Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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318980 Unique Reference Number 13 November 2007 Inspection date Janet Fairhurst 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 1999. She lives with her partner and 16-year-old child in the Heaton area of Newcastle, which is close to transport links. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom are 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 six children at any one time and is currently caring for seven children, two of whom are aged over eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a local toddler group and childminder drop-in on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through informal daily routines; for example, as they are encouraged to wash their hands the childminder provides the children with simple explanations as to why. The childminder has good procedures in place,

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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 such as washing surfaces before meals, use of liquid soap and paper towels for children and regular cleaning routines to ensure that play materials are kept clean; as a result of this the risk of cross-contamination is minimised. Children's health is further supported by the very clear policies and procedures which the childminder follows to protect them from illness and to deal with any accidents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate which means that children receive immediate appropriate attention if required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy lots of exercise which contributes to their physical health. Good access to the local parks means that children are able to participate in outdoor activities on a daily basis. Children learn to practise and develop their physical skills and control over their bodies as they visit soft play centres where they climb, balance and jump. Children also benefit from daily walks to and from the local school. The childminder's positive attitude to being outdoors contributes to children's confidence and enthusiasm to take part in such activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy wholesome, nutritious snacks. These are freshly prepared using fresh fruit and vegetables. Regular drinks are offered throughout the day to ensure children never become thirsty. Children are not served food and drinks with high levels of artificial additives and sugar. Mealtimes are a relaxed social occasion for the children to enjoy. The childminder keeps parents informed verbally of what their children have eaten throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where they are supervised closely by the childminder. A detailed risk assessment has been carried out for each room used for minding purposes, which ensures that children are able to move around freely, safely and independently. Children are safe due to the vigilance of the childminder and the appropriate use of safety equipment, such as smoke alarms, cupboard locks, a fire blanket, carbon monoxide detector and stair gates. The childminder effectively achieves a good balance between freedom and safety. Participation in regular fire drills helps to raise the children's awareness of how to stay safe in emergencies. When outdoors children know to stay close to the childminder, holding hands to ensure they stay safe, whilst younger children are appropriately strapped into buggies. They are taught to stop, look and listen before they cross the road, with the childminder alert

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose from a good range of resources that are well organised to allow them safe and independent access. Toys are in good condition and remain this way through routine cleaning and checks for breakages or any other problems.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young children can move freely and are protected from harm within the home as the space is very well organised, creating a very safe and child-friendly environment. Children are well protected by the childminder, who is confident and secure in her knowledge of child protection polices and procedures. The policy is discussed with parents so that they are aware of what her responsibilities are regarding the welfare of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle extremely well at the childminder's home, are confident and very happy. Children have good opportunities to socialise with each other and their peers through visits to local amenities and places of interest, such as drop-in groups, soft play and toddler groups. Children's

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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 interest and enjoyment are sustained well as they are encouraged to make their own choices regarding their activities. They are eager to communicate and confidently make their wishes known. For example, a favourite story book was selected by the child and brought to the childminder to read. The childminder used this opportunity to promote children's learning as they talked about colour, and they are introduced to numbers as they are encouraged to count.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide variety of activities which contribute to their imaginative, physical, creative and language skills, such as drawing, construction, garden games and listening to stories. Children thoroughly enjoy creating towers with the bricks and take great delight in successfully placing the final brick on their own. Fully involved in the children's activities, the childminder helps and encourages them to move onto different activities when appropriate, so that they are fully occupied and remain interested in their play, asking appropriate open-ended questions that make them think and respond. The children benefit from caring and affectionate relationships with the childminder, which encourages them to make very good progress in all areas of their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and develop a strong sense of belonging. The nurturing environment and the childminder's sensitive, caring nature helps children feel totally secure in her care. Children freely climb on the childminder's knee to give her a hug. Young children develop a positive sense of self as their wishes and requests are valued and acted upon.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are becoming independent as they are encouraged and supported well to make their own decisions and develop preferences, for example, as they choose what activity to do or which book they wish to be read to them. Children's individual needs are very well addressed as the childminder is well informed about each child and consequently able to provide them with appropriate care and activities. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities, learning difficulties and disability issues. However, play resources in this area are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and effectively, ensuring clear rules and boundaries are in place. The childminder makes very good use of praise and encouragement to help children develop their self-confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with good written information relating to the provision, which is well presented and detailed. They are encouraged to share information about their child which helps the childminder to meet the children's individual needs successfully. Time is taken prior to admission to ensure that each child's needs, interests and abilities are identified. Very positive and complimentary feedback from parents successfully demonstrates their satisfaction with the service that is provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder complies with the conditions of her registration and gives high regard to the National Standards so children are well cared for. Records and documentation are extremely

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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 well-organised to maintain a safe and efficient service to contribute to children's health, safety and well-being.

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Organisation

Policies are used effectively to ensure there are positive outcomes for children. A complaints procedure is in place and shared with parents. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the childminder's very effective organisation. Indoor and outdoor space is very well laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. Children feel at home in this child-centred setting and benefit greatly from an excellent amount of individual support which fosters their confidence and learning. The sharing of fun experiences with the childminder ensures they enjoy a thoroughly good time.

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Organisation

The childminder has a strong commitment to the continuous development of her childminding practice to provide a high quality service. She keeps abreast of current issues in childcare by accessing training, and developing links with fellow childminders, which ensures she is well informed and up to date with new developments. She uses her knowledge effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences. 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 the childminder was asked to continue to develop her knowledge and understanding of childminding issues. The childminder successfully achieved this. She continues to access any relevant training and has completed several day and short-term courses. She has strong links with fellow childminders and attends a local childminding drop-in group which is used to share experiences and childcare issues.

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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

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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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): • ensure that children have access to an appropriate range of resources that promote an understanding of equality and diversity.

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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 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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