Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

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312681 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2007 Inspection date Ann Coggin Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 registered since September 1992. She lives with her husband and adult son in the Marton area of Middlesbrough. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom upstairs are used for childminding and there are enclosed front and rear gardens for outdoor play. The family has a dog, iguana and hamster as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for 10 children part-time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She attends a local toddler group on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the home ensuring that children are cared for in a clean home. The childminder has implemented clear hygiene routines to protect

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and promote children's health. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene from an early age through daily routines, which support and encourage their developing independence. Good hygiene practices are in place regarding nappy changing. Systems are in place for addressing children's health needs and the effective use of the written sick child policy results in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. Children are protected when in the sun, as sun screen is applied before going outside.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a broad range of activities which contribute to their good health. They walk to and from school and have use of the front and rear gardens which ensures that they have access to fresh air on a daily basis. They have regular visits to the park which enables children to use large equipment, such as a climbing frame and slide, and opportunities to develop their physical skills at toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from being offered varied and nutritious meals and snacks. They enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables daily and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development. The menu record provides details of the meals and snacks given to the children and this is shared with parents. Drinks are offered throughout the day with older children helping themselves to water and juice. The childminder ensures that she has all children's dietary needs recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. There are good procedures in place for ensuring the risk of accidental injury to children is minimised. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and well-organised environment where the childminder places a high priority on safety. For example, a stair gate prevents young children from accessing the stairs and cupboard locks ensure dangerous substances are inaccessible to children. This results in children being able to move around safely, freely and independently. The children are beginning to understand and learn about keeping safe, both indoors and outdoors. They know not to climb on the furniture and to look and listen for cars before crossing the roads. The childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure in place which is practised with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children independently select activities from safe, well-maintained, good quality toys and resources which meet safety standards and are well-organised to encourage independent access. The childminder carefully supervises the children's choice of toys to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding children. She has attended training and is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Relevant contact details are easily accessible and her written child protection statement is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy their time with the childminder and are happy and settled in her care. Routines have been established to promote children's sense of security. The close and caring relationships formed between the children and the childminder contribute to the children's sense of belonging and in developing their confidence.

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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 childminder spends time playing with the children and listening and talking to them, whilst extending their learning. They play confidently with a good range of toys and resources, such as puzzles, books, role play and creative materials. All are easily accessible and suitable for their age and stage of development. The children enjoy exciting outings to various places of interest, such as Stewart's Park, the beach and local museums. Younger children are able to extend their social interaction by attending various toddler groups which enable children to get together and participate in activities as a group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development which means children's emotional, social, physical and intellectual capabilities are promoted. The children are independent as a result of the consistent support, praise and encouragement given to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity, resulting in all children feeling valued and positive about themselves. All children are welcomed into the childminder's home, respected as individuals and participate fully in all activities. Children learn about the local community as they visit places of interest, such as Stewart's Park. There is a suitable selection of resources in place, such as books, dolls and jigsaws for children to develop positive attitudes towards others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved, polite and well mannered. The childminder helps them to negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour by supporting them, being a positive role model, and encouraging the children to help each other. The children learn to be increasingly independent as a result of the consistent level of support and the praise and encouragement offered to them. The childminder uses resources, such as books about bullying, fighting and being mean, to help children understand the importance of being kind and thoughtful to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder has established with parents. The childminder ensures that she has a good knowledge and understanding of the needs of the individual children in her care. She actively shares information with parents on a daily basis. Parents are provided with copies of the childminder's policies and procedures and they sign to say they have read and understand these. The childminder's complaints procedure is displayed for parents, however, the regulator's address is not provided and the complaints log does not respect confidentiality.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and are relaxed and at ease with the childminder. A child-friendly well-organised environment has been created, resulting in children being confident and secure in themselves and with the childminder. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children, allowing them the ability to initiate and develop their own play and learning. A parents noticeboard provides parents with information on training attended by the childminder, such as supporting children with disabilities, sharing together, inclusion and first aid.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the care, welfare and learning of the children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service

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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 and their child's activities. Required documentation which contributes to children's well-being is in place.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that good hygiene practices are in place regarding nappy changing. The childminder has effective systems in place to ensure children's health is promoted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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): • amend the complaints policy to include the regulator's address and ensure the complaints log respects confidentiality.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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