Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 305513 Inspection date 05 July 2005 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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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 1994. She lives with her two children, aged 11 and 13 in the residential area of Barmston in Washington. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and the first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under the age of 8. She also cares for children over 8 years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children flourish because of the very good interaction with the childminder. Their well- being is enhanced through well planned opportunities for large physical play, either in the fully enclosed garden or with visits to the park and beach. Older children are able to access drinks independently, as well as having healthy options such as smoothies prepared for them. A flexible approach to meals enables parents to choose whether food is provided by the childminder or by themselves, ensuring children's individual needs are met well. The children are learning effective personal hygiene practices through positive encouragement by the childminder, for example covering their mouths when coughing. Individual colour coded towels encourage children's independence whilst promoting their well- being. The childminder's professional relationship with parents and effective procedures ensure children are cared for well when they are ill, reducing the risk of the spread of

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Helping children to be healthy

infection. The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and parents are shown a warm welcome, building positive relationships. Children are able to progress well in a very comfortable and clean environment, exploring safely using high quality resources. They have a clear understanding of why it is important to tidy up activities so they don't trip over toys. Excellent routines are in place, which raises children's self awareness including when children are getting out of the car. Effective procedures for collection of children ensure their well- being. They are protected through vigilant supervision inside and on outings; this is complemented with all safety equipment being in place. The front door however is not secure at all times. Children are safeguarded well by the childminder who has a sound understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time in the childminding environment. Individuals make good progress as the childminder ensures she has a good base knowledge of children’s starting points.

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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 Their communication skills are fostered well resulting in competent speakers and listeners. Children have a growing understanding of the world that they live in through the wide variety of activities available and discussion with the childminder, for instance when learning that the horse with a broken leg would need to visit the vet. Experiences are extended to confirm and strengthen understanding, including making traffic light biscuits following a walk that included crossing the road. Children have very good relationships with the childminder, which encourages a feeling of well being and worth. They have raised self esteem and confidence as positive support, praise and encouragement are given including praise postcards for special achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have a strong sense of belonging due to the childminder's friendly and approachable manner. She has comprehensive knowledge of individual children, which fosters a feeling of trust and security. The childminder's positive attitude to equal opportunities gives children a balanced view of the wider community. This is complemented by celebrating different festivals and accessing further resources from the local toy library. The childminder has experience of caring for children who have English as an additional language and shows a clear understanding of their specific requirements. Effective behaviour management strategies, which are consistently implemented lead to children's behaviour being good. Very good relationships with parents ensure children's ongoing individual needs are met well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Play opportunities for children are enhanced through the good use of space. The childminder plans her time carefully to enable children to participate in a wide range of activities and experiences including trips to the park and beach with other childminders. The childminders commitment to training is reflected in the care and activities that she provides. Resources are stored satisfactorily, enabling some free choice. Most documentation is in place. However parents do not countersign consent forms for any medication given, and relevant written information with regard to special dietary requirements and allergies is not gained. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to extend the range of

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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 provision to promote positive images of disability and to gain written consent to seek emergency medical treatment. The childminder is accessing resources promoting positive images of disability through her local book and toy libraries, extending children's understanding of the world they live in. She has written consent to seek emergency medical treatment as part of the children's initial contract ensuring their 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): • ensure records regarding special dietary requirements and food allergies are in place • ensure medication forms are countersigned • ensure premises are secure at all times

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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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