Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY277717 Unique Reference Number 10 September 2007 Inspection date Karen Marie Tervit 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 January 2004. She lives with her husband and two children in Sedgefield. Her home is close to local amenities including schools, park and shops. The whole of the ground floor, except the dining room is used for childminding. A rear garden is available for outdoor play. The family have gerbils as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years. There are currently seven children on roll. The children attend varied times and days of the week. The childminder takes and collects children from schools in the area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care and develop good practices as they take part in daily routines.

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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 For example, older children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times which helps to develop their self care skills, while babies have their hands wiped for them. The childminder has a wide range of the appropriate documentation in place to support children's health needs, including written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment. She holds a current first aid certificate which ensures that the treatment of injuries is carried out appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the need to provide a balanced diet and to encourage children to eat healthy foods, to promote their continued growth and development. She provides them with a wide variety of healthy snacks and meals, using fresh ingredients. She cleverly disguises new vegetables until children get used to their taste. Drinks are offered to children on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing their physical skills with a wide range of suitable activities both inside and outside. For example, they get fresh air and exercise during their walks to and from school, as well as being able to play in the very well resourced and attractively set out garden. They particularly enjoy games of badminton or rolling down the garden slope. These activities help children stay fit and healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to a well organised environment. There is a dedicated playroom which is made welcoming by colourful displays of children's work and an extensive range of resources being available, which can be independently selected by the children. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. For example, she ensures younger children cannot access the small pieces in older children's games and toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move around freely within the home protected by the appropriate safety measures in place. For example, there are working smoke alarms on both floors, the fireplace edges are protected, and a safety gate is in place at the bottom of the stairs. Safety precautions are regularly reviewed as children become older to ensure they remain safe. There is an emergency evacuation procedure in place, which is practised; however, there are no records of this. Children learn the importance of keeping safe on outings through the effective procedures the childminder has in place, such not running too far ahead, older children holding younger ones hands and learning about the dangers of talking to strangers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder who is confident and secure in her knowledge of child protection policies and procedures. The childminder also has a copy of 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused’ to refer to if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Warm relationships between the childminder and the children contribute to children's sense of belonging. They take part in a wide range of interesting and exciting indoor and outdoor activities. Resources are well presented to allow children easy access and children select their activities independently. They are inquisitive and interested in the toys available. Children of all ages engage in an wide range of art and craft activities, which they thoroughly enjoy.

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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 Children receive lots of praise and encouragement for their efforts, which helps to develop their self-esteem. Older children make independent choices about play. They select from a good range of quality, age appropriate resources. Even though some children are very young and have only just started attending they are becoming more settled as the childminder has spent time getting to know their likes and mannerisms. For example, she can recognise when they are tired or how they like to be comforted. Babies thoroughly enjoy looking at board books or pressing the buttons on the electronic telephone, while older children enjoy bouncing on the trampoline or playing with the trainset.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, increasing children's understanding of others. Children use relevant resources within the home, such as books and food. Regular trips into the local environment widen their experiences. They visit local parks and shops. Children show a sense of belonging in the childminder's home, settling well and making choices about what they do. The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Their self-esteem is developed as they receive regular praise and encouragement for their efforts. Children are encouraged to come to the childminder if they have a problem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good relationship has been established between the childminder and parents. Children are looked after according to parents' wishes, following discussion at the initial visit. This enables her to offer the child appropriate support. Parents are kept informed about what children are going to do and are updated when they pick their children up. They receive detailed written information about their children’s day, as well as lots of useful general information in the well written policies and procedures. Although, the childminder is aware of what to do if a parent complains she does not share all of Ofsted's details with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the good organisation. The childminder plans ahead possible activities, which are flexible based on the children's needs. For example, when she gets a new child she ensures that she adapts home routines so she can meet the child’s individual needs. Good daily routines allow children to experience a range of interesting activities in the home and wider community. They feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. They self select resources with ease, from the wide range available. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning as well as being well supported by the childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended training since her last inspection. For example, she has recently updated her first aid and has had training on the new Early Year Foundation Stage. This has helped to increase her understanding of good childcare. She uses her knowledge effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences. The childminder displays her certificate of registration.

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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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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make available to parents a statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint and to obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle and to take them on outings. The childminder now provides parents with details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint as detailed in the main body of the report. Parents also give their written permission for transporting children in a vehicle and to take them on outings.

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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 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): • ensure that parents have access to the name and address of the regulator • record the practise of the emergency evacuation procedure.

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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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