Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY224598 Inspection date 05 August 2005 Inspector Jim Bostock

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 November 2002. She lives in Blyth with her husband. The children are cared for on the ground floor and have access to the lounge, dining area, kitchen, conservatory, upper bathroom/toilet and rear garden. The premises are within walking distance of local bus routes, toddler group, playgroup, South Beach Nursery and First Schools (pickup school), Blyth town centre, the beach, the library, the Leisure Centre and the park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 It is a non-smoking household with no pets. At the time of inspection the childminder had 6 children under 8 on her register all minded on a part time basis

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children receive a balanced and healthy diet including the provision of fruit, snacks and drinks each day and the childminder presents as having a good understanding of the nutritional needs of children. Children's individual dietary needs are recorded and reflected in the meals and snacks provided. Parents are asked to provide packed lunches and have commented favourably about the way children are helped to learn about healthy eating. Children benefit from the good communication between childminder and parents about food and drink issues with the childminder fully respecting any requests from parents. Children have easy and constant access to drinking water within the playrooms. Children's health and hygiene is promoted through the childminder having undertaken the basic food hygiene course and the carrying out of daily routines including washing of hands before eating and after toileting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Accidents and medicine administered are recorded appropriately and shared with parents. Children's physical development is promoted through regular use of the outdoor area where children have access to large play equipment and outdoor activities such as tents and tunnels to crawl through. Children develop well physically from the regular outings such as walks and visits to interesting events such as the Tall Ships. Outings are fully discussed with parents and safety is given a high priority.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment which is light and in good decorative order. The childminder promotes child safety within the home through encouraging children to be aware of danger and keeping themselves safe, as well as taking precautions to reduce the risk to children. Children's safety is promoted within the home by the undertaking of regular risk assessments, the results of which are acted upon. Close supervision of children is used by the childminder to help prevent accidents and keep children safe. Emergency cover has been arranged by the childminder to ensure that the children will be cared for appropriately during unforeseen circumstances

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 is aware of fire safety and has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation, including good written plans and records of practice evacuations. The childminder has a good awareness of the issues involved in protecting children and has undertaken additional child protection training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They interact confidently with the childminder who shows a detailed understanding of their individual needs. Children are encouraged to be independent with support and guidance in selecting and using the toys and equipment effectively. Expressive and enthusiastic language is used by the childminder when interacting with the children, who respond with enthusiasm and interest. Children's abilities and confidence are developed through effective use of the wide selection of resources available. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the educational development of children putting into practise skills and methods gained from experience and relevant training. Children's self-esteem is developed through the childminder valuing each child's contribution. The childminder has a fundamental knowledge and experience of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the care and provision for babies and very young children and uses Birth to three matters to help organise the activities and promote children's development. Children benefit from a planned activity programme which encourages their interest and progress, such as story time at the library, making weather charts and kites and linking this to wind helping the child to learn about nature and weather patterns. Parents are fully involved in their children's experiences with the weekly written plan of activities and regular updates.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for as individuals with differences being acknowledged and enjoyed. Children gain a very good understanding of the wider world and their local community through outings and topical visits connected to the theme of activities. Children learn to be respectful and interact positively through the childminder's good role model and discussions about what effect our behaviour has on others. Children develop self confidence very well because they receive lots of praise and encouragement. They are eager to participate in activities and respond very well to the childminder. They learn to share, relate well to each other and behave well. Relationships with parents are promoted and developed very well. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress and details of their physical care on a daily basis both verbally and from individual files. Parents are fully informed and consulted about all aspects of the care provided with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 discussing all issues and incorporating parents requests into her service. They provide written information for the childminder about their children and have contracts with her to ensure the relationship is on the correct footing. There are very good activities, toys and resources related to multicultural play and the childminder has an excellent understanding of equal opportunity and special needs issues. From these children develop an awareness and positive attitude to difference.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides clear routines and organised activities give children confidence in the childminder and the environment. Children benefit from the relevant training attended by the childminder which is reflected in the high standard of care provided. The childminder has attained the level of NVQ3 in childminding practice. The well planned daily routine allows children to experience a wide variety of stimulating and interesting activities. The documentation kept enhances the care provided by being relevant and well organised. The childminder keeps very good records which are securely stored to ensure confidentiality. She has written procedures for fire safety and accidents, lost children and complaints in a folder so that parents can access these. She has current public liability insurance cover so that children are well protected. She displays her certificate on the wall as is newly required.

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Organisation

The childminder has allowed her first aid qualification to lapse during a difficult personal time and has arranged for this to be updated at the next available training. The service meets the needs of the children attending.

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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

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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 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 first aid qualification is current.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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