Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY318757 Unique Reference Number 08 August 2007 Inspection date Julie Morrison 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 was registered in 2005. She co-childmind's with her mother from her mothers' home in Chester le Street. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding, there is a dedicated playroom and a rear yard for outdoor play. She is registered to care for four children and currently has one child aged 20 months on roll. The childminder is a member of the local childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are supported to stay healthy and appropriately nourished as the childminder has a suitable understanding of the importance of a healthy and balanced diet. Children benefit from planned menus which include fresh fruit and vegetables. They are reminded to wipe their hands before eating and after using the toilet. This helps children to understand simple hygiene practices. Suitable arrangements for children to rest and sleep are in place in line with parents' wishes.

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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 Children have daily access to fresh air and exercise which contributes to their good health. They go for walks to the park and play on ride-on toys and bikes in the rear yard. The childminder has a clear sick child procedure in place which is shared with parents. Children's health is promoted as the childminder has a current first aid certificate and a first aid box. However, consent to obtain emergency medical treatment has not been requested from parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a dedicated playroom where they are safe and secure. The environment is well laid out and is stimulating and inviting to children. A good selection of toys are attractively displayed and stored so that children can access them independently from child-height storage boxes and shelves. The childminder regularly checks the toys to ensure that they are safe and clean for children. The childminder gives good priority to maintaining children's safety outside of the home, for example, young children are securely strapped into pushchairs, older children hold hands and she carries a first aid kit and mobile phone with her at all times. Consents from parents have been obtained to take children on outings, further promoting their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from potential hazards within the home, for example, stair gates and socket covers are in place, and external doors are kept locked at all times. The childminder implements a strict child collection policy ensuring that only named persons can collect children. The children are protected in the event of a fire as there is a good range of fire equipment in place, such as a fire blanket, fire extinguisher and smoke alarms. However, children's learning of how to keep themselves safe is not fully supported as the childminder does not practise fire drills with them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and understands the signs and symptoms of abuse. She has a clear written policy in place and is confident of procedures to follow if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and choose from a wide range of toys and resources at the setting. Good, warm and caring relationships are being developed between the children and the childminder. She maintains good interaction with the children as she sits with them and gets involved in their activities, talking to them about what they are doing and encouraging development, for example, asking what colours the crayons are they are using.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy imaginative play with dolls and dolls houses and playing with building blocks. They develop creative experiences through craft activities and dressing up. The childminder knows the children well, she responds to their individual needs, for example, recognising that a child is not well and giving lots of cuddles and one to one time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children well and develops their self-esteem through praise and encouragement. The children respond well to her and she uses gentle reminders to reinforce good behaviour, for example, 'do not run you, might slip over'. Age appropriate techniques, such as distraction and discussion, further promote good behaviour. Children are secure because

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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 effective relationships are established with parents. Clear agreements are in place and parents receive an informative information pack which includes policies and procedures. The childminder informs parents about their child's day through discussions at the end of the session, ensuring continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sound knowledge of equal opportunities and encourages non-gender specific play with the toys, for example, boys play with pushchairs and dolls. The childminder provides good opportunities for the children to learn about their local community. For example, they visit local toddler groups which encourages children to socialise with their peers, and go for walks to the local library for story time. However, the childminder has limited resources and activities to promote children's learning about diversity. The childminder has a positive attitude towards working with children with learning difficulties and disabilities, she is committed to liaising with parents to meet individual children's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed, happy and settled at the setting, moving confidently around the available space and accessing a wide range of resources. The childminder liaises well with parents and this supports continuity of care for the children. The childminder is committed to attending regular training to enhance her development and understanding of good care, for example, she is currently studying for a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in childcare. Children benefit from the childminder's active involvement in the local childminding network.

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Organisation

Most required policies and procedures are in place and stored effectively to promote security and confidentiality. The childminder's registration certificate is clearly displayed for parents to see and an up to date register of children's attendance is in place.

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Organisation

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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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. 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 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): • obtain parental consent for emergency medical treatment • promote children's understanding of safety by practising regular fire drills • develop activities and resources to promote diversity.

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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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