Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

953980 Unique Reference Number 15 October 2007 Inspection date Lindsey Pollock Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Meadowfield, Durham. The whole of the ground floor, and first floor bathroom, are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden to the rear and front of the home, for outdoor activities. The family has a budgie.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently caring for two children under eight years. She also provides care for three children over eight years.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has implemented sound hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health. Clean towels are provided for hand drying and toys and resources are cleaned regularly to help prevent the spread of infection. High standards of cleanliness are maintained in childminding areas to ensure children are cared for in a warm, clean environment. Although

p.2

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 details are kept of accidents, they are not recorded clearly and are not countersigned by parents to fully safeguard children. Children enjoy a broad range of activities which contributes to their good health and their learning the importance of physical exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They play in the childminder's garden and occasionally visit the park and attend soft play sessions.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from being offered varied, nutritional food at snack times. The childminder works closely with parents to provide snacks and drinks which appeal to children and meet their dietary needs. They particularly enjoy fresh fruit and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. Appropriate organisation of space ensures children have room to move around freely and have suitable provision to rest and relax. Furniture, equipment and toys are of good quality, in a safe condition, and promote children's development and welfare. Toys and resources are stored so that children can reach them easily, make choices, and develop their independence.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of potential hazards and has reduced potential risks in her home to ensure children's safety. She has completed a fire safety awareness course and has practised the emergency evacuation procedures with the children so they know what to do in an emergency. Children are developing an awareness of how to keep themselves safe when on outings and going to and from school and nursery. They know they must hold the childminder's hand and look both ways when crossing roads.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although the childminder has a sound understanding of the signs and indicators of child abuse, she does not have up to date information regarding the local area safeguarding procedures to enable her to report any concerns promptly to the appropriate agencies.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are content and settled in the childminder's care. They approach the childminder and her family confidently and with affection and make themselves at home. The childminder's sound understanding of how children learn and develop means their care and play experiences meet their needs effectively and their overall development is promoted. She recognises the need to listen to what children say and ask them questions to enhance their learning and development. The children enjoy each others' company. They play well together and take the opportunity to sit and chat with each other at lunch and snack times.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A varied range of enjoyable and stimulating play opportunities provide children with fun and developmentally appropriate challenge. For example, they enjoy art and craft activities and baking. They enjoy having the full attention of the childminder and her family as they look at books together and play games such as picture dominoes. A flexible approach to providing activities allows for children feeling tired or wanting more active play. The children engage outings in the local community, such as, going to the shops, the library and the park. When time allows, they enjoy trips to Hardwick park where they feed the ducks and play in the grounds.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder values children as individuals, she gives them praise and encouragement resulting in them feeling good about themselves. She is a positive role model and encourages children to respect differences. There are sufficient resources available that help to increase children's awareness of diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and are developing an understanding of what is expected of them. They are beginning to play well alongside each other and to learn they must share and take turns. Behaviour management methods are used which are age appropriate and are effective in helping children to learn right from wrong. The childminder encourages children to resolve issues between themselves and is on hand to support if necessary.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive, trusting relationships with parents have been established to help promote children's well being, development and progress. Daily exchanges ensure parents are informed of their child's care. Although agreed verbally, parents have not been asked to give written permissions for the childminder to take photographs. Documentation is in place to inform parents of the service, but information of how they can contact Ofsted has not been made available.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has much experience of caring for a wide age range of children. Mandatory training requirements are met. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the National Standards and of her responsibilities for meeting these.

p.4

Organisation

Children feel at home and are relaxed in the setting. Appropriate use of space and other resources means they are able to move freely around the home. The childminder organises her time effectively to meet the individual needs of the children.

p.4

Organisation

Most records which are required for the safe and effective management of the provision are maintained, however, the registration certificate is not clearly displayed and a format to record complaints is not in place. The childminder is aware of the need to notify Ofsted of significant changes to her registration.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment and has acquired a fire blanket. This helps to safeguard children's welfare.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 accidents records are clear, maintain confidentiality, and are countersigned by parents • obtain information about local safeguarding children procedures • obtain written permission from parents to take photographs, and ensure they have information about how to contact Ofsted • ensure the registration certificate is clearly displayed and a format is in place for recording complaints and concerns about the childminding service.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5