Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346481 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2007 Inspection date Vivienne Dempsey 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and three years in the Acre Rigg area of Peterlee. The whole of the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There is currently one child on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is positively promoted because they are cared for in a clean and tidy environment where good hygiene procedures are practised and encouraged. For example, the childminder regularly cleans surfaces, toys and floors and encourages children to wipe their hands before snacks and wash their hands after toileting. The childminder has satisfactory

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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 procedures in place regarding sick children, the administration of medication and recording accidents. However, written consent has not been requested from parents for seeking medical advice or treatment in an emergency. This compromises children's welfare in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for snacks, meals and drinks are negotiated with parents to ensure all children's individual needs are met. Children enjoy healthy snacks, such as banana and they independently help themselves to drinks when they are thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. They enjoy playing in the garden, visiting the local park and soft play area. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move around freely and independently as they are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where most risks have been identified. Appropriate fire safety equipment is in place, such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms. However, an emergency evacuation plan is not in place and fire drills have not been practised. This compromises children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A suitable range of good quality furniture, equipment and toys are in place. These are in a safe and well maintained condition, appropriate to the children's age and stage of development. Toys and resources are stored at children's level. This allows them to make choices and direct their own play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a basic awareness of child protection procedures and is aware of where to report concerns. However, this could be further developed to ensure children are fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very settled with the childminder. They feel comfortable and secure and make themselves at home. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and snuggle into her as they sit together sharing stories and picture books. They talk about the story and pictures, this helps develop children's language and learning. The childminder is interested in what children do and say and becomes involved in their play. This develops children's sense of belonging and promotes their confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Resources are organised so they are readily accessible to children, which supports their play and learning. The children are developing a warm relationship with the childminder and her family. They enjoy playing in the garden where they can access a good range of toys including a trampoline, bikes, cars and wheelbarrow. This helps develop their physical skills while they enjoy the fresh air.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and treated as individuals. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. This helps the children to understand the boundaries set and are very

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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 well behaved. Children receive lots of support and encouragement as they play. The childminder focuses on and supports good behaviour positively. Children play confidently with a suitable range of toys and resources, however resources which reflect diversity are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is proactive in welcoming children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She shares information with parents on a daily basis, to ensure she meets the needs of all children. Parents' views about their children's needs are sought before the child starts. Agreements about children's care are discussed fully. However, a complaints procedure for parents is not in place therefore they are not fully aware how to raise any concerns. This is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has ensured that all adults living in the household have been suitably vetted. Children are supervised at all times ensuring children's safety. The childminder has completed a pre-registration course, has an up to date first aid certificate and her registration certificate is prominently displayed.

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Organisation

A daily record of attendance is in place and ratios are maintained. This ensures that children receive appropriate care. Most records and documents are available for inspection and parents are kept informed of their child's care and routines.

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Organisation

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

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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 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):

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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 • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure an emergency evacuation plan is in place and regular fire drills are practised and recorded • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • ensure resources which reflect positive images of diversity are made available to children • develop a complaints procedure in line with current guidelines and share with parents.

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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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