe, well maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Toys and resources are stored so that children can reach them easily, make choices and develop their independence. The childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example she holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures in line with Area Child Protection procedures.

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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 The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminders care. Routines have been established, promoting children's sense of security. The childminder is aware of the children's individual developmental stages and their likes and dislikes which allows her to plan interesting activities which take into account children's individual interests. She is interested in what children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play. As a result, children are interested, motivated and their all round development is promoted. Good relationships are evident between the children and the childminder, these contribute to the children's sense of belonging. Children's self esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

have to offer. Communication skills are well supported through good adult-child interaction.

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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. They access a varied range of activities and resources which increases their awareness of diversity. Children are well behaved, the childminder acts as a good role model and manages behaviour well, promoting children's self esteem and confidence by giving appropriate and sincere praise and encouragement. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Parent's views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis. Parents receive both verbal and written information about their child's day and activities. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a well-organised environment which contributes to the children being happy and settled. Space indoors and outdoors is well used to cater for all the children's play needs. They are able to move around confidently and independently. The required ratios are maintained resulting in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being met effectively. There are effective systems in place for the sharing of information with parents about the service and their child's activities. Information is shared both verbally and written each day. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder recognises that in order to develop her practice she would benefit from attendance at relevant workshops. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Two recommendations were agreed at the last inspection. To complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for babies and young children and to extend resources to promote positive images of equal opportunities. Both recommendations have been completed a valid, appropriate first aid course has been completed and the certificate is available. There is a good range of resources available to promote positive images of equal opportunities. This ensures children's good health is protected and their understanding of the wider world is promoted.

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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 knowledge through relevant workshops to improve childcare practice

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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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