Foxall Deborah

Inspection report for early years provision

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313588 Unique Reference Number 02 November 2007 Inspection date Ann Doubleday 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 2001. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 11 years and 14 years in a house approximately one mile from Durham city centre. There are schools, pre-schools, parks and local amenities nearby. All ground floor rooms are available for childminding purposes, with the conservatory used as the main playroom. An enclosed rear garden is used 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 at any one time and is currently minding one pre-school child, three children of school age and six children over eight years. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. They take part in regular outdoor activities, for example, as they go for a walk, collect leaves to make a collage

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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 or go to the library or the park. This encourages their physical development and ensures they have fresh air. Children are able to rest or be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. Their health is supported by the encouragement of appropriate personal care routines which also allow them to develop their independence. For example, as they wash their hands before eating, after they return from school and after playing outside. The childminder encourages children to use soap and explains to them the reason why they should do so. Effective procedures followed by the childminder result in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection, for example, as she provides individual towels for children in the bathroom. Appropriate procedures are in place for the administration of medication, recording of accidents and written consent has been requested from most parents for seeking medical advice in an emergency. This ensures children's health needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a good variety of healthy meals and snacks including fresh fruit and vegetables. She talks to the children about the need to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. The childminder discusses children's dietary needs with parents and caters for any special dietary requirements. Children are offered drinks regularly to ensure they do not remain thirsty.

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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 clean, warm and welcoming environment where most risks are identified and minimised. For example, household cleaning materials are inaccessible to children. This means that children are able to move around safely. There are good arrangements in place to keep children safe in the event of a fire. Appropriate fire safety equipment is in place and is checked regularly. An emergency evacuation procedure is practised with the children. The childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe as she talks to them about road safety and stranger danger.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A range of furniture, equipment and toys which are of good quality and in a safe, well maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. A selection of toys are stored well, at child level which allows children to make choices for themselves and direct their own play. They are rotated with other toys around the home to give children variety. Toys are regularly washed and checked for safety and as a result children are safe whilst in the childminder's care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She has a sound awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and of the procedures to be followed should a concern arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and this means that children's personal, social and intellectual development is well fostered and supported. Close and caring relationships have been developed between the childminder and the children. This increases children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a good variety of interesting activities, both inside and outside the home. Children have opportunities to develop their creative skills through art and craft activities

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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 such as drawing, playing with play dough and sticking. Outdoor activities include treasure hunts, outings to see the trains, picnics and trips to the local park. Children are encouraged to use their imagination in their play as they play with small world figures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence as the childminder talks to them and shows interest in what they are doing. Their communication skills are developing well as a result of the childminder talking and listening to them. The childminder takes the lead from children when providing activities and makes sure they are different activities from those provided at nursery. Children's self esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. She encourages children to respect each other and to look after each other. Children access a varied range of activities and resources which increase their awareness of diversity. For example, activities are undertaken for Diwali and Chinese new year. Children learn about the local community, as they take part in outings to parks and other places of local interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder is a good role model and uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. She makes sure children are aware of the boundaries set and gives praise and encouragement for positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works well with parents in order to meet children's individual needs. Parents' views about their children's needs and routines are actively sought before the child starts. The childminder gives parents verbal feedback at the end of each day. This ensures they are fully informed about their child's day and activities. However, she has not specifically provided parents with Ofsted's address and telephone number. This means they may not be able to complain to the regulator should they need to do so.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the childminder and in the environment. This means that they are confident to initiate their own play and learning. The record of attendance shows ratios are met, which enables the childminder to give appropriate support and supervision at all times. The childminder keeps her own knowledge up to date by attending further training. The knowledge gained is used to enhance the care that is given to the children.

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Organisation

There are effective systems in place for the daily sharing of information with parents about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. All legally required records which are required for the safe and effective management of the provision are maintained, well organised and stored confidentially. This means that children's welfare is safeguarded. However, consents from parents for some of the children are not yet in place.

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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, the provider agreed to: complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children; ensure low level glass in patio doors does not pose a risk to children; ensure practices comply with requirements of Durham County Council Area Child Protection Committee procedures; and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider has completed an appropriate first aid certificate. This means she knows how to deal with accidents and emergencies. She has requested consent from most parents for seeking medical advice in an emergency, but has not yet dome so for some children. This means the health needs of these children are not fully met in an emergency.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider has made sure that the glass in the patio doors is safety glass and has updated her knowledge of child protection procedures. This means children are kept safe.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • provide parents with the name and address of the regulator • make sure consents are in place for all children cared for.

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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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