Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349154 Unique Reference Number 25 September 2007 Inspection date Karen Ling 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 children aged nine and five in Killingworth, North Tyneside. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five and one child over five before school on a flexible arrangement. She holds an appropriate level three qualification in childcare. The childminder walks to and from the local school. The family has a dog. No children were present at the inspection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's good health is promoted. She has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. She describes how children would learn about their personal hygiene

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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 through normal daily routines such as washing hands after visiting the bathroom. However, the current arrangements for children's hand washing, such as sharing one towel, do not ensure the spread of infection is minimised. From discussion, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of what constitutes a healthy diet. A nutritious breakfast is offered to children including a choice of cereals and home made pancakes with a choice of toppings. Children are offered milk or freshly juiced fruit and drinking water is accessible at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is welcoming and well maintained. She has taken action to ensure that risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. For example, a stairgate is put in place at the bottom of the stairs when children are being minded and the trampoline in the rear garden has a safety net. Through discussion, the childminder shows that she helps children to learn about their own safety during play activities and daily routines. However, she has yet to develop a procedure for emergency escape and practise it. Although overall, the selection and diversity of resources is limited, the toys and equipment used for childminding are suitable and adequate for the number of hours and the ages of children currently being minded. The childminder understands her role in child protection and has a satisfactory understanding of how to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder demonstrated that through the provision of a selection of toys and resources children can choose activities, such as building with construction bricks, reading and colouring books. She encourages children's language through her interaction in play activities, at breakfast time and during the walk to and from school. The play resources are limited but varied and organised in a manner which helps to promote free choice. They are of a satisfactory quality and easily accessed with support from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has established routines in accordance with parental wishes so that children feel safe and secure within her care and individual needs are met. She promotes independence, for example encouraging children to eat at their own pace whilst providing support as necessary. The childminder shows a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving appropriate examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. She has written procedures for aspects of children in her care which are shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is well organised and is proactive in developing her knowledge and awareness of childcare practices. For example, she has successfully completed the level three Diploma in Home-based Childcare. She has the necessary documentation in place for childminding and records are kept up to date. The complaints procedure contains some of the necessary detail. A procedure for recording complaints has yet to be established and shared with parents. Overall,

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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 evidence suggests that the provision meets the needs of the range of 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.

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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): • review the arrangements for children's hand washing to minimise the spread of infection • revise and practice an emergency evacuation procedure • increase the range of toys and equipment to meet the full age range and reflect diversity • extend the documentation provided for parents on the procedures and recording process to be followed in the event of them making a complaint about the childminding service.

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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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