Longstaff, Alyson

Inspection report for early years provision

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313739 Unique Reference Number 12 October 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 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 a registered childminder since 1994.She lives in Spennymoor. Her home is close to local amenities, including schools, park and shops. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. A rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years. There are currently two children on roll. Children attend on a variety of days.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's awareness of effective hygiene practices is raised by the childminder explaining the importance of following good routines. Children know to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. This contributes to their good health and sense of security. The childminder has appropriate hygiene routines in place

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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 to protect and promote children's health. She has clear procedures in place regarding sick children, medication and accident recording.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a sound awareness of healthy eating. She takes account of parents' wishes for their children and complies with any special dietary requirements when providing drinks and snacks to ensure children remain healthy. Children sit with the childminder and eat at the table making, it a sociable time for them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. Daily activities include opportunities for children to have physical exercise. For example, as they walk home from school or play outside in the garden. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where most risks are identified and minimised. This means that they are able to move around independently. There are satisfactory arrangements in place to keep children safe in the event of a fire. The childminder knows how she would get out of the house in an emergency and practises this on a regular basis with the children, so as to raise their awareness of what to do. The recording of this lacks detail. Children learn how to keep themselves safe while on outings, for example, stopping, looking and listening at the kerb before crossing the road or crossing where the lollipop lady stands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A wide range of developmentally appropriate equipment and toys, which are in a safe, well maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Toys are stored in a large, walk-in cupboard in the hall; children are able to access them independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder demonstrates a satisfactory awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. However, the childminder does not have up to date information regarding local procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a sound understanding of the range of experiences required to enable children to develop in all areas. The childminder knows the children well and provides them with opportunities to mix and socialise with other children. She builds on children’s experiences, for example, children who are just starting to settle into a new nursery routine are well supported through the childminder discussing things with them and introducing them to books about starting nursery.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a suitable variety of interesting and purposeful activities. Consequently, children are motivated and interested. Children have opportunities to develop their coordination skills as they complete simple puzzles. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them. Children are settled in the childminder's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's communication skills are developing well as a result of the childminder talking and listening to them. The childminder is interested in what the children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play, for example, as they play picture lotto together. They enjoy going on outings to places, such as Jubilee Park.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed into the setting and participate in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. The childminder's understanding of each child's needs is used to encourage a sense of security and belonging. The childminder provides some activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity. The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive strategies for managing children's behaviour. She is a good role model, encourages children to share and take turns and gives children praise and encouragement for their achievements. This helps the children to understand the boundaries set and to behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership that the childminder has developed with their parents. Parents' views about their children's needs are sought before the child starts. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs. Parents are kept verbally informed about their child's day and activities, and the policies and procedures of the setting are shared with them. However, parents are not given the name and address of the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled within the childminder's home. She has an early years qualification. She has completed an appropriate first aid course so children are well protected in the event of an accident. A record of children's attendance is kept and indicates that required ratios are maintained. Time is organised effectively which results in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being well met.

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Organisation

Documentation is suitably organised and readily available for inspection. Records are kept up to date to safeguard children's welfare and confidentiality is well maintained. The childminder is aware of her responsibility for notifying Ofsted of significant changes. She displays her certificate of registration in the hall.

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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 agreed to improve fire safety precautions by fitting a smoke alarm on the first floor. She also agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and obtain written permission from all parents before administering medication to children. A working smoke alarm is now in place on the first floor. The childminder has parents' written permission in place for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and obtains written permission from all parents before administering medication to children. These measures safeguard the welfare of children.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 knowledge and understanding of the local safeguarding procedures • develop further the recording of the emergency evacuation procedures • develop the resources and activities which reflect equality of opportunity • ensure that parents have access to the regulator's contact details.

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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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