Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 506913 Inspection date 01 July 2005 Inspector Hilary, Jane Purvis

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 1993. She lives with her husband and three children all aged over eight years in Newbrough, Hexham, Northumberland. The whole of the ground floor and a toilet on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden area for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at one time and is currently minding seven children all of whom attend on a part time basis. The family has a dog which is cared for at a relatives house during childminding

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 hours. Local child orientated facilities are used by the childminder on a regular basis and she is a member of National Childminding Association and West Tynedale Childminders Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and well being is promoted well through a daily routine which encompasses consistent high standards of hygiene awareness. The childminder discusses with the children the need to wash their hands before eating and after toileting. Children receive continuity of care through the childminder keeping parents updated of their child's development and care on a daily basis. Children enjoy a nutritious diet through the provision of meals and snacks that are healthy and balanced. A varied menu is provided which incorporates each child's dietary needs, preferences and parental wishes. Children are encouraged through play to be aware of the need to eat a healthy diet and enjoy mealtimes as a social occasion. Fresh fruit, as snacks, is included on a daily basis. Children's physical development is promoted through regular use of local child orientated facilities such as toddler groups and soft play. They enjoy the rear garden

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

area which is used regularly and provides varied physical and outdoor activities, including a play house and small bikes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in welcoming, clean premises, which are light and in good decorative order. They are able to move around safely and independently. Children's safety is promoted through the childminder having a good understanding of child safety both within the home environment, which is regularly assessed, and on outings. The risk to children in the home environment is reduced through appropriate precautions and safe practices being in place, such as not allowing the children into the kitchen unaccompanied. On outings where children are walking, the childminder encourages children to be aware of road safety including always using available crossings and discussing with the children the danger roads present. A wide range of suitable toys are provided for the children to select from that are well organised and appropriately stored to allow safe and free access by all. Children

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

have access to large play equipment in the rear garden which provides a safe and suitable area for outdoor play. The children receive close supervision from the childminder at all times which ensures they are safe and happy. The childminder has limited knowledge and understanding of current child protection

p.3

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 procedures, therefore children are not fully protected.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's natural curiosity to explore and investigate is built upon by the childminder providing support and encouragement. For example, early mathematical understanding is encouraged by questioning them about heavy and large when playing with the play people and dolls house. Children's early communication skills are developed through the childminder's use of expressive and enthusiastic language, encouraging them to express verbally what they see, for example when reading story books. Children interact confidently with the childminder receiving warm physical and verbal responses. The childminder displays a detailed knowledge of each child and their individual needs, incorporating their interests into the activities provided each day. Children's creativity is developed through the use of craft materials such as play dough, sticking and baking, which are effectively used to provide interest and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

challenge to a wide range of abilities. Children's general development is supported and encouraged through a varied and interesting daily routine, which incorporates outings, activities in the home and a solid routine of care which is beneficial to all the children. Children's self esteem is developed through the childminder valuing each child's contribution, listening and responding with respect and consideration.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour and provides encouragement, discussion and consistent praise to enable them behave well. Children gain an awareness of appropriate behaviour and the effect their behaviour has on others through discussion and a good role model provided by the childminder. The childminder spends time getting to know each child as an individual to enable her to meet their individual needs. For example, she discusses with them their preferences to enable an interesting programme of activities to be provided. Children are given time and encouragement to be involved in the activities and their contribution is valued. Children's self esteem is developed and encouraged through the childminder actively valuing each child. They are listened to and given time to express themselves and their individual differences are enjoyed. Children learn about

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

the community that they live in through regular visits to child orientated facilities, including the library, shops and park. Children are given the opportunity to become aware of other cultures, including different religions, dress and diet through good use of information, story books and children's TV. Children receive continuity of care through the childminder developing good

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 relationships with the parents of the minded children and keeping them informed of their child's development and care on a daily basis.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are effectively organised to enable a variety of activities to be successfully provided. Children remain confident in knowing what toys are available, even when they are not easily accessible, through them being rotated to retain children's interest and challenge. Children benefit and develop in confidence from the good organisation of the environment and a well thought out daily routine. All documentation is in place and fully completed, well organised and confidentially maintained. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children cared for.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

No complaints to report since the last inspection.

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): • increase knowledge and understanding of child protection.

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:

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 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.6