Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346400 Unique Reference Number 03 September 2007 Inspection date Sandra Davies 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 was registered in March 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged five years. They live in an established residential area of Middlesbrough, close to local amenities, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a lounge/diner and a dedicated play room available. The toilet is located at ground floor level. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under eight years on a full time basis. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. Children are taken to the library, parks and toddler groups

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have pet birds, fish and a hamster. Minded children have supervised access.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are cared for in warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. Procedures, followed by the childminder, result in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. For example, appropriate hand washing and cleaning of equipment and toys. Parents are given written information on the sick children policy and there are medication and accidents procedures in place. The childminder holds an appropriate first aid certificate and a first aid box is kept to hand.

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Helping children to be healthy

Some parents choose to provide meals for their children and the childminder is also willing to provide meals. She has a sound understanding of healthy eating. For example, offering fruit and vegetables. Drinks are available throughout the day. Water, milk and fruit juice are offered. The childminder takes account of and records parents' wishes and any special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are some activities to help children develop their physical skills and access fresh air. For example, when children are walked to the local woods and use the slide, scooters and trikes in the garden. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs and individual routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. 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. A satisfactory range of toys and equipment are readily available. Children's risk of accidental injury both inside and outside the home is minimized and children are under the direct supervision of the childminder at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and the front door is kept locked during minding. An emergency escape plan has been thought through and fire drills have been carried out and recorded. The childminder ensures children's safety when on outings. For example, harnesses are used when children are in a pushchair and appropriate restraints are used when being transported by car. There are satisfactory procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded. For example, a record of who can collect the child is kept and the childminder has a sound understanding of the child protection procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Warm relationships between the childminder and the children contribute to children's sense of belonging. The childminder communicates well with the children and they are well settled and happy in the childminder's care. This increases their confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The play equipment is easily accessible and well organised. This enables children to make choices and become independent. Independence is also encouraged when older children wash their own hands and tidy up after themselves.

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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 Activities offered cover most areas of development. For example, taking part in a baby rhyme time at the library and attending the local toddler group supports children's communication skills and encourages socialising. The outdoor play area is used to help develop children's physical skills. However, the range of activities does not fully cover all areas of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are made to feel welcome, given a sense of belonging and learn to have positive attitudes to others. They are able to learn about the local community as they visit, for example, the library and parks. However, the range of resources and activities to reflect diversity are limited. Sufficient information is obtained to be able to give individual care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive strategies are used to manage behaviour and help children to learn to play harmoniously together. Behaviour management is discussed with parents to ensure consistent methods are being used. The effective use of praise and encouragement ensures children feel happy and confident.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's care is promoted through the childminder's valued relationship with parents. Written information on the setting is provided, including the complaints procedure. However, this does not show the latest address and telephone number of the regulator. Parents are kept informed verbally about their child's day and activities as they are collected and written information on food intake and nappy changes for children under two is provided. This helps promote children's well-being, development and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive appropriate support and their needs are met effectively. Space is available both indoors and outdoors, to cater for all of the children's play needs. It is organised effectively with a dedicated play room available. Children are able to move around confidently and independently.

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Organisation

All required documentation, which contributes to children's health and well-being, is in place and well presented. For example a daily register and written policies and procedures. Children's personal details are well documented, ensuring individual care is given. The registration certificate is displayed and the childminder holds appropriate public liability insurance.

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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 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 activities and play opportunities to cover all areas of child development • ensure resources and activities are available which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability • update the complaints procedure to include the relevant address and telephone number of the regulator.

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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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