Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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953205 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2007 Inspection date Eileen Grimes 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 with her husband and three children aged 22, 14 and eight years. They live in a village outside of Chester-le-Street, close to schools and local amenities. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding. There is an enclosed play area to the rear of the house. She attends the local toddler groups and takes children to the park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. She is currently caring for seven children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, well organised and comfortable home. The childminder ensures that children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before and after snacks, after outdoor play and after having contact with animals. 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 also ensures that she washes her hands after changing nappies and before feeding the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet and have access to drinks throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents, and the routines and choices of children for example, she discusses food likes etc with parents. Through her family circumstances she has a sound understanding of food allergies. She ensures that all foods are freshly prepared by herself, giving confidence to parents on additives, etc. All meals are served to children at the dining table, allowing them to develop a range of social skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a good range of daily activities inside and outside the home to help them develop a range of physical skills and promote their good health. For example, children walk to school, go to the nearby park and use large push and pull toys in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has suitable systems in place to record accidents, medication administered and for the treatment of emergency and medical advice. This means that parents are kept informed and their wishes are acknowledged and adhered to.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good safety precautions have been taken to minimise accidents. For example, smoke alarms are in place and regularly tested, the childminder practices a fire drill and records the outcome. All electrical socket covers have been fitted. The childminder carries out regular checks on the house to ensure the environment is safe for children, in line with her health and safety policy. The risk of accidents outside the home is reduced, because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe whilst on outings. For example, young children are safely harnessed in their buggy. Older children are aware of the importance of walking safely, and have developed a sound understanding of road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to choose independently from the wide range of equipment available. The childminder carefully monitors and maintains toys to ensure they are safe and encourages children to take care of equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is fully safeguarded. The childminder has an understanding of the different types and possible signs of abuse. The childminder knows the procedure to be followed if she has a concern about a child, including contact details of social services and the police. There is a child protection policy in place, which details to parents her role and responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in their environment. They share warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and are keen to communicate with her, through a number of methods. For example, children use verbal communication and body language. The childminder understands and is aware of each child's stage of development. Children enjoy socialising with other children in the childminder's home and on various outings to toddlers groups and soft play. They begin to show respect for others and develop acceptable behaviour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Through the wide range of activities she provides, children develop a breadth of skills. They choose their activity and freely seek the support of the childminder, who has the skills and

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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 experience to understand when children will benefit from adult support and when they need to explore and experiment independently. Children listen and respond to her whilst completing puzzles, sing rhymes, and have developed a keen interest in stories and books. Children take pride in their achievements and the achievements of others, with their work displayed and photos of activities available for reference.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident in their environment because the childminder strives to ensure that their individual needs are met. Children begin to develop an understanding of the wider community and develop respect for others. This is developed through play and resources reflective of equal opportunities issues. The childminder has not had experience of caring for a child with learning difficulties or disabilities, but she is willing to work with parents to provide appropriate care in accordance with the child's specific needs. She has developed a written policy on this issue which highlights full inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses strategies such as distraction and time out to manage children's behaviour, which works very well. Children behave well because of the childminder's realistic expectations and boundaries. She is positive and consistent in approach and her good use of praise and encouragement helps build children's self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Very successful relationships have been developed with parents to ensure that the childminder has a good, working knowledge and understanding of the needs of individual children. Daily verbal information is shared effectively and the childminder ensures parents are aware of their child's care throughout the day, including what they have eaten and what activities they have done. The range of records and policies in place supports this partnership working, which has a positive impact on the care the children receive. Parents are made aware of how to complain through her complaints policy.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space within the home is very well organised which results in children feeling at ease, comfortable and confident in their environment. This enables children to play and learn, developing new learning and consolidating previous learning. Her organisation of time provides children with the opportunity to experience activities in an appropriate setting, whilst considering the needs of other children. For example, she organises space and time to allow older children to complete more complex activities, whilst younger children are either asleep or in another area.

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Organisation

The childminder has her registration certificate on display and keeps to the conditions of registration to provide good supervision of the children.

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Organisation

Most documentation is in place, is well organised and is stored to ensure accessibility and confidentially. There is a range of policies and procedures in place which ensures parents are aware of the details of the childminding practice. However, her first aid certificate which, is a requirement of registration, has just expired but she is booked to attend a course.

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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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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 recommendations were raised relating to safety issues. All cleaners and hazardous materials are now inaccessible to children, with locks fitted to kitchen base units, and the childminder has written consent from parents regarding transporting children in the car.

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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 a current first aid certificate is in place at all times.

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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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