Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 507030 Inspection date 12 September 2005 Inspector Hilary, Jane Purvis

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and her 2 children aged 10, 15 in Ponteland, Northumberland. The whole ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding as well as a first floor toilet and there is also a fully enclosed garden for outside play The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at anyone time and is currently minding seven children aged under eight years. The childminder collects from local schools and uses local child orientated facilities. The family have two rabbits, which children have supervised access to.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted through the implementation of good hygiene practises within the daily routine including encouraging children to wash hands before meals and after toileting, the use of anti bacterial hand wash and changing the hand towel used daily. The childminder has in place a clear policy regarding sick children and the recording of all medication administered and accidents that have happened which promotes children's health and well-being. Younger children's sleep and rest periods are effectively incorporated into the daily routine allowing their individual needs to be met. Children's physical development is promoted through the childminder having a good understanding of child development and the effective use of outdoor areas including the rear garden and local parks and play areas. Children enjoy a nutritious diet through the provision of meals and snacks that are

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Helping children to be healthy

healthy and balanced. A varied menu is provided which incorporates each child's dietary needs, preferences and parental wishes. Children given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of tastes and textures and encouraged to try new flavours and eat healthy options including fruit and vegetables. Children have free access to drinks throughout the day and are offered suitable drinks such as water, milk and fruit juice.

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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 warm and welcoming environment where child safety is of a high standard. Potential risks have been identified and suitable precautions have been put in place to reduce the risk to minded children, this allows children to move around safely and independently. The premises is well maintained and kept secure during minding hours to prevent children leaving unaccompanied. Children are provided with a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which are appropriate to the age and stage of development of the children attending. The childminder ensures that toys and equipment remain suitable and safe to use by implementing a policy of regular checking and cleaning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted through the childminder having a good understanding of child safety both within the home environment, which is regularly assessed, and on outings. The risk to children in the home is significantly reduced through appropriate precautions and safe practices being in place such as discussing with children why it is unsafe to climb and jump on furniture. On outings children are encouraged to be

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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 aware of road safety including appropriate places to cross. Children are well protected through the childminder having a sound understanding of the child protection procedure, having relevant documentation and contact numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop well with the childminders support. Good relationships have been developed between the children and the childminder. They receive constant warm physical and verbal support and encouragement and from this they learn to interact positively and socialise well with each other. Children's communication skills are well developed through the childminder actively encouraging each child to express themselves and showing interest in what each child says and does. Children's work is displayed within the childminder's home contributing to children feeling of self worth and belonging. An interesting programme of activities is provided by the childminder including craft activities, baking, construction and small worlds, these reflect the age and stage of development of the children attending and specific areas of interest that a child may have. Throughout the activities provided children have the opportunity to play,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

together and/or with the childminder or play independently, with the childminder close at hand to give guidance and support if needed. Although there is a wide selection of toys and equipment stored in an organised manner children are not given the opportunity to make independent choices from the equipment available, a selection is made for them by the childminder and made available in the lounge. Daily outings are organised to local child friendly facilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children's individual needs are well met through the childminder spending time getting to know each child as an individual, for example effectively using the rest times of younger children to give individual attention to older children. Children's individuality is acknowledged and enjoyed, the interesting programme of activities is organised to reflect each child's age, stage of development and personal interests. Children learn about the community they live in through regular visits to child friendly facilities, including shops, library and park. Children are given the opportunity to learn about other cultures and the diversity of society through the supply of resources such as books and children's TV that positively reflect images of ethnicity and disability. Children's self esteem is developed and encouraged through the childminder actively valuing each child and the contribution they make, including children being listened

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to, responded to positively and praised regularly and appropriately. The childminder has high expectations of the children to behave well. She provides a good role model, dealing with all of the children in a calm and kind manner. The childminder discusses with the children why some behaviour is unacceptable, such as jumping on

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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 furniture and throwing toys, ensuring that all methods used are appropriate to each child's age and level of understanding. Continuity of children's care is promoted through the positive relationship that has been developed between the parents and the childminder. Daily verbal updates about their child are given to each parent on their return. Child information sheets and written contracts are completed for each child. Implementing these strategies enables the childminder to have a good understanding of each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder keeps her own knowledge up to date by attending relevant training, this knowledge is used to enhance the care given to children. Well organised daily routine provides an interesting programme of activities for a wide range of ages and abilities. The routine is variable depending on which children are being cared for, how many children and the weather. The premises is well organised and allows children to move safely and independently around and allows a variety of activities to be provided in a suitable environment such as messy play in the kitchen, clear floor space for the car mat and garage. The childminder maintains the correct adult child ratio. All required documentation in place, well organised and up to date. All information, both verbal and written is confidentially maintained. There are written policies in place which parents are shown at the start of a placement.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children cared for.

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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

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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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): • provide children with the opportunity to independently choose toys and equipment.

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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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