Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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550089 Unique Reference Number 23 August 2007 Inspection date Judith Ann Hodgson 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 2001. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 12 and 15 years in Anfield Plain near to Stanley town centre. There are eight children on roll, all of whom attend part time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the ground floor of the property and to the rear yard for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a dog to which children have no access. The childminder makes school collections. She attends carer and toddler sessions on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained home where they learn the importance of good hygiene. They develop good personal care skills as they are supported by the childminder whilst washing their hands. Good hand drying facilities prevent the spread of infection. For example, children use individual hand towels. Babies are protected from cross-contamination

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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 as the childminder uses anti-bacterial hand gel during nappy changing routines and disposes of the nappies safely. The childminder has written permission to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency for most but not all of the children in her care. Therefore, some children are not fully protected in the event of an accident. Children's individual medication and health needs are met as they are discussed with parents and carefully recorded.

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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. Dried fruit, rice cakes and fresh fruit are offered at snack time and children enjoy home cooked meals with fresh vegetables. Drinks are always available and the childminder is aware of each child’s individual dietary needs and ensures these are met. Children develop positive attitudes to exercising their bodies through fun activities such as going for walks to the park, the toddler group and trips to the play centre. The home has a small yard, which is used by younger children and there are also lots of trips and outings organised to ensure children get plenty of fresh air and space to run. The childminder understands the physical needs of the youngest children being cared for and provides plenty of space for toddlers to crawl and learn to use their bodies in different ways.

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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. For example, socket covers are fitted, cushions protect children from accidents near the hearth 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. Children are encouraged to be responsible for their own safety as the childminder teaches them road safety and the importance of staying close when outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a good variety of high 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 farm, small world animals or explore bright baby toys in the living room.

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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.

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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 as they wake and sit on her knee for a drink. 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.

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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. Children are well supported in their play as the childminder sits on the floor to be

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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 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 animal sounds when they play with the farm. Very young children are encouraged to explore and develop their movements as the childminder provides good support for them to learn to crawl, sit and stand. Children develop their social skills as the childminder plans regular outings to local parks and toddler groups where they have access to large equipment such as slides and ball pools.

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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. Children behave well, as appropriate for their age and stage of development. Their behaviour is well supported by a childminder who has a good understanding of effective strategies for promoting positive behaviour. 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.

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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 seeing photographs and taking home the pictures their children have made.

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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.

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Organisation

Although some permissions to seek emergency medical advice or treatment are missing as children's records are being reviewed, all other records and documents are well organised. They are available for inspection and used to support the care of the children and comply with regulations. They are clear, up-to-date and include comprehensive written policies and procedures which are shared with parents at the onset of care.

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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 complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. She was also asked to increase the range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice and obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a car. The childminder now has a current first aid qualification. She has increased the resources requested and has the

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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 required permission for transporting children in a car. Children benefit as these measures have a positive impact on the quality of care provided.

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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. 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): • request permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for all children • request prior permission from parents for children to use the trampoline.

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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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