Claire Dominick

Inspection report for early years provision

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313567 Unique Reference Number 22 November 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 has been registered since 1993. She lives in a house in the Startforth area of Barnard Castle. The whole of the premises are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years of age and currently has five children under the age of eight on roll and four children over the age of eight. The childminder collects children from local schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good hygiene practices promote children's health and well-being well. Consistent support and guidance encourages children to become increasingly independent in their personal care, for example, washing hands before meals and after using the bathroom. The childminder has a good understanding of promoting good hygiene which is supported by a food hygiene certificate. She implements a range of effective procedures to reduce the risk of cross-infection and illness, for example, wearing gloves to change nappies, cleaning surfaces and tables after eating and ensuring that the fridge remains at the correct temperature. All relevant documentation with

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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 regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms, are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical play and have a variety of outdoor toys and resources to use in the rear garden. The childminder also takes them for walks to feed the ducks and to local parks where they can run about and enjoy exercise in the fresh air. This provides children with good opportunities to promote physical development.

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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 meals for the children and snacks of fresh fruit and regular drinks are provided by the childminder. The childminder consults with parents to ensure that she is aware of any dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel secure as the childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment where effective procedures are in place to identify and minimise risks. The childminder maintains close supervision of children at all times and uses appropriate safety procedures, such as covering sockets, keeping doors locked and covering any sharp corners on furniture. Written risk assessments further ensure that space in and outdoors remains safe, however, the brick barbecue in the garden is not secure. This does not promote children's safety. Good use is made of the available space and children are able move around independently and self-select from a wide range of toys that 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

Effective procedures ensure that children remain safe while on outings. For example, the childminder has age-appropriate car seats in place and ensures that young children are securely strapped into pushchairs when out walking. Older children are allowed to walk a safe distance ahead to promote independence. The childminder encourages all of the children to use the 'green cross code' to ensure that they cross the road safely and they are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures gained through attending relevant training.

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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 wide range of toys and resources. The childminder maintains good interaction with the children as she sits close to them and gets involved in their activities. She has a clear understanding of the importance of obtaining a balance between adult and child led activities and knows when to become involved in their play. For example, the children use bricks to build large towers. As the towers get larger the childminder joins in, supporting the tower for the children and encouraging them to name the coloured bricks they are putting on.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to develop their creative skills, for example, they enjoy painting, colouring, cooking and dressing up. The children play in a dedicated play room which

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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 displays colourful examples of the children's work and photographs. This encourages children's sense of belonging and develops self-esteem. The childminder ensures that children have a balance between indoor and outdoor activities, for example, they plant seeds in the garden, go to local toddler groups and to theatres to participate in musical activities. Such activities are fun for the children and promote development and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated equally and included at the setting. The childminder knows the children well and develops self-esteem though praise and encouragement. For example, she encourages the children to take turns on the sea-saw and praises them for sharing. Inappropriate behaviour is dealt with using age appropriate techniques, such as distraction with younger children and discussion with older ones. For example, the childminder gently distracts children to other toys to avoid upset when they want to play with the same toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to develop an awareness of their local community. They visit local play groups where they are able to socialise with other children and go to local schools and nurseries to watch plays. However, activities and resources to promote children's awareness of diversity are limited. The childminder has extensive experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She benefits from relevant training, and is committed to working with parents to ensure that children would be fully included into the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective partnerships with parents ensure individual needs are met well, which promotes stability. The childminder shares written policies and procedures with parents to ensure that they are aware of her practice and the care and activities offered. The childminder keeps parents informed through daily verbal feedback and informative daily diaries for younger children. This ensures continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled, happy and confident at the childminder's home and play opportunities are maximised through effective organisation of space, time and resources. This allows children to access toys safely and independently to make choices about their learning and play. Flexible daily routines ensure that children benefit from a wide range of activities both in the home and the community.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to ongoing professional development, and regularly attends relevant training, for example, child protection and speech and language development. The childminder is an active member of the local childminding network and uses this to further promote her development and practice. Documentation is well organised and all records are up to date and easily accessible. A comprehensive range of written policies are in place and all information is stored to promote confidentiality.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection a recommendation to obtain parental consents was raised. All relevant parental consents have been put in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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 complaint 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): • make the barbecue area in the garden safe for children • develop activities and resources to promote children's awareness of diversity.

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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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