Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 506892 Inspection date 08 August 2005 Inspector Ann Marie Lefevre

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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 November 1992. She is approved to mind a maximum of six children at any one time and currently has six children on her records. The household consists of the childminder and her two teenaged sons. Their home is a cottage located on a farm complex close to the town of Alnwick and local amenities. Children have access to the living room, utility room and kitchen on the ground floor. The bathroom is the only room on the first floor used by the minded children. The large rear garden is available for supervised outdoor activities. A dog lives with the

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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 family; health and safety measures are maintained in relation to the animal. The children are taken to toddler groups and other local resources on a regular basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to learn about health and hygiene in their daily routines and activities. They are encouraged to take responsibility, to be aware of hygiene and wash their hands before eating, after toilet or when playing in the garden. Children benefit from having a healthy diet, which includes snacks such as fresh fruit provided by the childminder. Children are able to help themselves to their easily accessible drinks. The childminder ensures that babies and toddlers are provided with appropriate refreshments. Lunches are provided by parents; either sandwiches or food to warm up. The childminder ensures that any special dietary needs are met effectively. She works closely with parents to ensure that children gain the necessary nutritional balance for positive growth in a warm and caring environment. Children's health requirements are highlighted in individual details sheets and in the

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Helping children to be healthy

recording systems in place. Medication dosage is recorded, however, some entries are not signed by parents. There is an accident book in place. The childminder confirmed that there have been no injuries to date. However, she was unsure about the recording of such injuries as a tiny cut. Issues relating to the children are discussed with parents. The childminder is aware of ensuring that children's health needs are met; has completed appropriate first aid, has a well stocked first aid kit and is keen to ensure that minded children benefit from being cared for in a clean and healthy setting. Children develop their physical and emotional wellbeing in a varied range of stimulating activities. They are able to gain exercise and fresh air from outdoor play in the garden, walking in the local farm areas and seeing the animals, and visiting local beauty spots. They are able to use a wide selection of large and small outdoor

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Helping children to be healthy

equipment such as bikes and push and pull toys. Children benefit from looking for pebbles and shells and seeing wild life. They are taken to the nearest market town where they watch festivals including singing and dancing by people from other countries. These activities ensure children's positive physical and social development as they also have opportunities to socialise with other children and adults.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm, welcoming and comfortable for children to use safely. Children benefit from being able to access the designated childcare areas with close, age appropriate supervision and support from the childminder. They are encouraged

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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 to be aware of safety, both in and outside the home, in daily routines and activities. The childminder ensures the premises are safe and secure for children. Many safety measures have been taken, such as a well positioned safety gate to prevent unsupervised access to the stairs and first floor, socket covers, and a secure garden to ensure that children can play safely in and around her home. The childminder makes sure that children do not gain access to any potentially hazardous areas or items. However, a metal drum in the garden has some erosion resulting in a sharp edge. Appropriate care is also taken when children are out of the home environment in the community and when visiting child activity settings. The children are able gain safe access to a wide range of equipment and play

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

resources. The childminder ensures that the toys, equipment and furniture are in a good state of repair for the children attending. She also ensures that the play resources are appropriate for the age and stage of development of each child. Appropriate Public Liability insurance is in place. Documentation in relation to the setting, recording systems and written parental consents for outings are in place to ensure consistency of care for each child. The childminder has participated in appropriate training including first aid and child protection. The childminder is aware of the need to protect children. Although she has had no concerns to date in relation to the minded children, she has a good understanding of what to be aware of, who to contact and what to record. There is a confidentiality policy statement in place and the childminder will develop parent awareness by ensuring that parents are also fully

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

aware of the child protection procedure and Ofsted contact details.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. All children are able to enjoy a good range of stimulating and educational activities and projects in a calm, warm and affectionate environment. They are able to develop their awareness and skills in educational as well as fun ways. They have good opportunities to develop skills and learn new ones. They confidently use craft materials well to create pictures and are keen to show what they have done. They have a lovely time drawing colourful trains and other subjects; they are also able to participate in many other craft activities. Children are able to make choices and can select from indoor and outdoor play items such as craft materials to make junk models, construction toys, books, games, and large activity equipment such as bikes to use on the country paths or in the garden. The childminder values children and has a good understanding of how they learn and develop; this is evident in the way the childcare areas and resources are organised,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and in the actual care of children. She has a sound knowledge of the minded children, and the wishes of parents, to ensure there is consistency and continuity so that each child can progress and learn effectively. Minded children are very settled and at ease with the childminder and with each other. They are very confident and enthusiastic in the use of playthings and in the use of the play areas. The childminder encourages children to develop their vocabulary skills by using simple and clear language and encouraging meaningful

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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 two way discussion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards equal opportunities and respecting individual and differing needs. There are many opportunities for children to develop their awareness of their local and wider communities. Children learn about sharing and valuing others from the good role model provided by the childminder. The childminder gently and sensitively supports, praises and encourages children in their daily routines and activities which helps them to develop their self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging. The children are very happy and relaxed during play and respond well to lots of positive encouragement from the childminder. Children are able to make choices in their play and daily routines and the childminder is adept at encouraging children to share their opinions and also share the playthings. Parents are able to participate in planning and the exchange of information

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Helping children make a positive contribution

necessary for their child's day care. Children share their experience with parents as they are able to take their art and craft work home. The childminder keeps parents informed, verbally, of daily activities and events as well as health and dietary issues. The childminder has prepared a well organised information file with relevant details to ensure parents have a good awareness of the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the good standard in care provided. The childminder is well focussed in her approach to her work. This is reflected in the well organised child care areas in her home, in safety measures taken and in the range of resources and equipment provided. Clearly defined, sensitive daily routines enable children to settle well and feel secure in the setting. Relevant recording systems are in place. The file of information for parents includes policies and procedures such as equal opportunities, confidentiality, managing children's behaviour, and fire safety, as well as training certificates and other information in relation to the childcare service provided. The childminder continues to develop the file and will add a fire safety plan of childminding areas to the existing fire safety policy statement. The recording systems are mostly well maintained, are readily available for Ofsted inspection, and are shared by the childminder with

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Organisation

parents in relation to their own child. Overall, the needs of all children who attend are met.

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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

Minded children benefit from the additional safety measures which have been taken in the premises.

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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 that the written record of medicines given to children is signed by parents, and that all accidents are formally recorded • ensure that the metal drum in the garden is made safe so that it does not present a hazard to minded children

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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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