Jackson, Susan

Inspection report for early years provision

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313695 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2007 Inspection date Pauline Pinnegar 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 satisfactory. 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 June 2000. She lives with her husband and their three children aged 12, 10 and three years old in the Carrville area of Durham. The downstairs only of the home is available for childminding activities, except for access to the bathroom. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a pet rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five and four children over five years old. All children are cared for on a part time basis. The childminder takes children to and collects them from the local school. She is a member the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. The childminder has clear procedures in place regarding sick children, medication and accident recording to ensure children's health needs are met. However, although prior written consent for the administration of medication is in

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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 place, it does not contain all the required detail. Children are protected from infection as the childminder implements appropriate health and hygiene practices. Children's understanding of the importance of good hygiene is promoted in everyday routines, such as hand washing after using the toilet. Children have individual towels to help prevent the risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy activities in the fresh air most days, which contributes to their good health. They enjoy playing on the trampoline and riding the bikes and tractors in the garden. They regularly visit local toddler groups and the park, where they have opportunity to play on the large equipment. The childminder plans for children to enjoy regular exercise, as they walk to and from school each day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for snacks, meals and drinks are negotiated carefully with parents, so that children's individual dietary needs are met appropriately. She has not so far provided lunch, as parents have preferred to provide their child's food. However, she does provide tea for children twice weekly which is varied and nutritious. She provides a healthy option on occasion, such as fruit at snack times. The childminder offers drinks regularly and ensures children can help themselves to drinks when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's different needs are catered for safely by satisfactory use of available space. The childminder ensures children are supervised closely at all times and takes into account the age range present when planning different activities. Risks and hazards are appropriately assessed to promote children's safety and enjoyment. Older children are allowed to access the toilet independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a suitable range of toys and equipment, which are maintained in a safe condition. They can safely use the whole environment independently. The childminder helps children to be aware of safety issues within their everyday experiences. For example, she talks about road safety when they go for local walks. She has developed a clear plan for safe evacuation in an emergency and has practised it with children. This raises their awareness of what procedure to follow in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably protected because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection. She is familiar with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and contact details, which contributes to children's safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content in the childminder's care. The home environment is relaxed and child friendly. Children can choose quiet or active play according to how they feel. After school the children often just want to 'crash out' and relax, watching the television. Children use initiative to plan their own play, selecting from a suitable range of resources. Toys and resources are easily accessible to children, promoting their independence. Activities are child-led with children deciding what they want to do daily. The childminder cares for one child under three years and is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of how young children learn and progress. Children experience an acceptable balance of activities and play opportunities including stories

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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 and completing jigsaws. Small world toys and dressing up are particular favourites and children enjoy using their imagination well. Children have good fun singing and dancing to their favourite songs accompanied by musical instruments. Older children enjoy playing together using the computer and games consoles. They sometimes plan craft activities and enjoy cutting and sticking and making models with play dough. During the holidays different activities are planned, such as baking, trips to the park, museums and walks in the community to local monuments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder helps to raise children's self-esteem by providing encouragement and praise, and by valuing what they have to offer. Children's behaviour is good and is sensitively supported by the childminder's example. Routines have been established in partnership with parents and are consistent with home. This promotes children's sense of security and increases their confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure in the childminder's care and develop warm relationships with her. They feel comfortable in the welcoming 'home from home' atmosphere. Daily routines are flexible as children make suggestions about activities they would like to do. The childminder creates a relaxed environment, where children are helped to feel good about themselves. Children receive support and encouragement as they play. Rules are simple and the childminder explains the reasons for them, so that children understand. Children begin to take responsibility for their own behaviour and show that they understand why certain rules are in place, such as why they must share toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to socialise and play cooperatively as they attend local toddler groups, meeting other children. They enjoy regular outings in the local community. Children make choices and decisions as they independently select activities and get out resources to support their play. However, they have access to limited resources and activities which raise their awareness of other cultures and different abilities. Although there are no children on roll with learning difficulties or disabilities, the childminder demonstrates an adequate awareness of how she would promote their welfare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. Verbal information is exchanged daily to keep parents fully informed of their child's care and learning. However, the complaints procedure for parents' information does not include all contact details of the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are supported within an organised and safe environment. The children are settled with the childminder and in the environment. This means that they are happy in their play. The childminder has completed the mandatory training. Adult to child ratios are maintained and the childminder organises her time effectively to meet the individual needs of the children. The childminder adopts a flexible approach to planning, which involves the children.

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Organisation

Children’s personal information and other mandatory records are suitably maintained, thereby supporting the safe and effective management of the provision. However, written parental agreements, although completed, were not available for inspection. Documentation is suitably organised to ensure confidentiality. All records are shared regularly with parents to keep them

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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 informed about the service and the activities provided for their children. Information includes copies of all written policies and procedures. This contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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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 last inspection the childminder was asked to; request written parental consent for the administration of non-prescribed medication; obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle; obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment; and improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards, is accessible in the kitchen. She was also asked to ensure Ofsted is notified of all future changes which impact on the care of children and her registration, and to consider drawing up written information for parents which reflects the childminding service provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Documentation and record keeping has improved overall. The childminder now has written consent for the seeking of emergency treatment and to administer non-prescribed medication. This contributes to promoting children's health. Partnerships with parents have improved and they now receive written information with regard to all policies and procedures within the setting. Consent has been obtained from parents for children to be transported in a vehicle. A fire blanket is now located in the kitchen improving safety standards. A procedure has been developed by the childminder to ensure Ofsted is informed of all significant changes, although there have been none to date.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • develop the procedure for obtaining clear written consent from parents prior to the administration of medicines • develop the resources and activities provided for children to raise their awareness of diversity

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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 • review the complaints procedure for parents to include all contact details of the regulator • ensure all documents relating to childminding are available for inspection.

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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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