Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY286425 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2007 Inspection date Josephine Ann Northend 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 satisfactory. 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 lives with her husband and their two children aged nine and seven years. They live in a three bedroomed house in an established residential area of Marske, in Redcar and Cleveland. The property is located close to local amenities, including shops, parks and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have use of the ground floor of the house and there is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property for outdoor activities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years; there are currently six children on roll attending for a variety of sessions. The childminder also cares for children over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a pet dog that the minded children have supervised access to.

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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 satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. They take part in regular outdoor activities in the fully enclosed garden, including ball games, skipping ropes and use of a play house, to encourage their physical development. Children visit local parks and amenities regularly. They are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, which contributes to their good health and sense of security. Effective procedures followed by the childminder result in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. The childminder has clear policies in place regarding sick children, medication and the recording of accidents to ensure children’s health needs are met. However, children do not always wash their hands before eating snack and parents do not always sign to acknowledge the record of medication administered to children. This means children's health needs are not fully met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular drinks are offered to the children who also benefit from being offered varied and healthy choices with their meals and snacks, for example fresh fruit. They are offered drinks throughout the day. The childminder takes into account parents' wishes and complies with any special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy.

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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 recently fitted air conditioning to the conservatory to ensure children remain comfortable. The childminder has sound systems in place to ensure children's safety inside and outside the home, for example, through the use of appropriate car restraints.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are available for all ages, and in sufficient quantities, to ensure children enjoy a wide range of activities to promote all areas of their development. They are stored so that children can reach them easily, make choices and develop their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good relationships with the childminder and are well settled and happy in her care. Consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to become increasingly independent, to learn what they can do and know when to ask for help, for example, when playing on games consoles. Communication skills are well supported through good adult-child interactions. Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder and talk about the exciting things they can do.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has understanding of how children learn and she plans and provides a range of stimulating and appropriate activities. The activities planned take into account children's

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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 individual interests. The childminder is aware of their individual progress and achievements. She constantly praises and encourages the children. This promotes their confidence and self-esteem well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. The childminder uses the local library and provides some activities and resources which increases children's awareness of diversity. The childminder has good understanding of each child as an individual and uses this to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. This helps the children to understand the boundaries set and to behave well. The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for all children, including those with learning difficulties or physical disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Trusting partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. 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. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate their own play and learning. Adult-child ratios are maintained and the childminder works well in order to enhance children's health, safety, enjoyment, overall achievement and contribution.

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Organisation

The childminder holds a first aid certificate and required documentation is available. However, not all medication administered to children has been recorded. This is a breach in regulations. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure children do not have access to harmful substances. The lock on the cupboard door that contains harmful substance has now been replaced. This means children's safety 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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Complaints 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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • further develop good hygiene practices through hand washing before snack • further develop mediation records by asking parent to consistently sign to acknowledge record • ensure the record of medication administered to children is maintained accurately.

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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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