Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY292176 Unique Reference Number 24 August 2007 Inspection date Shirley Amanda Wilkes Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and their one child aged four years. They live in a town house in the Newcastle area. Local shops, park and schools are within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet cat.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently two children on roll, both of whom attend on a part-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained home where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene procedures as they are supported by the childminder providing a step to enable children to reach the sink and the use of liquid soap. The childminder has written

p.2

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 permission to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency and has a current first aid certificate. Medication records are maintained with parents signing to acknowledge any entries made. Parents receive a copy of the written sickness policy for future reference. All of which ensures children's well-being.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about how food can help them to be healthy through being offered healthy choices at snack and meal times. The childminder encourages them to think about foods which are good for you and those which are not so good during meal time discussions. Dried and fresh fruit are offered at snack time and children enjoy a variety of sandwiches at lunch time. Drinks are offered at snack and meal times but children are not able to freely access drinks throughout the day.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children move freely around the childminder's home. They are able to rest or join in activities according to their individual needs and interests. They have opportunities each day to engage in physical play both inside and outside, through fun activities such as going for walks around the local area and visits to the local park.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a clean and well ordered home. They play safely both indoors and outdoors as the childminder is vigilant to ensure all safety features are in place and proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents. Socket covers and a fire guard are in place and safety gates prevent unsupervised access to the stairs. Good procedures for fire safety and the security of the premises ensure that the children are protected. The childminder practises a fire evacuation procedure and the outer doors are kept locked.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a good variety of good quality toys and equipment. These are organised to be accessible in low-level storage boxes within the rooms used by the children. They are all suitable for the age and developmental stages of the children and meet good safety standards. Therefore, young children begin to make choices and develop their independence, for instance, they play with the train in the hall.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s overall well-being is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and how to implement these when necessary. She knows how to recognise child abuse and neglect and who to consult if there is a cause for concern.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, very settled and involved in a wide range of activities which support their development. Good, warm and caring relationships are maintained with the childminder. They share hugs with the childminder when tired. This enables them to feel a sense of attachment. She knows and understands their individual needs and preferences over such things as sleep routines and favourite toys. As a result, children develop a sense of belonging.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very relaxed, they make decisions for themselves concerning the toys they wish to use. They are well supported in their play as the childminder sits on the floor to be involved in their games. She chats to the children, encouraging them to develop new vocabulary and sensitively intervenes in their activities to extend their learning. For example, she asks them about the animals when they use the cutters for the play dough. Children concentrate as they

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 organise their imaginary play, creating a picnic on the floor for the dolls. They cooperate together as they build the train track in the hall sharing and taking turns. Children develop their social skills as the childminder plans regular outings to local parks where they have access to large equipment such as slides and swings.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals. They benefit from the childminder knowing them very well and having an understanding of their differing needs. They are able to access a good variety of age appropriate resources including books, puzzles and small world figures to help them gain an awareness of diversity. The childminder is consistent in her approach with regards to behaviour management and she supports children as they begin to learn about boundaries and respecting each other. Positive praise and encouragement supports children's confidence and raises their self-esteem. A written behaviour management policy is in place that is discussed and given to parents as part of the registration process. This helps to ensure continuity between home and the provision.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is not currently caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, she has sound systems in place to ensure that parents are consulted about any special services that may be required prior to placement in the best interests of the child.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are given comprehensive information about the provision. The childminder's policies and procedures are shared prior to a child entering the setting. They are kept up to date through informal opportunities at the end of each day to discuss children's achievements or any care issues. Parents are made aware of the children's activities through discussion taking home the pictures their children have made.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's experience, the way she organises the space in her home and the resources she provides. She is aware of the children's needs and organises her time very well to ensure that they are kept interested as she is involved in their games and activities. She updates her knowledge through attending training courses and is committed to seeking further training to provide good quality care.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has good knowledge of required records and ensures that most are up to date, stored confidentially and available for parents. Parents are regularly informed of their children's progress and activities during daily verbal exchange and written records. This ensures parents are able to contribute to their children's care whilst attending the setting. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to clarify the emergency medical advice and treatment consent form that parents sign. The form parents sign giving consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical advise or treatment is clear and concise so ensures children's well-being is met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

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.4

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.

p.5

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.

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): • ensure children are able to access drinks freely at all times

p.5

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

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