Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY231912 Inspection date 05 July 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 a registered childminder since January 2003 and she lives in an end terrace house in the coastal town of Marske, with her husband and three children aged 8 years, 6 years and 15 months. The premises are situated a short walk from the beach and are not far from local amenities and a primary school. The childminder currently has five children under eight years on her register, two of whom are siblings. One child attends three days, two after school and the other two children attend occasional days.

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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 Children have the use of the whole of the ground floor which includes a designated play room. There is a large, fully enclosed rear garden with some play equipment fixed in place. The family have a number of pets; two dogs, two cats, two goldfish, a stick insect and a tropical fish tank. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. Children benefit from being offered varied, nutritional food at mealtimes. The childminder works closely with parents to provide food and drinks which appeal to children and meets their dietary needs. They enjoy fresh fruit and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development. 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

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Helping children to be healthy

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 however the drains in the rear garden are not protected. 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. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regards to child protection. All required procedures and documentation are in place.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's 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. This 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 for example naming animals and the sounds they make and singing with the children. As a result the 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 have to offer. Communication skills are well supported through good adult-child

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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 behave well. 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. Children learn to work harmoniously together and develop respect for each other. 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 is updated on a regular basis. Parents are kept verbally informed 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 satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease within the well-organised environment and the childminder organises her time well to meet the needs of the children. The required ratios are maintained resulting in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being met effectively. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the care and welfare of children and are shared well with parents, to keep them 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 the child's activities. Required records are in place. The childminder's first aid certificate has recently lapsed which comprises children's safety. The provision meets the needs of the children being cared for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, evidence that the childminder had completed an appropriate first aid course was not available. The certificate is now displayed in the play room however it has recently elapsed, the childminder is to attend the next available course in order to ensure children's safety. The childminder also agreed to ensure children do not have unsupervised access to the stairs. This recommendation has been met, a safety gate is in use at the bottom of the stairs allowing children greater independence.

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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 an appropriate first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children is completed • ensure outside drains are safe or inaccessible to the 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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