Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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318931 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2007 Inspection date Shirley Peart 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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and their teenage children in the Heaton area of Newcastle upon Tyne. The home is situated close to local shops and schools. As the home is all on one level, children have access to all areas and there is an 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years and one child over five years, mainly on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The only pets are tropical fish in a tank.

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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 play in a very clean home and they learn how to follow good personal health and hygiene practices, which are supported very well by the childminder. For example, nappy changes are carried out hygienically, young children are encouraged to put their hands over their mouths when they cough and their noses are wiped when necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Suitable documentation is available should children have an accident or need medication. Detailed information and parental consent is obtained, in the event of an emergency situation occurring. The childminder shares her exclusion procedures and sickness policy with parents, so that children are not admitted if they are ill. This ensures that children are well protected from the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has carried out relevant training, which assists her knowledge in food preparation and safety very well. The parents generally provide their children’s food and the childminder encourages them to provide healthy options. Substantial snacks, such as chunks of cheese, raisins and grapes, are provided for the children between meals and their drinks of water are usually available to them. Therefore, their nutritional needs are met well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are taken on regular outings and use a range of physical equipment at the toddler group or at the park, such as parachutes, sit-and-ride cars and slides. This ensures that they have very good opportunities to play out in the fresh air and to exercise, which contributes to children’s health and physical development very well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to the entire home, as this is all on one level, although they are only allowed access to bedrooms under supervision. The main living room area is comfortable and provides a suitable area for children to play with their toys. They eat meals in the kitchen and children are beginning to gain independence as they climb up onto the chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an abundance of good quality toys which are bright, clean and age appropriate. The childminder uses the toy library regularly so that children’s interest and enjoyment is enhanced further. Children help themselves to the toys from the conservatory, under the childminder's supervision and they are usually encouraged to put toys away before getting other ones out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder helps children to understand about staying safe by regular routines and through interesting visits. For example, they have been to see the fire brigade, a risk assessment has been carried out and child safety equipment is used where necessary. On outings double buggies and reins are used, children are encouraged to hold the childminder's hand and they successfully repeat her comments, such as why they should not stand near the road. The childminder maintains high adult-child ratios so that they are safe and well supervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has relevant information and contact numbers for any child protection concerns. She is very clear about her responsibilities and her child protection procedure and safeguarding policy is shown to parents, which ensures that children's welfare is very well protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Babies have excellent opportunities to develop their increasing physical skills. They happily lie on the floor and kick their legs vigorously or are held up by the childminder so that they can bounce. They are supported by the childminder or by cushions, so that they can sit up, see what is going on around them and reach out for their toys. They are beginning to imitate and copy movements, such as clapping their hands, which is due to the exceptional way the childminder has encouraged this through everyday play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Pre-school children are very happy, settled and highly animated. They approach their toys eagerly as they line up the cups, pots and play food and pretend to cook using their imaginations very well. Their mathematical development is enhanced exceptionally well as they are encouraged to develop these skills through very good daily play opportunities. For example, they successfully count the bears in the book and point out which one is the ‘highest.’

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children talk about what they are doing and are very proud of their achievements, such as when they manage to scoop the ‘vegetables’ out of the ‘pan’ during role play. They have a very strong sense of belonging as they pick up the childminder’s phone when it rings, give it to her and put it back successfully, or when they manage to independently put table mats away in the correct drawer. Therefore, children achieve and develop exceptionally well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children’s personalities and adheres to their individual routines so that their needs are met very well. She has completed relevant diversity courses and has information and good resources, which helps to promote differences in a positive way. She talks to the children about what they have done and where they have been, which ensures that they are being acknowledged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is able to provide an inclusive environment. For example, the home is suitable as care and facilities are all available on the ground floor. She has some experience of caring for children with differing needs and any concerns are discussed with the parents. She has also worked effectively with other professionals, to ensure that children develop to their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to understand how to behave responsibly, which is due to the childminder’s clear, consistent approach and routines. For example, young pre-school children approach babies gently as the childminder has helped them to understand how to do this. Full explanations are given regarding unwanted behaviour where necessary, but as children are fully occupied, confident, happy and receive lots of positive attention, their behaviour is very good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has had longstanding relationships with previous parents, as some children attended for 11 years. Positive reference letters indicate that parents are extremely happy with the care she provides, comments include; ‘An excellent childminder’ and ‘Very experienced.’ She is often asked for advice regarding childcare matters and parents have chosen her over other childminder’s visited. She exchanges information verbally and also writes up individual daily diaries, so that parents are fully informed and work together well to meet the individual needs of the children. There is a clear complaints procedure in place, although the Ofsted contact details are not included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is well established and has 12 years experience. She receives regular support and advice, as she maintains close links with a coordinator and other childminder’s through the local network.

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Organisation

She is highly motivated, as she continues with her training and development. For example, she has attended relevant courses that enhance her knowledge extremely well, such as food safety, ‘Planning Healthier Meals,’ behaviour management, National Childminding Association workshops and she is planning to attend the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’ and fire safety training in the near future. This ensures that children are cared for by a committed and competent childminder.

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Organisation

Written policies, procedures and documentation are highly comprehensive and shared with parents. The childminder holds an abundance of information, which is linked to the outcomes for children and all support children’s welfare, health and safety extremely well. The childminder has previously carried out self-assessment, so that she evaluates her practice to benefit the children.

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Organisation

Children are involved in a wealth of various activities, such as making cakes, planting tomatoes, visiting art galleries and regular attendance at toddler groups. Adult-child ratios are very good so that children receive lots of attention, which positively supports their learning and development extremely well. 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 requested to, obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. A comprehensive procedure and information is now in place, along with parental consent, which ensures that children's health and welfare is further protected.

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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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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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints 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

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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 parents are made aware of how to contact Ofsted.

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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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