Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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313817 Unique Reference Number 15 October 2007 Inspection date Janet Fairhurst 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 1982. She lives with her husband on an established, residential estate within the village of Burnopfield, a rural area of Durham adjoining the western outskirts of Gateshead. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed, rear garden for outdoor activities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of both the National Childminding Association and the Durham Childminding Network. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children, two of whom are aged eight years. She attends the local childminders' group and toddler groups on a regular basis and drops off and collects children from nearby schools and nurseries.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are very well cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where they begin to learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care throughout their daily routine.

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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 Consistent adult support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene and become increasingly independent in their personal care, washing their hands before eating, after playing outside in the garden and after visiting the bathroom. Individual facecloths are provided for the children which helps to reduce the risk of cross contamination. The childminder follows an effective nappy changing routine, ensuring disposable gloves are worn and nappies disposed of hygienically. A current first aid certificate, clear written policies regarding sick children and the effective recording of all accidents and medication promote children’s health and well-being. Although the childminder stated she thought she had obtained written consent for emergency medical treatment she was unable to provide this.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of fun activities which contribute to their good health. Outdoor play is a regular feature of their care as they visit local toddler groups, play in the secure back garden, as well as walking to and from school. Each day the childminder plans both indoor and outdoor activities which help promote children’s physical development and help them gain increasing control over their bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy wholesome, nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit. Good arrangements are in place which ensure that meals provided by parents are appropriately stored and prepared. Regular drinks are offered throughout the day to ensure children never become thirsty. Mealtimes are a relaxed social occasion for the children to enjoy. The childminder keeps parents informed verbally of what their children have eaten throughout the day.

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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 safe, warm and welcoming environment. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant. The environment is very well organised so that children have space to play freely and safely, with even the youngest being able to access a broad range of high quality toys and activities independently. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe, stimulating and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Regular safety checks ensure that toys remain in a safe condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well cared for and their safety within the home is given high priority. Examples of this include the way the childminder has devised emergency care plans and how emergency evacuation procedures are practised with the children on a regular basis. Visual risk assessments and close physical proximity maintains children's safety when they are outdoors in public areas. All children are restrained in appropriate car seats when being transported in the car. Children are developing good routines when travelling in the car as they recite phrases, such as 'clunk click every trip'. Written consents are in place for outings, the use of public transport and the car, ensuring children's welfare is safeguarded. Children learn to keep themselves safe on the premises as the childminder gives clear guidelines, such as to pick up toys when they have finished with them and no access to the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected by the childminder who is confident and secure in her knowledge of child protection policies and procedures. She has attended a safeguarding children course to ensure her knowledge is up to date. This is reinforced through a clear and comprehensive policy, ensuring that children's welfare is protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental needs and she participates fully during activities, encouraging children to join in. Children are able to work things out for themselves and the childminder knows when to allow play to develop and when to step in to assist them. Children feel valued and are developing their language skills extremely well because the childminder understands the importance of talking and listening to children. She asks them questions that make them think, fostering their confidence and understanding of their learning. The children's interest and enjoyment is sustained well as they are encouraged to make their own choices regarding their activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and develop a strong sense of belonging. The nurturing environment and the childminder's sensitive, caring nature helps children feel totally secure in her care. Children are very confident to express their needs and wishes and enjoy the interaction they have with the childminder. The childminder and the children chat constantly and take time to cuddle up together to watch a favourite television programme after a busy morning at playgroup which further demonstrates the secure, caring relationship that has been established.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder ensures that routines are flexible. This allows for child-led activities to take priority. For example, as the children walk to school they are able to watch leaves fall from the trees, and walking though them stimulates their senses and imagination. Following on from this everyday routine one child excitedly told me about the butterfly he was going to make with the leaves they had collected. This approach of learning through play gradually introduces children to new concepts and helps to consolidate their own understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children are becoming independent as they are encouraged and supported well to make their own decisions and develop preferences, for example, as they choose what activity to do or what cup they wish to use. Children's individual needs are very well addressed as the childminder is well informed about each child and consequently able to provide them with appropriate care and activities. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, has experience of this and shows a good understanding in this area. She demonstrates a good understanding of the needs of individual children and is committed to working with parents and other professionals to ensure children's ongoing individual development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop self-confidence well because they receive lots of praise and encouragement and they respond very well to the childminder. She has realistic expectations of their behaviour and implements a good range of age-appropriate strategies to promote good behaviour and help children learn right from wrong. This is reinforced through a clear and detailed policy. Children are encouraged to share, relate well to one another and behave well. The childminder is patient, kind and understanding with children and they are responsive towards her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has developed with parents. They are provided with good written information relating to the provision, which is well presented and detailed. Children settle well because they have introductory visits which are tailored around their needs. The childminder talks to parents each day which ensures that they

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 are kept informed of their child's progress and care. Parents are encouraged to share information about their child which helps the childminder to meet the children's individual needs successfully. The feedback from children's carers is positive and very complementary, which reinforces how satisfied they are with the level of care that the childminder provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a very strong commitment to the continuous development of her childminding practice to provide a high quality service. She keeps abreast of current issues in childcare by accessing training which ensures she is very well informed and up to date with new developments. She uses her knowledge effectively to provide children with a range of learning experiences. Written policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are also used to inform the parents about the service and to inform them about their children's activities and achievements. All confidential information is stored appropriately. The childminder's registration certificate is prominently displayed in the house.

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Organisation

Children benefit immensely from the childminder's active involvement with the local childminding network. The childminder has an extremely positive attitude towards her career and puts the maximum effort into the provision. Children are comfortable, happy and relaxed with the childminder. Space, resources and equipment are organised effectively to meet children's needs. They experience individual attention with the childminder helping them to develop positive relationships.

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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 obtain a copy of latest child protection booklet. The childminder has a copy of this booklet which she would use as a reference aid.

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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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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

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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 written parental consent for emergency medical treatment or advice is obtained and 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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