Hitch, Maxine

Inspection report for early years provision

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313670 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2007 Inspection date Karen Marie Tervit 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 1992. She lives with her husband and grown up children on Newton Hall Estate, Durham. The whole of the ground floor, apart from the utility room, is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has one dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding six children on a part time basis. She uses local amenities including toddler groups, shops and parks. The childminder's mother works as an assistant.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home. The childminder has good procedures in place, such as washing surfaces before meals, providing clean towels for children and regular cleaning routines to ensure that play materials are kept clean. As a result of this, the risk of cross contamination is minimised. Good procedures are followed when

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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 changing nappies. The childminder has a good understanding of how to safeguard children's well-being by keeping appropriate records of any accidents and medication and sharing this information with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met well. The childminder works effectively with parents to meet each child's individual needs. Appropriate arrangements are in place which ensures that meals provided by parents are appropriately stored and prepared. The childminder provides a range of snacks for older children, such as fruit, toast and crumpets. Drinks are offered to children on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing their physical skills with a range of suitable activities both inside and outdoors, for example, they get fresh air during their walks and visits to the park. Babies have ample space to roll around and good opportunities to develop hand-to-eye coordination as they are encouraged to reach out and pick up toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Furniture, equipment and toys are of good quality and in a safe, well-maintained condition to promote children's development and welfare. The children are able to easily access appropriate toys, which encourages them to make choices and develop their independence. The childminder is very aware of the developmental stage of the younger children she cares for, and often moves furniture to give them extra space to play. While older children know to play with small items and games in the conservatory if babies are present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder's home is very welcoming and secure, with most potential hazards minimised. Safety equipment, such as socket covers are mostly in place and all dangerous substances are inaccessible to children. The childminder has working smoke alarms, which are regularly checked, and a fire blanket is situated in the kitchen. There is a written emergency evacuation procedure in place, which she practises with the children to ensure they are safe in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe outdoors both in the childminder's garden and on outings as there are suitable procedures in place. The rear garden is checked prior to the children playing outside and they are always supervised. She talks to the children about keeping safe, for example, not walking too far ahead on the way home from school. She ensures children walk on the inside of the pavement and stop, look and listen for cars when crossing the road. Written consents for transporting children and taking children on outings are in place, ensuring children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection. She is sufficiently confident to put appropriate procedures into practice if she is concerned about the welfare of children. All required procedures and documentation are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle extremely well at the childminder's home, are confident and very happy. They achieve well because the childminder has a clear understanding of their developmental stages. Children are well nurtured through lots of cuddles, warm smiles, good use of eye contact and

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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 calming words. As a result, they are very happy and content, which contributes to their overall well-being. The childminder engages in playful interaction with the children. This encourages children to find their voice and promotes a positive sense of self. The childminder feels it is important to find out what children enjoy and can do, so that they can plan experiences together which reflect their interests. Activities and play opportunities both inside and outside the home, such as attending toddler groups, visits to various parks and the beach, are purposeful and developmentally appropriate, resulting in children being motivated and interested.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends her time fully engaged with the children which helps to create a close and caring relationship between them. Children benefit from routines which are consistent with their experiences at home; through this approach the childminder helps children to move between home and the new setting, and in turn helps them be confident and at ease in their environment. Children have access to a range of toys as well as treasure baskets of everyday materials which help them develop their senses. Children are able to rest or be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures all children are included in activities and outings and are treated with equal concern. Children's awareness of the local and wider community is promoted through regular outings, helping them to develop a positive view of the wider world and to respect differences. The childminder has a positive attitude towards providing an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well due to consistent, positive behaviour management by the childminder. The childminder praises children's achievements regularly, which makes them feel good about themselves. Children are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong and are caring towards each other. They take turns and share resources whilst playing well together. The childminder is calm in her approach, encouraging older children to think about their behaviour and apologise to each other if necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents and close relationships have been established, ensuring children's individual needs are met. Parents' knowledge of their child's needs and interests is actively sought prior to a placement commencing and on a regular basis throughout their time in the childminder's care. The childminder works consistently with them and there are written agreements in place. Parents' written comments about the childminding service are very positive. The childminder has a written complaints procedure in place, however, the contact details of the regulator are not always shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a stimulating well organised environment and feel relaxed in the childminder's care. The childminder ensures children have sufficient space to play safely and freely. She organises resources to promote children's independence and encourages them to make choices about their play and learning. She has a sound understanding of child development and is keen to ensure that she offers the best service possible and that outcomes for children are consistently good. She is keen to improve and develop her practice by reading childcare publications and accessing other sources of information including training.

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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 Documentation is reasonably well organised and securely stored to ensure confidentiality. Children's personal records are up to date and the record of attendance is accurately maintained. The childminder's registration certificate is not always clearly displayed. Ratios are adhered to and all adults within the home have undergone suitable checks.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to extend the range of resources available that promote positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability and to include children's departure times on the register of attendance. The childminder now has sufficient toys and play materials available which reflect diversity. She also raises children's awareness through activities and discussions about the wider world. The childminder now includes children's departure times on her record of attendance.

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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 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): • ensure certificate of registration is clearly displayed • make the regulator's contact details available to parents • ensure all exposed low level sockets are protected.

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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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