Childminder in South Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312485 Unique Reference Number 15 October 2007 Inspection date Cathryn Parry 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 was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and son-in-law. They live in the residential area of Jarrow in South Tyneside. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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 minding five children. She drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a parrot, a rabbit and tropical fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well-maintained environment, where toys and equipment are cleaned regularly. They are learning appropriate personal hygiene practices through suitable routines and positive role modelling. This is further promoted with the provision of informative posters. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from

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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 illness. Parents and carers do give written permission for the childminder to administer medicines when their child starts to attend. However, they do not always sign on the day it is to be given and do not countersign to acknowledge its administration. This has a negative impact on children's well-being. The childminder can respond appropriately if children have an accident as she is trained to administer first aid. She also has written permission from parents and carers to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children access some opportunities for physical activities, including playing football and tennis in the garden. They explore, test and develop physical control, for instance, when using climbing equipment in the park. The childminder’s flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. She has a variety of buggies, a travel cot or two settees for the children to access when they are tired. Light meals and snacks are provided for the children, which are generally healthy. These include sandwiches, fruit and the occasional biscuit. Diluted juice, milk and water are regularly available. This quenches the children's thirst and benefits their health. Systems are in place to gather information from parents and carers regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. Consequently, individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are appropriately safeguarded as the childminder’s home is generally secure. This is supplemented with suitable procedures for adults collecting children. Large windows in the living room and conservatory enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. They are able to move freely as there is ample space, which is suitably organised. This reduces the risk of accidents. Children are able to explore safely using resources, which are bought from reputable suppliers. These are suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children attending. Those who go on outings are kept safe as they learn road safety procedures and understand simple rules, such as holding hands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s individual needs are met as the childminder ensures there is sufficient equipment available. This includes a high chair and appropriate car seats and restraints. Children experience adequate levels of supervision and appropriate safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced. This includes electrical socket covers, smoke detectors and a safety gate. They are suitably protected as the childminder has attended child protection training and shows an appropriate knowledge and understanding of associated issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are eager to participate in the variety of activities provided. These include sharing books, exploring the musical instruments and playing with the small world figures. Children have opportunities to socialise with others as they attend the local parent and toddler group. Their self-esteem and sense of belonging is encouraged as their photographs are displayed on the childminder's living room wall. They benefit from a flexible routine, including a good balance of child-centred and adult-led activities. Effective use is made of the local area giving children a breadth of opportunities. Examples of this are where children visit the library, the museum and the beach.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children delight in using their imagination as they dress up as a policeman and a nurse. Their communication skills are fostered well, resulting in good interactions between themselves and

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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 childminder. Children’s mathematical thinking is encouraged as they look at books with numbers in, complete jigsaws and weigh ingredients for baking. This is complemented with the provision of related posters, including times tables, colours and shapes. A variety of creative activities including painting, cutting and sticking, promote children's self-expression whilst having fun. They are able to make their own choices, select their own materials and activities. Consequently, this motivates them to learn and sustains their interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled in the friendly and welcoming environment. A short induction period, including visits with parents and carers, enables children to settle in. The childminder’s appropriate approach to equal opportunities contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with access to a selection of resources reflecting different cultures. These include books, jigsaws and dolls. However, there are few resources showing positive images of people with disabilities. This has a negative impact on raising children's understanding and awareness of difference. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She also shows a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder employs a range of appropriate behaviour management strategies. These include changing the tone in her voice, explaining why an action or word is not appropriate and giving a short time out. She agrees these strategies with parents and carers before their children start. Consequently, this promotes continuity of care. Information is shared with parents and carers verbally on a daily basis. The childminder also takes photographs of the children to keep parents and carers informed of activities participated in.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children access play opportunities through the appropriate organisation of space, time and resources. The use of the living room, dining room and conservatory enables children to play independently or with others. They can also take part in quiet or more boisterous activities. Play resources are organised in a manner, which helps to promote children’s free choice. They are easily accessible on low-level shelving and in boxes on the floor. The childminder manages her time appropriately to incorporate trips to places of interest. Consequently, children enjoy a range of experiences.

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Organisation

The childminder is aware of her current registration requirements and adheres to them. This has a positive impact on children's well-being. She has attended some relevant training courses, which improves her knowledge and understanding of childcare related issues. The childminder has individual records for each child, which ensures their welfare. These are stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Consequently, children's privacy is respected.

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Organisation

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 previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure a record of accidents are maintained which are signed by the parents. She was also requested to ensure the complaints

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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 procedure is made available to the parents. She has addressed both of these positively, which has a positive impact on children's welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. 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 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): • ensure parents and carers always sign to give the childminder permission to administer medicines and countersign to acknowledge their administration • further develop equal opportunities resources with regard to disability.

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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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