Ferry, Teresa

Inspection report for early years provision

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501497 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Julie, Anne Swan 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her children aged 15, 16, nine and five years in the Roker area of Sunderland. The whole ground floor, except for the bedroom, of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There are no outdoor facilities, but the childminder ensures children have regular opportunities for outdoor play at local parks and the beach.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day. The childminder uses her car to transport children to and from local schools. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment where they are beginning to develop an understanding of good hygiene and personal care. For example, very young children attempt to wipe their noses independently and are encouraged to cover their mouths 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 they cough. The childminder has appropriate practices in place when changing nappies to reduce the risk of the spread of infection which protects the children from illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical play both indoors and outdoors. They enjoy fresh air and physical exercise on regular outings to local parks and the beach which contributes to their good health. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the differing abilities of the children and ensures that equipment and activities are appropriate to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They make choices from a range of healthy snacks which include fresh fruit. The childminder has a sound understanding of what constitutes a healthy diet and is successful in meeting children's dietary needs through consultation with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a good level of awareness to the risks to children's safety and has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the physical environment is safe and secure. Children move safely around the home and are free from harm. Children are safe on outings as they learn road safety procedures and understand simple rules, such as holding hands when crossing the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate toys and equipment are readily available to the children. The children are well acquainted with what is available and make independent choices from a daily selection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. However, the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures is limited, which prevents children's welfare being fully supported should a child protection situation arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are very settled and share warm and trusting relationships with the childminder. They are keen to communicate with their carer as they play games and listen to stories with her. The children relate well to each other and enjoy each others company. The childminder has regular daily routines which successfully ensures that all children are involved in all activities despite their differing ages and needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in home based activities which include construction and pretend play and enjoy outings to a number of different toddler groups. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and adapts activities towards the individual ages and stages of development of each child. The children are challenged to use what they know and learn more. They make good progress in all aspects of their development. For example, children access a range of large and small construction materials depending on their abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder values all children as individuals and strives to ensure their individual needs are met. The children are confident, independent and secure in their environment. They learn

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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 about the wider community and develop understanding and respect through everyday discussion and interesting and fun activities. For example, celebrating Chinese New Year at toddler group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses good strategies to manage children's behaviour which are appropriate to their understanding and ages. She offers praise and encouragement in response to their achievements. Children behave very well and are beginning to understand the consequences of unacceptable behaviour on others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder considers communication with parents to be paramount. They share information about the children's activities daily and regularly review the arrangements to ensure any concerns are dealt with immediately and effectively. This contributes to the continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are safe and free from harm because the childminder has a reasonable knowledge of the National Standards and is mostly successful in interpreting them. The childminder is well organised. She makes appropriate use of her time, space and resources to create a suitable environment for the children. The children are safe, settled, secure and confident within their environment.

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Organisation

Documentation is up-to-date and mostly recorded well, although the attendance register and accidents record lack detail. Information is shared regularly with parents to ensure that they are fully informed about their child's achievements and progress and this contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, actions and recommendations were raised in relation to documentation, safety and equipment. The childminder now has some resources reflective of equal opportunities issues which provide children with positive images. The fire blanket has been suitably located in the kitchen, ensuring children's safety. Parental consents for emergency medical treatment are in place and information about the service provided is available which promotes children's welfare. However, there is still only limited information available with regard to safeguarding children. Therefore, this has been raised as a recommendation once more at this inspection.

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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 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): • review the National Standards for childminding to ensure continuing understanding of requirements • ensure that a clear record of children's attendance is maintained and includes the times of their arrival and departure • ensure the documentation of accidents includes any existing injuries children may have • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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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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