Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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506897 Unique Reference Number 10 January 2008 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 1992. She lives with her husband and adult son. They live in a semi-detached house in the Bedlington area of Northumberland. Local amenities and public transport systems are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor area is used for childminding purposes, access to the first floor is restricted to the use of the bathroom. There is a safe and enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog, budgie and tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for seven children, three of whom are aged over eight years, all children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder receives support and training opportunities from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder follows clear, efficient hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health. Children are aware of the importance of healthy practices, for example, they know to

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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 wash their hands before meals and after toileting, help to wash toys, wipe up spillages and wipe down food preparation surfaces after baking activities. The high standards of hygiene maintained throughout all childminding areas and the effective use of policies and procedures ensure 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. Good records are in place for accidents and the administration of medication. Written consent has been obtained from parents to administer most medication. However, on some occasions the childminder has accepted verbal consent instead of written consent to administer medication to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished. Menus are planned in advance ensuring they are offered a balanced and healthy diet. Children are developing a good understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet. They help to buy fresh produce from local shops and help to prepare their own snacks. Children's individual dietary needs are well met through effective partnership with parents to discuss any allergies or special dietary requirements. Children are encouraged to make their own choices from healthy snacks each day and are able to help themselves to drinks which are freely accessible to them.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 as blackberry picking, playing in the snow, watering the garden and playing on swings, slides and climbing frames in the park. Garden games, such as badminton, ball games and using scooters, bikes and sit-and-ride toys promote children's physical skills. Children also benefit from daily walks to local amenities and going on regular outings to places of interest.

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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. 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, playing on the beach, practising fire drills and talking about stranger danger. She has a good awareness of children's constantly developing abilities and takes appropriate safety measures to ensure children are safe at all times, such as making sure that children are safe whilst visiting farms and using large outdoor play equipment. Children have also enjoyed a visit from the police in a police car where they were able to explore the car and learn about the role of the police.

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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.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. The childminder provides a relaxed atmosphere and children obviously enjoy their time with her and her family. Warm and caring relationships have been developed, which promote children's sense of security and trust.

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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 Children are making good progress because the childminder has a clear understanding of their abilities and developmental stages; and provides a wide range of stimulating activities that promote and enhance their individual development and learning skills. They enjoy activities, such as making masks, hand painting, cutting and sticking, baking cakes, threading beads, making music, imaginative and role play. They make decisions about their play and learning, supported well by the childminder. Activities and play opportunities are purposeful and developmentally appropriate resulting in children being motivated and interested. They relate very well to each other and have good opportunities to socialise with other children through visits to local amenities

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a positive attitude towards others and gaining an understanding about the wider world. They are able to access a good range of resources throughout their daily play, that show positive images of race, gender and culture. They have also enjoyed taking part in Chinese New Year celebrations, learning about Divali and making African soup. However, there are limited resources that promote children's awareness of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. They have good opportunities to learn about their own culture and community as they celebrate familiar festivals, such as Halloween, Christmas and Easter; and visit places of interest, such as the coast, nature parks, farms, local parks, shops, the library and they also go rock-pooling.

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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 that help children understand right from wrong. Children respond positively to the childminder's praise and encouragement, for example, they willingly help to tidy up, share toys and take turns. They show care and concern for one another and generally behave very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships between the childminder and parents. Parents' knowledge of their child's needs and interests is actively sought prior to a placement commencing and on a regular basis throughout their time in the childminder's care. A comprehensive information pack and photographs ensure that parents are well informed about all aspects of the childminding practice, 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

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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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to; develop resources and activities for multicultural play. Children are now able to access good range of toys and resources which increase their awareness of diversity, such as books, small world people, dolls, puzzles and games. They also enjoy taking part in different cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year celebrations.

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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): • ensure that parents provide written consent to administer all medication • extend the range of resources to increase children's awareness of people with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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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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