Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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314000 Unique Reference Number 17 September 2007 Inspection date Julie Morrison 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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband in Chester-le-Street, close to the town centre. There are public transport routes, schools, pre-schools, parks and local amenities nearby. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. An enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is presently caring for 13 children. Five children are aged over eight years of age and eight children are under the age of eight years. Children attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm and welcoming home where they begin to learn the importance of good hygiene throughout their daily routines. For example, children wash hands after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder has a good understanding of promoting hygiene as she has completed a food hygiene course. She implements a range of effective

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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 procedures to reduce the risk of cross-infection and illness, for example, washing her hands before preparing food and wearing gloves to change nappies. Clear sick child procedures, an up to date first aid certificate and the effective recording of emergency consents and medication promote children's good health and well-being. The childminder keeps a signed record of all accidents, however the recording of these does not promote confidentiality.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a good range of opportunities to enhance children's physical development. They regularly attend toddler groups where they take part in a range of physical activities. They go for walks to the park where they play ball games and cricket and play on slides and scooters in the back garden. The childminder has suitable procedures in place for the children to sleep, this ensures that children are able to rest or be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of a healthy and balanced diet. Parents provide all meals for the children. Snacks of fresh fruit and access to regular drinks are provided by the childminder, who consults with parents to ensure that all dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. As a result, they are able to move around freely, safely and independently. Children are kept safe as the childminder has close supervision of them and uses appropriate safety procedures, such as covering sockets and using stair gates. An appropriate emergency evacuation procedure which is regularly practised with the children, along with smoke alarms, further promotes children's safety. A well maintained range of toys and resources are available to children, stored in boxes and on shelves where children are able to self-select from. This encourages children's sense of belonging and independence. The childminder ensures that toys are clean, in safe condition and suitable for the age and stage of development of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder has good procedures in place. Young children are securely strapped into pushchairs or hold the childminder's hand. Older children are beginning to develop independence as they walk a safe distance ahead. The childminder implements a range of effective safety procedures for outings, for example, carrying emergency contact numbers, a first aid kit and obtaining written consent from parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection as a result of attending training courses. She is confident about the signs and symptoms to be aware of and procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled at the childminder's home and choose from a good range of toys and resources. The childminder provides a broad range of activities for the children, both in and out of the home. For example, the children play with dolls, feeding and dressing them and taking them for a walk in pushchairs. They go on trips to the beach and indoor bowling. The children have good opportunities to be creative, they enjoy messy play and arts and crafts activities, such as making paper ladybirds and bees.

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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 benefit from lots of opportunities to socialise with their peers as they visit local toddler groups. The childminder maintains good interaction with the children as she sits with them and takes an interest in what they are doing. She encourages them to talk about what they are doing and encourages learning as she asks the children, 'where are your eyes, where are the doll's eyes?' She provides lots of praise for the children and close caring relationships are developing, increasing children's self-esteem and sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated equally by the childminder as she ensures that all children have access to activities and resources. For example, children use a voting system to ensure that everyone is involved in deciding on activities. Children benefit from good opportunities to learn about the wider world as they celebrate the Chinese New Year, making masks and paper dragons. Children learn about their own community and culture as they go for walks to the park and take part in Halloween and Christmas celebrations. Children are treated with respect by the childminder, she knows them well and ensures that they are cared for as individuals. She has a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities and is committed to working with parents to ensure that she could support any individual needs to promote children's development and care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop self-confidence well because they receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder. She uses age appropriate techniques with the children to help them learn right from wrong. For example, discussion is used with older children while younger children benefit from distraction to encourage positive behaviour. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and parents, who report that they are happy with the care their children receive. Parents receive an informative information pack prior to their child starting which includes all relevant policies and procedures, including the complaints procedure. Verbal feedback ensures that all parents are kept up to date about their child's day and daily diaries are in place for younger children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for and feel at home in a well organised setting where they are safe and secure. Toys and resources are effectively organised, enabling children to access them independently and make choices about their learning and play. The childminder makes good use of her time to ensure that she is able to meet the needs of the children she is caring for.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to ongoing professional development and attends regular training to further develop her practice, for example, child protection and food hygiene. All records which are required for the safe and effective management of the provision are in place, in line with regulations. The childminder's registration certificate is clearly displayed and all adults in the house have undergone all relevant checks to safeguard children.

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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 recommendations were made to complete a relevant first aid certificate and to obtain written permission to seek emergency medical treatment. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has written consent in place for emergency treatment.

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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): • maintain confidentiality when completing accident records.

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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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