Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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319062 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2007 Inspection date Jasmin Myles-Wilson 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 has been registered since 2000 and lives with her husband and their four children aged 15, 13, 10 and seven, in their detached house in the west of Newcastle Upon Tyne. The whole ground floor is used for childminding purposes. Local amenities and schools are within a short walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. At present she is minding one child aged under five years and three children aged under eight years. The childminder walks to take children to and collect them from the local school. The family has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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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 good. Children's health and hygiene is effectively promoted through well-organised daily routines and play opportunities. They enjoy frequent opportunities for outdoor activities that promote good health and physical development, for example, trips to the park or going out for walks. Children's health is protected as they have their own towels which vastly reduces the spread of infections. Good procedures are in place for dealing with sick or injured children, therefore, children receive effective care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is knowledgeable as she has completed several courses on providing nutritious food for children and the snacks she provides are healthy. Therefore, children eat food which nourishes their bodies. They also receive ample nourishment for their individual requirements as parents provide their meals. Children are offered drinks throughout the day and know they can ask for one whenever they wish. This helps to keep their bodies hydrated. Children have good opportunities to access energetic and physical activities which exercise the whole body. They also have opportunities to relax whenever they choose to which creates an overall feeling of well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home that is well maintained, warm and a welcoming environment which encourages them to feel secure and settled. They have unrestricted movement in areas designated to them and treat it like their own home. For example, when children arrive they hang their coats on a coat stand designed for them and take off their outdoor shoes. Children have access to a varied range of developmentally appropriate equipment and resources. The resources are maintained, checked daily and stored suitably. Young children safely explore their space, selecting appropriate resources to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are mainly kept safe as the childminder has sufficient awareness of possible dangers and takes reasonable steps to minimise risks to them. However, the banister is unsafe and accessible to children, therefore, children's safety is compromised. Children are developing a good awareness of how to keep themselves safe through discussions with the childminder and various activities. For example, as children do activity sheets they learn how to be safe on the road by spotting things that are dangerous. Children are safeguarded and their welfare protected as the childminder has working knowledge of child protection issues and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children engage excellently and enjoy a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities which provide excellent challenges and actively contribute to their all-round development. Young children settle excellently and have superb connections with the childminder. They consistently engage in activities together and enjoy the exchange of verbal and non-verbal communication such as smiling and talking as they play. For example, children are expressive, laughing as they squeeze play dough in their hands and chatter away to each other, sharing tender moments of closeness as they have a quick cuddle. Children are competent in approaching the childminder and making their requests known.

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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 Children enjoy attending and taking part in purposeful activities that give them superb experiences, for example, exploring various natural materials such as sand and bubble wrap or making musical instruments. They develop the art of communicating as the childminder does extremely well in using good techniques to encourage children's speech, such as using happy voice tones, facial expressions and skills in encouraging young children to talk by giving them easy words to copy. Young children instantly repeat what the childminder says. The childminder listens intently to children and responds immediately to them, this aids in meeting children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a good sense of diversity and their knowledge of the world, and their community understanding is being enhanced. For example, children learn to appreciate differences through discussions, the childminder having a positive attitude and being a good role model, and through visiting places of interest. The childminder actively promotes equality and diversity through the resources she provides, such as various gender toys and small world figures of varying abilities. She has a sound understanding of equality and does her best to include all children in whatever she plans. Children form positive relationships with the childminder and this is clearly seen through the tactile way they interact together which gives them a sense of belonging. They are encouraged to be independent, for example, when young children try to do things for themselves the childminder allows them space to do this but at

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the same time is still nearby to assist them if necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn right from wrong and how to behave in an acceptable way, for example, children are reminded not throw play dough around. The childminder uses effective behaviour management strategies that are realistic to achieve positive behaviour from children, such as distraction and praise. Therefore, children's self-esteem is built up and they take pleasure in doing that which generates more praise. For example, when they are praised for saying please and thank you it helps them to continue using their manners which in turn brings praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents is good and children benefit from this as they are happy and are confident. Comprehensive written information is shared with parents so they know about the service provided, this includes written policies that the childminder has devised. Information regarding their children is exchanged in a variety of ways such as daily diaries and informal chats. This ensures that children receive continuity of care and their individual needs are effectively met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children move with ease around the spacious environment. The childminder gives concentrated thought to ensuring that the space is well organised so that children have maximum space to play while being safe. Children enjoy the childminder fully committing her time and energies to being with them so that they are settled and kept entertained.

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Organisation

The childminder fully understands all relevant documentation in place which gives protection to the children and is kept available for inspection. Documentation is organised well and produced promptly at inspection, however, the daily register is not up to date. Confidential information is kept secure but easily accessible to the childminder. The childminder has good awareness of her responsibilities, such as informing Ofsted of any significant changes or events.

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made to ensure children are not at risk from the hazardous approach to the house and that resources should be increased to reflect positive images for all aspects of diversity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children now have easy and safe access to the premises as all hazards have been removed. A good range of resources that promote positive images of diversity have been purchased, therefore, children now have access to resources which help them to learn about and appreciate differences.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A childcare inspector visited the childminder on 29 April 2004 and 6 October 2004 to investigate concerns raised in April and September 2004, regarding National Standard 2: Organisation. One action was raised under National Standard 2 and three actions were raised under National Standard 14: Documentation. The provider made a satisfying response to actions, therefore, the provider continues to remain suitable for registration.

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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 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): • make stair banister safe • ensure daily registration system shows actual times children are present and the full date.

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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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