Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 402995 Inspection date 19 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 1989. The childminder minds from her home, which she shares with her husband, in a residential area close to the sea front in the town of Blyth. Along with the beach they also are within walking distance of local parks and schools. Areas of the house used for childminding purposes include the lounge/dining room, conservatory, kitchen and upstairs bathroom. An enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play. There are no pets and there is no smoking within the household. At the time of inspection there were 5 children on the register, 3 of whom were under

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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 8 years of age.

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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 all meals with the childminder providing additional snacks of fruit, crackers, cheese and biscuits. The childminder encourages parents' awareness of healthy eating by discussing issues such as additives and sweets with them. Children benefit from the good communication between childminder and parents about food and drink issues with the childminder fully respecting any requests from parents. The childminder helps children learn about healthy eating well and they are often introduced to new food. Children have easy and constant access to drinking water within the playrooms.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and hygiene is well promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of hygiene issues and carries out daily routines including washing of hands before eating and after toileting. Accidents and medicine administered are recorded with all necessary information and shared with parents, however, the recording method does not ensure full confidentiality of information. 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 sit and ride toys. Children develop well physically from the regular outings such as walks and visits to toddler groups where they can play with a wider variety of toys and meet other children. Outings are fully discussed with parents and safety is given a high priority. Children also develop their fine motor control well by playing with construction sets and using pencils and paint brushes.

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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. They learn about the Green Cross Code and about safety with strangers from the childminder. Children's safety is well promoted within the home through regular risk assessments, the results of which are acted upon. The childminder supervises the children closely to help prevent accidents and keep them safe. Emergency cover has been arranged by the childminder to ensure that the children will be cared for appropriately during unforeseen circumstances. The childminder is aware of fire safety and has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation, including good written plans and regular

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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 checks of smoke alarms. The childminder has a good awareness of the issues involved in protecting children from abuse 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 and they 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. Children benefit from a planned activity programme, including outings with other children, which encourages their interest and progress and develops their social and physical skills. Children have excellent opportunities to draw, colour in, paint and express themselves in imaginative ways and develop their vocabulary and language well. The childminder helps children link their home life with the play provided. Parents are fully involved in their children's experiences through regular discussion with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to be respectful and interact positively through the childminders good role modelling and use of stars to help promote positive behaviour. Children are proud of their achievements and readily discuss their stars and how they have been earned. They develop self confidence 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. Parents are fully informed and consulted about all aspects of the care provided with the childminder discussing all issues and incorporating parents requests into her service. They provide written information for the childminder about their children and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

have contracts with her to ensure the relationship is on the correct footing. The childminder has been minding children from one family for 15 years and supports families very well, especially when they are having any difficulties.

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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 Children are cared for as individuals with differences being acknowledged and enjoyed. Children gain a good understanding of the wider world and their local community through outings and topical visits connected to the theme of activities. There are good activities, toys and resources related to multicultural play and the childminder has a positive attitude towards and a good 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 which give children confidence in her and the environment. Children benefit from the relevant training attended by the childminder, which is reflected in the good standard of care provided. The well planned daily routine allows children to experience a wide variety of stimulating and interesting activities.

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Organisation

The documentation kept enhances the care provided by being relevant and well organised. The childminder keeps good records which are securely stored to ensure confidentiality. She has written procedures for fire safety. She has current public liability insurance cover so that children are well protected. She agrees to display her certificate on the wall as is newly required. The childminder has a current first aid qualification 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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her understanding of equal opportunity issues. She has done this well by researching information, using the library to obtain books for children about diversity, following up on children's experiences and school work related to multicultural issues and introducing or extending activities about diversity in the service available for children.

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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): • ensure accidents and medicine administered are recorded in a way that ensures confidentiality of information.

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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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