Noble, Suzanne

Inspection report for early years provision

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318974 Unique Reference Number 21 December 2007 Inspection date Kathleen Snowdon 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 14 in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. Her home is close to all facilities, including schools and nurseries. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. Currently there are no children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. From discussion, photographs and menu samples the childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of the importance of healthy eating. The childminder describes delicious and nutritious meals that she provides, which include traditional roast dinners, fish and pasta dishes and appetising snacks, such as wholemeal toast, fruit and sandwiches. As well as this the

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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 childminder talks about how she encourages children to become involved in menu planning so that they begin to understand food blends and combinations.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder gives very good examples of how she helps children to become aware of personal hygiene. For instance, she shows photographs of the children engrossed in invigorating outdoor activities, such as digging the garden, raking through sand on the beach and playing in the local park then points out other photographs of the children washing their hands, forearms and faces afterwards. To consolidate this, the childminder details highly useful facts that she would bring up in conversation to help children understand the link between good health and cleanliness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Diaries, photographs and discussion show the excellent priority that the childminder gives to exercise and keeping children active. For example, the childminder explains how she would restrict the time that children spend playing computer games by persuading them to play fun, energetic games, such as football or rounders. As well as this, she also shows very good awareness of how children need time to rest, when she describes how she would use music to soothe them and help them to relax.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. From discussion and through participation in recent training the childminder shows very good awareness of safeguarding children issues. For example, she mentions numerous signs and symptoms as possible indicators of abuse or neglect, and she speaks confidently and accurately about the steps that she would take should she have concerns about any child in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through discussion it is clear that the childminder gives excellent priority to other aspects of keeping children safe. For instance, she talks about practising emergency evacuation drills with children to teach them how to stay safe in a crisis, and she explains how everyday routines, such as crossing the road, show children simple but effective ways of avoiding hazards outside. The childminder also points out how good use of safety equipment reduces the risk of accidents in her very well organised, welcoming and spacious home; safety covers protect electric sockets, for example and a fire blanket is appropriately situated to minimise the risk of fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An outstanding range of developmentally appropriate toys and resources is available. It includes building blocks and construction kits to encourage children to design and experiment, a vast selection of role play props to encourage children to pretend and imagine, and a wealth of craft materials to allow the children to express their creativity. As well as this, the childminder points out that it is stored to allow children easy access and shows photographs of children taking part in frequent cleaning and checking routines that keep the equipment in pristine condition.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Through discussion and photographs it is evident that the childminder understands the importance of taking children on outings. Fascinating places, such as local science museums, farms, the beach and leisure centres increase children's awareness of the wider world. The childminder describes a particularly popular destination; the local metro train line system, which consolidates children's knowledge of their local community.

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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 The childminder describes and shows plans that include interesting and worthwhile activities, such as baking, painting, gardening and dancing, which give children ample scope to have fun and enjoy themselves. As well as this she shows photographs of very young children making models then making determined efforts to try to write about what they have done. These experiences encourage children's fine motor skills and literacy development. The childminder points out a piano which children could use as well as recorders, drums and other percussion instruments and explains how she encourages children to play music, adding that she sees this as an important way for children to express their feelings and emotions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates an excellent awareness of the importance of developing secure relationships with children. She describes how children thrive in environments where they are cherished and made to feel special. She acknowledges the importance of appropriately praising children and understands that this boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Through photographs and discussion it is clear that the childminder places very strong emphasis on promoting equal opportunities. For example, she explains how she gives equal regard and consideration to all children and she describes how she decorates the house to honour a range of festivals, including Christmas, Divali. Saint Patrick's Day and Chinese New Year to promote positive views of culture and ethnicity. The childminder points out several very good quality jigsaws and books that show vibrant images of people with disabilities and people carrying out tasks usually associated with the opposite sex; these encourage children to develop respectful views of difference.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Sensible and appropriate house rules are outlined in very good quality written information for parents. The childminder explains how these rules teach children boundaries and help them to distinguish right from wrong. From discussion it is clear that the childminder understands how sensitive and consistent guidance helps children to behave acceptably, and how being a good role model helps children learn from example.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder explains how contracts would be used to set out clearly her expectations and those of parents. The childminder points out very good quality written information that she gives to parents to give them an insight into her work. She shows daily diaries that she would use to record useful information to pass onto parents to keep them up to date with their children's recent experiences. The childminder shows recent letters and completed questionnaires from parents which include very positive comments about her and the service that she provided. Parents describe the childminder as 'very caring, reliable and thoughtful', and identify their children's 'obvious happiness' during their time with the childminder as the thing that they valued most.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The standard of record keeping is excellent. The childminder retains essential information and gives very good priority to maintaining confidentiality by storing documentation in a lockable cabinet. She describes how she would keep information up to date and accurate through holding regular reviews with parents and carers and she shows consent forms which parents are asked to sign to allow their children to participate in a range of activities.

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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 The childminder points to the childminding certificate which is prominently displayed at all times allowing any interested party to scrutinise it. As well as this, a poster is on display which gives parents information about contacting Ofsted should they wish to make a complaint. From discussion the childminder demonstrates a very good awareness of registered numbers. She shows how she would keep a record of children's daily attendance and explains that this would include times of arrival and departure.

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Organisation

Regular participation in relevant training keeps the childminder abreast of current trends in childcare. Recent courses include safeguarding children, speech and language development and equality and diversity. The childminder explains how she constantly strives to improve her practice. For example, although she is not caring for children under eight years old at present, she has started to expand on the information currently available to parents with a view to developing 'parents packs', a resource that will include information about every aspect of the childminder's work as well as other information that parents may find useful.

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Organisation

Evidence suggests that the needs of all children would be met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to continue to develop knowledge and understanding of childminding issues. Until recently the childminder has cared for several children from birth to under eight years. Experience such as this and ongoing participation in relevant training has given the childminder an excellent awareness of all aspects of childminding practice.

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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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): • continue to develop written information for parents to keep them fully informed about routines and child care practices.

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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 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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