Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY250732 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2007 Inspection date Cathryn Parry 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 good. 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 2002. She lives with her two adult children in the residential area of Walker in Newcastle upon Tyne. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under eight years. She also cares for children over eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well-maintained environment, where toys and equipment are cleaned regularly. The childminder promotes good practice to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy. For example, she follows an appropriate procedure when changing nappies

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 and wears disposable gloves. Children are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene practices. They wash their hands before snack and after using the toilet. This is further promoted as they have individual wash bags with tooth brushes and flannels. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. The childminder has the knowledge to respond appropriately if children have an accident as she is trained to administer first aid. However, the contents of the first aid box have not been checked and replaced as needed. Consequently, some of the resources are out of date. This results in the childminder not being fully equipped to respond effectively in the case of an accident. Written permission from parents and carers to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has been

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

obtained. This has a positive impact on children's well-being.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical play and have a variety of outdoor toys and resources to use in the rear garden. These include a trampoline, swing and seesaw. Toddlers are developing their locomotion and balance skills through a selection of push-and-pull toys. Children are active or restful through choice and babies sleep in line with their individual needs and parents’ and carers’ wishes. They thrive as the childminder provides healthy and nutritional meals and snacks. These include brown toast, spaghetti bolognaise and fresh fruit. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safeguarded well as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. This is supplemented with appropriate procedures for adults collecting children. Large windows in the living room enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. They participate in activities appropriately as furniture and equipment are of a suitable size. Children are able to explore safely using well-maintained resources. These are bought from reputable suppliers and are suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children attending. Those who go on outings are kept safe as they learn road safety procedures and understand simple rules, such as holding hands. The childminder also uses age-appropriate restraints when needed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children experience adequate levels of supervision and the majority of safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced. This includes a safety gate into the kitchen, catches on cupboard doors where hazardous substances are kept and a fire blanket. However, although there is a smoke detector sited on the ground floor there is not one located on the first floor. This would have a negative impact on children's welfare in the case of a fire. The childminder has attended relevant child protection training and demonstrates a suitable understanding of associated issues. All required procedures and documentation are in place to ensure that children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and relate well to the childminder, as she joins in with their play. They enjoy their time in the childminding environment and are eager to participate in the variety of activities provided. These include sharing books, exploring musical toys and using shape sorters. Children benefit from a flexible routine, including a balance of child-centred and adult-led activities. Sufficient effective support is given, which nurtures children’s independence. This includes the provision of appropriate equipment, such as a step to use in the bathroom

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 and appropriately sized toilet seat. Children’s confidence and self-esteem are raised through consistent praise and encouragement. They have good opportunities to socialise with others as they attend the local parent and toddler group and sit together at meal times. Children are gaining a good understanding of the natural world as they nurture plants in the garden.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A variety of creative activities, including painting, knitting and jewellery making are available. These promote children's self-expression whilst having fun. Children gain confidence when using number as they explore numerals in books, magnetic numbers and play board games. Children are encouraged to use all their senses. Examples of this are where they explore different textures in a 'feely box' and investigate scratch and smell books. Children delight in using their imagination as they push the dolls in the buggy. Their all round development is fostered appropriately, as the childminder provides a wide range of activities. She extends their learning and development by being actively involved in their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. A short induction period including visits with parents and carers, enables children to settle into the new environment. This is tailored to meet individual needs. Children feel a sense of belonging due to the childminder’s friendly and approachable disposition. Her confident approach to equal opportunities actively contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with access to a selection of resources, including books, dolls and small world figures showing positive images of people from different cultures and those with a disability. The childminder does have some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She also shows a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment, including working with other professionals.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Detailed information is shared with parents and carers verbally on a daily basis. This is complemented with individual journals. Consequently, they are well informed of the activities their children have participated in. Parents and carers are also given a set of policies and procedures. This results in them being familiar with the childminding service and the care that is provided. The childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour, which takes into account children's understanding and maturity. This includes the use of stickers as rewards for good behaviour. Children are encouraged to consider the consequences of their words and actions for themselves and others.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. The use of the living room and kitchen enables children to partake in a range of opportunities, including craft activities. Effective use of time enables children to participate in a variety of experiences. These include older children being able to enjoy appropriate computer games. Resources are rotated to maintain children's interest and inspire them to play. The childminder has a large range of equipment, which is labelled and easily accessed.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder’s ongoing commitment to training has a significantly positive impact on the high quality of care provided. Children’s welfare is appropriately safeguarded as the childminder and other household members have had suitable checks completed. She is aware of her current registration requirements and adheres to them. This has a positive impact on children's

p.4

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 well-being. Relevant policies and procedures are in place and stored safely to maintain confidentiality. Consequently, children's privacy is respected and maintained.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. 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.5

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 good. 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 the contents of the first aid box are checked regularly and replaced as necassary • locate a smoke detector on the first floor.

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