Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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550085 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2007 Inspection date Marilyn Besford 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 May 2001 and may care for up to six children. She lives in a house in Greencroft, near Stanley, with her husband and two children, one aged nine years and one adult. Her home is near schools and preschool facilities. These include nursery, playgroup, toddler group and Sure Start provision. There are parks, shops, sports and leisure amenities and a library in the local area. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes. The back garden and local green areas are available for outdoor play activities. The family pets are a dog and a cat. The childminder at present has three children on roll, all of whom are under five years of age.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted through the childminder's good attention to health and hygiene practices. She maintains high standards of cleanliness in the premises and equipment used. Older children are learning to manage their personal care independently. For example, they know which towels are their individual ones. They wash and dry their hands as part of

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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 daily routines, such as before eating and after contact with the pets. This effectively helps to prevent the spread of infection. Up to date information about the children's health and good provision for recording accidents and medication ensure that their everyday health care needs are met well.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children eat well and enjoy a healthy diet with freshly prepared food, including plenty of fruit and vegetables. The childminder discusses choices with them, helping to develop their knowledge about healthy eating. For example, they decide on pasta, cheese and salad for lunch, followed by mango and pineapple. Mealtimes are a social time when everyone eats together. The children are helped to be independent eaters with appropriate seating, such as high chairs, and suitable cutlery.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is well promoted. They enjoy regular opportunities for active play. They use large equipment indoors and outdoors, such as exploring the ball pool, crawling through the pop-up tunnel and using sit and ride toys and rocking horses. They go for walks and have plenty of space to run and play in the enclosed sports field next to the house.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is a warm and welcoming environment. Most risks to children are identified and minimised. However, the cords of some vertical blinds are within reach of children. Suitable equipment is in place to promote children's safety, such as socket covers, stair gates and a nursery fireguard. The children have plenty of space for all types of play activity and they can sleep in quiet areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

They benefit from a wide selection of good quality toys and equipment. These are safe and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development. Children have free access to storage units and boxes in the playroom. However, some items more suited to older children are within reach of younger ones and other equipment is stored on top of units where it is at risk of being pulled down unsafely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is safeguarded because the childminder understands her responsibility to keep them safe from harm or neglect and her role concerning child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are relaxed and very happy with the childminder. They share a warm and affectionate relationship which contributes to a feeling of security and belonging. This supports children's emotional development very well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's progress is being well promoted because the childminder has a thorough knowledge of how children learn and develop. They enjoy a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities in the childminder's home, at local groups and on outings, such as going swimming. The daily routine is flexible as the children are given choices about their activities appropriately for their ages. For example, the youngest child can see and choose from play equipment set out for him. Older children talk about what they would like to do and select activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes note of the 'Birth to three matters' framework in considering activities. She very effectively balances the differing needs of the children she cares for, as she involves

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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 them in play. For example, she chats and supports the older child doing a large floor puzzle while she involves the younger child in playing with large blocks. The children benefit from one to one attention at times during the day because the childminder follows children's individual routines for sleep. The childminder listens carefully and talks with the children, supporting them with enthusiasm, encouragement and praise. As a result, they are eager to try new things and learn new skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals. The childminder understands their varying stages of development, their characters and interests. Their routines and particular needs are clearly established and met sensitively because the childminder works closely with parents. For example, she knows when children need comforters, such as blankets and dummies. They work together on areas of children's development, such as potty training. Information is shared through discussion, in writing and in photographs so that parents are well informed about the children's care and progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's behaviour is good. The childminder's positive approach, with lots of praise and encouragement, helps to build children's confidence and self-esteem. For example, they show delight in their faces when they are thanked and praised for helping to tidy up. Their sense of belonging is enhanced as they see that each one's needs and feelings are respected. The childminder distracts the younger child from disrupting the older one's play; the older child helps the younger one to settle for a rest, giving him his blanket. They see that they are part of a community as they go for walks and use local facilities. They are beginning to learn about the wider world as they have play materials which are not stereotyped and reflect the diversity of people and cultures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care and welfare are promoted very well by the childminder's good organisation. She understands her responsibilities under the National Standards, regulations and associated guidance. She has ensured adults in the household are vetted and she holds an appropriate first aid qualification, which safeguards children. She has all documentation in place. It is well organised, ensuring information relevant to the children's care is readily accessible.

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Organisation

Space, resources and equipment are used effectively. The children can grow in independence and move around freely, with access to very appropriate resources. The childminder flexibly adapts the basic structure of the week as she considers children's interests and choices and the weather. As a result, the children benefit from an enjoyable, child-focused care experience.

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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 last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure she had written consent for outings and emergency medical treatment. The written agreement between childminder and parents now includes these consents, ensuring children receive care in full agreement with parents' wishes.

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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

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.

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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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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): • review the storage of play equipment to improve children's safe, independent access • ensure that the cords from the vertical blinds are not a risk to children.

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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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