Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 311557 Inspection date 01 September 2005 Inspector Cathryn Parry

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1996. She lives with her two children aged 16 and 13 years in the residential area of Birtley in Chester-le-Street. The whole of the ground floor and the study and bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children. She also cares for children over 8 years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also attends the local parent and toddler group.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are adequately nourished as the childminder provides regular meals and snacks. They have frequent access to drinks including bottled water when on outings, ensuring their well-being is maintained. Children's physical development is promoted well through accessing a variety of experiences, such as swimming and taking regular walks. The childminder's knowledge of individual children and her flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest. This ensures specific needs are appropriately met. Good personal hygiene routines are being developed, for instance, when washing hands after using the toilet. Verbal policies and good relationships with parents ensure individual children are cared for satisfactorily should they become ill, reducing the risk of cross infection. However, the childminder's first aid certificate has expired, which could have a negative impact on children's welfare. All relevant documentation

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and up-to-date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safeguarded very well with effective procedures for adults to collect them. They are able to make very good progress in a safe environment, exploring confidently using high quality resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. All safety equipment is in place and is enhanced with close supervision reducing the risk of accidents. The childminder is vigilant on outings, with an active approach to children taking responsibility for their own actions. This results in the reduced risk of accidental injury and raised self-awareness. Children are starting to be aware of each other's safety. An older child discussed the need to have toys with small parts kept away from the babies so they don't choke. Children are protected well as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. Appropriate documentation and good relationships with parents

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

contribute positively to children's overall safety.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are eager to engage in the wide variety of activities provided. Attractively displayed resources encourage children to participate fully. Individuals make good progress and have fun as the childminder plans effectively for the week ahead. A very good balance of child-centred and

p.3

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 adult-led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development. An older child was observed independently completing dot-to-dot pictures, whilst younger children built a garage with the childminder. Children delight in using their imagination, for instance, when playing with puppet spiders. They are developing good colour recognition and improved coordination through a variety of creative activities. Children's communication skills are fostered well, resulting in good interactions between themselves and the childminder. They have a growing understanding of the natural world through a variety of experiences, such as trips to the park where they observe squirrels.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well settled in the friendly and welcoming environment. An effective induction procedure including a parental questionnaire ensures individual needs are met well. The childminder’s very good understanding of children's unique personalities promotes effective behaviour management. They are learning right from wrong and are starting to take responsibility for their own actions. Children show concern for each other, for instance, when making space for others to sit on the cushions. They are learning to share and take turns well through the childminder’s appropriate support, for example, when playing with different coloured spider puppets. Positive role modelling by the childminder and appropriate resources with regard to ethnicity encourage children’s growing knowledge of equal opportunities. However, there are no resources reflecting positive images of disability, which has a negative

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

effect on children's awareness and understanding of difference. The childminder's sensitive and professional approach to effective partnerships with parents has a positive impact on children's overall well-being.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder's links with other professionals, such as the local nursery staff and other registered childminders, has had a positive impact on the quality of care she provides. Effective organisation of time enables children to participate in a variety of experiences such as trips to the library, broadening their outlook. Play opportunities are developed positively through the appropriate organisation of space, including using the study for computer based activities. A range of planned resources are organised appropriately to enable children to choose freely. All legally required documentation with regard to the children is in place and stored adequately to maintain confidentiality. This positively contributes to children’s overall well-being. However, required checks for all household members are not fully completed, which could have a detrimental effect on children's welfare.

p.4

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 Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that the conditions of registration regarding numbers attending were adhered to at all times, and that equal opportunities resources were developed. Conditions of registration are adhered to at all times ensuring children's well-being. Resources with regard to equal opportunities are being further developed, which has a positive impact on children's raised awareness and understanding of difference.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • develop resources with regard to disability • up date first aid training • ensure all persons over the age of 16 years living in the household undergo appropriate checks.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.5