Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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502888 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 Inspection date Andrea, Jane Lockyer 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 2001. She lives in a semi-detached house with her husband and three children, in the Holystone area of North Tyneside. Local amenities and public transport systems are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor area is used for childminding purposes and children do not access the first floor. There is a safe and enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support and training opportunities from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Regular daily opportunities for physical play indoors and outdoors help children to enjoy exercise and develop new skills and healthy bodies. They take part in a wide range of fun activities, such

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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 as climbing trees, using swings and slides, helping to walk the dog, going rock pooling, beach combing and playing 'twister'. Children also benefit from dancing to music, garden games and walks in the local country park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder follows clear, efficient hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health. The consistent adult support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene, and a desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care, for example, as they independently visit the toilet, wash their hands and help themselves to tissues. Children also enjoy helping to wash dishes, wipe the table and wash toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

The good standard of hygiene maintained throughout all childminding areas and the effective use of policies and procedures ensures that all children are well protected from the spread of infection. In-depth discussions with parents and comprehensive records ensure that children's individual health needs are met well.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's good knowledge about healthy eating ensures that children are developing a good understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet. They take part in activities, such as cooking, baking and helping to buy fresh produce at the local shops, and are involved in helping to prepare vegetable kebabs, fruit cocktails and their own snacks. Children are able to make choices from the well-balanced meals available and have access to fruit and drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

In-depth discussions with parents and comprehensive records ensure that children are provided with a healthy nutritious diet, which takes account of their individual dietary needs and parental wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. A well-organised, safe environment ensures children have room to move around freely and safely. Appropriate fire safety precautions are in place; however, the fire blanket is not fitted to manufacturer's instructions. Premises are made warm and welcoming and are friendly to children and parents. The childminder carries out her own informal risk assessments to identify hazards in her home. She helps children to gain a good awareness of safety, both indoors and outdoors, by talking and explaining to them and by being a positive role model, for example, when crossing roads, climbing trees and playing on the beach. She has a good awareness of children's constantly developing abilities and takes appropriate safety measures to ensure children are safe at all times. Children also benefit from practising safety measures throughout their daily routine, for example, carrying out fire drills, picking up toys so as not to fall over

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

them and sitting down whilst eating and drinking. Children have also enjoyed a trip to the local fire station where they learnt about the role of firefighters and the importance of fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board's guidelines. However, she lacks clarity of the procedures to follow if an allegation is made against her or any other members of the household. A good written procedure shared with parents ensures that they are made aware of the childminder's role and responsibility.

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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. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They are confident and happy. They achieve well because the childminder has a clear understanding of their developmental stages. She plans imaginative and stimulating activities with the children, which are purposeful and developmentally appropriate. All children access a broad range of experiences that promote and enhance their individual development and learning skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They relate very well to each other and socialise with other children through visits to local amenities. They enjoy a wide variety of activities which contribute to their imaginative, physical, creative, mathematical and language skills, such as dressing up, making Christmas tree decorations, role play, construction, drawing, collecting natural materials from the beach and making mobiles from them, and listening to stories. They particularly enjoy turning the conservatory into 'Santa's grotto' and a museum. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources that promote a positive view of the world. This increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. They have daily access to a wide range of toys and books that show positive images of race, gender, culture, disability and learning difficulties. They take part in Chinese New Year and Divali celebrations and particularly enjoyed a visit to the 'Tall Ships', where they experienced people, languages, music and food from around the world. They learn about their local community and culture as they visit places of interest, such as the coast, museums, Roman Fort, Holy Island, local shops and parks and celebrate Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Bonfire Night.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has realistic expectations of children's behaviour. She implements a range of good strategies to promote positive behaviour, which help children understand right from wrong. Children respond positively to meaningful praise and encouragement, which contributes to their social skills, confidence and self-esteem, for example, as they share toys, help to tidy up and help one another. They show care and concern for one another and behave very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good relationships between the childminder and parents. Good verbal and written communication ensures that children's individual needs are met. A comprehensive information package for parents and operational file ensures that they are kept very well informed about all aspects of the childminding practice and the care, welfare and progress of their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The well-organised environment and good daily routines ensure that children are happy and well settled. Good opportunities are made for free play, social interaction, resting, eating and going out. This means that children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning.

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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's good knowledge, skills and positive attitude towards extended training enhances the care of children. Policies and procedures are implemented effectively to promote the welfare and learning of children, and underpin the good quality care.

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Organisation

All policies, procedures and records are shared with parents, which contributes to continuity in the children's care, and ensures that their individual needs are met. 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 obtain parental consent for children to play in the front street and ensure appropriate supervision is maintained and record all fire drills. The childminder now has a record of fire drills which are practised with the children, raising their awareness of fire safety. Children no longer play in the front street.

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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.

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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 procedures to follow, should an allegation of abuse be made against the childminder or others in the household • ensure that the fire blanket is fitted to manufacturer's instructions.

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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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