Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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318867 Unique Reference Number 20 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 satisfactory. 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 1989. She lives with her husband and two children aged 19 and 16 years in Kingston Park, a suburb of Newcastle. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor and a garden to the rear of the house.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes and collects children from the local school and attends the local parent and toddler group. The childminder is registered to look after six children under the age of eight and currently cares for seven children on a part time, flexible basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about keeping healthy. They develop an understanding of hygiene practices through consistent daily routines and gentle

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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 reminders. A current first aid certificate, clear written policies regarding sick children and the effective recording of all emergency contact details and accidents promote children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing their physical skills with a range of suitable activities both inside and outdoors. For example, they get fresh air and exercise during their walks, which helps them stay fit and healthy. Within the home, babies have clear space to move around. They are well supported and encouraged to develop their large motor skills when pulling themselves up to stand and to practise walking.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from nutritious foods to promote their growth and development. The childminder works well with parents in order to provide them with food which meets children's dietary needs. For example, the childminder prepares meat dishes using halal meat and takes account of children's sensitivity to additives in food. Children are provided with regular drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which is comfortable and secure and where risks are identified and minimised. The organisation of space and the good level of support provided by the childminder allows children to move around safely and independently, helping children to retain a balance of freedom and safe limits. Suitable equipment is in place to promote children's well-being within the home, such as fire guard, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The childminder has suitable procedures in place with regard to evacuating her home in the event of an emergency and has practised these with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to select from an appropriate range of resources which meet safety standards. Their independence and self-help skills are promoted well as they are able to access the toys easily. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys carefully to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their ages and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection. She has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and who to contact if concerns are raised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle quickly and are at ease within the childminding environment. They build positive relationships with the childminder and respond warmly to her. The childminder is aware of and is responsive to their needs, for example, their favourite toys and activities. The childminder understands the need to spend time with children on an individual basis. She is aware that this will help to extend children's learning, sustain their interest and help to develop new skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are suitably supported and receive encouragement and praise from the childminder, which raises their self-esteem. Children are inquisitive and their independence skills are developing appropriately. For example, they are able to self-select activities reasonably easily from an acceptable variety of resources, which they do with increasing confidence. However, very young children have limited access to natural play materials and activities to enhance their sensory experiences.

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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 The children are taken out daily within the local environment where they have opportunities for different learning experiences and where they socialise with other children and adults. School aged children make independent choices about play, they select from a good range of age appropriate resources and they choose activities that best suit their moods and energy levels after school. The childminder organises consistent routines through the day so that all children have times for rest and quiet as well as active play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children show a sense of belonging in the setting, settling well and making choices about what they do. The good settling in procedures ensure the childminder gets to know them well, and allows children to become familiar with their new surroundings. The childminder's clear and consistent expectations of children and trust in their abilities helps to increase their self-confidence and shows they are valued and appreciated. Their self-esteem is developed as they receive regular praise and encouragement for their efforts. The childminder has a sound understanding of equality and diversity and appreciates the importance of this.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has realistic expectations of children's behaviour and implements a range of age-appropriate strategies to promote good behaviour and help children learn right from wrong. They are encouraged to share, relate well to one another and behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good relationship has been established between the childminder, parents and carers. Written policies and procedures are shared prior to the child starting. Parents are encouraged to share information about their child which helps the childminder to meet the children's individual needs. Verbal feedback is given to parents enhancing children's development. Relevant information is displayed at the entrance of the home, keeping them well informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and at ease with the childminder. Space, resources and equipment are organised effectively to meet the children's needs. They experience individual attention with the childminder helping them to develop positive relationships. All the required paperwork is organised appropriately and used well to promote the welfare of the children. Registers and records meet all regulatory requirements and are easily available. Through accessing training the childminder demonstrates her commitment to the ongoing improvement of the service she provides.

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Organisation

Information is fully shared with parents to involve them so that continuity of care benefits the children. The childminder organises her day around the needs of the children, this ensures that their individual needs are catered for appropriately.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain parental consent for emergency medical treatment. The childminder now has written consent from all parents. This improvement enhances children's well-being.

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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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • improve children's play by having access to a range of natural play materials.

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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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