Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY232004 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 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 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and one child aged seven in the Red House area of Sunderland. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom located on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are physical activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example they attend toddler sessions where they access large play equipment. Children try out new skills and develop

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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 confidence in their own abilities because the childminder makes good use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Her good understanding of the differing abilities of the children, ensures that equipment and activities are suitable to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

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, they to learn to wipe their noses themselves and dispose of the tissue appropriately afterwards. Children make good progress towards independence as they are potty trained. The childminder supports the children very well by offering flexible routines, and by encouraging and valuing effort.

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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 meals and snacks which include fruit and milk. The childminder supports parents wishes to provide their own foods for children and keeps well documented notes of the intakes of the very young children. This ensures children's diets and well being can be monitored.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is paramount and they are effectively supervised by the childminder. They are cared for in a secure environment. They enjoy using well maintained toys and equipment which are regularly checked by the childminder to ensure continued suitability. Children benefit from an effective range of safety measures, for example, cupboard locks, stair gates, socket covers and a range of fire safety equipment. Children's knowledge of emergency evacuation is extended through discussions and regular evacuation practise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder sets up an appropriate area for non-mobile babies which is comfortable, safe and stimulating. Babies are able to observe the others around them and make selections from a range of toys within their reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to protect the children in her care and has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms to look for and the procedures she needs to adhere to if a concern about a child arose.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The premises are welcoming and child orientated. Toys can be accessed independently allowing children to select what they wish to play with. This encourages decision making and promotes independence skills. The childminder has a very good understanding of child development and this benefits the children; they learn new skills through a varied range of games and activities. The daily routine incorporates a balance of free play and more structured sessions. Children thoroughly enjoy selecting resources to engage in wonderful imaginative play, such as, playing shops.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive a very good level of attention as the childminder engages in activities with them. She listens carefully as they speak and responds well, answering questions and offering explanation and demonstration. This consistent and positive interaction encourages their interest, involvement and learning.

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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 encouraged to be part of group activities with other children as they attend organised sessions such as toddler and playgroups. They visit local parks and soft play with other local childminders and their children. The children enjoy this time spent with their peer group, where they are able to develop positive relationships and further extend their listening and communication skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to develop a sense of belonging as they use books and toys to identify familiar people. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and uses her knowledge to ensure all children are included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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. The children are developing positive and respectful attitudes towards other people through the good example set to them by the childminder. She promotes good manners for instance, which teaches the children to have regard for others and equips them with good social skills. The children form secure relationships with the childminder, demonstrated in the affectionate way they interact with her. This enables the children to trust other people and to experience the emotional benefits of a close relationship.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are looked after in accordance with their parents' wishes because of the effective partnership that the childminder has established with their parents. This helps to ensure that the children's needs are fully met. Parents are kept well informed through daily discussions about the things that their children have done during their time with the childminder. This gives parents the chance to act on issues that they think are important which contributes to the children's general wellbeing. Contracts are used which set out clearly the expectations of both parties. This helps to preserve harmony between the child's parents and the childminder and creates a pleasant atmosphere in which the children can flourish.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder’s organisational skills. Children are eager to attend and relish their time in a calm and safe setting, which puts them first. They feel at home because the childminder organises the space, play resources and activities effectively to meet individual children’s needs. Children are happy and confident initiating their own activities and seeking adult support when needed. Organised activities provide stimulating and challenging experiences for children of all ages within a fun and supportive environment. Space and resources are well thought through to maximise play opportunities for children in order for them to develop to their full potential and at their own pace. Children are confident and enthusiastic when participating in the various fun, stimulating and challenging activities. The childminder has a professional yet caring and sensitive approach and this is clearly demonstrated in her

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Organisation

practice. This ensures each child's potential is recognised and activities support and challenge each child.

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Organisation

The childminder is very well organised. All records are available for inspection, however, not all regular visitors to the home have had the required checks. All documentation is up-to-date and very well recorded and presented. It is shared regularly with parents to ensure that they are fully informed about their child's achievements and progress and this contributes to

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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 continuity in the children's care. However, at present parents do not receive a copy of the childminder's well written policies which support her good practice. Ratios are met at all times and the childminder has an good awareness of the impact these have on the children's health, safety, socialisation and learning.

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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 in relation to safety, documentation, training, toys and equipment were raised. Hazardous items are no longer accessible in the bathroom and written parental consents for emergency medical treatment are available, thus ensuring children's safety and well-being is maintained. The childminder has undertaken a wealth of training and increased the toys and activities available which ensures they are effectively safeguarded and their development is actively promoted.

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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): • continue to develop written policies and procedures and provide parents with copies as appropriate to your service • ensure clearances are completed for regular visitors over the age of 16 years.

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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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