Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY255055 Unique Reference Number 19 November 2007 Inspection date Julie Morrison 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 2003. She lives with her husband and their two children, aged eight and three years of age, in a house in Castleside, near Consett. The whole of the ground floor area is used for childminding purposes, along with toilet and hand washing facilities on the first floor. Minded children have access to one child's bedroom but do not access other first floor rooms. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play activities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight and currently has three children under the age of eight years and one child over the age of eight on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained family home, where they are appropriately supported in staying healthy. For example, the childminder ensures that all benches and surfaces are regularly cleaned and that children wash their hands before food and after the toilet. A clear sick child procedure, and the effective recording of medication and accidents, promotes children's health and well-being. However, the childminder does not have written permission to seek emergency treatment in place to further promote children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular exercise and fresh air, which contributes to their good health. They play in the rear garden, go to soft play areas and go for walks to the park. Appropriate arrangements are in place for the children to rest, this ensures that they can rest or be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of providing a healthy and balanced diet. Children enjoy home cooked meals which include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and constant access to drinks. The childminder ensures that she consults parents so that she is aware of any individual dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe and secure environment where the childminder has appropriate procedures in place to safeguard the children. For example, sockets are covered, sheds and garden gates are kept locked and the childminder maintains close observation of the children at all times. However, she does not have written consent in place for the children to use the trampoline, which does not promote children's safety. Appropriate fire safety equipment, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place to further safeguard children. Space and resources are well laid out to enable children to move around freely and access toys which are clean, well maintained and appropriate for their stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder has appropriate procedures in place. For example, young children are securely strapped into pushchairs or hold hands. Older children are able to develop independence as they walk a safe distance ahead. The childminder discusses road safety with the children and ensures that she carries emergency contact telephone numbers with her at all times. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures. She is aware of the signs and symptoms and is clear about procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a good balance of activities both outside and inside of the home. The childminder has flexible plans in place which she links to themes to ensure that there are a wide range of activities for the children to do. For example, using art and craft materials to make Halloween and bonfire night pictures. The childminder interacts well with the children, for example, she sits on the floor and plays with the dolls with them, encouraging them to come

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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 with her to choose which bags they want to put the baby clothes in and giving lots of praise. As a result, children are happy and settled in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder helps to develop children's confidence and self-esteem as they are involved in the planning of activities that they would like to do. For example, during the holidays they collected different leaflets to use to decide what outings they would like to arrange. As a result, they enjoyed trips to museums and children's farms. A dedicated playroom ensures that children are able to access toys and resources independently. The room is welcoming for the children, displaying colourful examples of their work to help promote self-esteem. For example, the children have made collages of themselves with written information about what they enjoy to display on the walls. Such activities help children to develop a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of equal opportunities. She ensures that all children are included in the wide variety of experiences provided, fostering a sense of achievement and enjoyment. Children are beginning to develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through a range of activities and resources which promote a positive outlook of the wider world. For example, the children celebrate the Chinese New Year and play games which encourage them to learn about other parts of the world. The childminder is committed to meeting the individual needs of children, working closely with parents or other organisations if necessary to ensure that all children, including those with learning difficulties and disabilities would be welcomed into the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good strategies in place for managing behaviour, which are appropriate to the children's ages and stages of development and understanding. For example, the childminder uses distraction and discussion with the children. She implements a 'traffic light' system for behaviour management which is also used by the local school and nursery, this ensures consistency for the children. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and parents. Parents receive written information about the childminder and her policies prior to their child starting and they are kept up to date through verbal feedback. A noticeboard in the playroom ensures that parents are aware of the childminder's conditions of registration and the complaints procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy, settled, and feel at home in a well organised setting which keeps them safe and secure. Toys and resources are effectively organised, enabling children to access them independently and make choices about their learning and play. Flexible daily routines allow the children to access a wide range of activities in the home and community.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to ongoing professional development and is currently studying for a National Vocational Qualification level 3 in childcare to further develop her practice. Most records which are required for the safe and effective management of the provision are in place, in line with regulations. The childminder's certificate of registration is clearly displayed for parents to see and all adults in the house have undergone all relevant checks to safeguard children.

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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 made to obtain a first aid certificate, make the stairs safe and develop activities and resources to promote diversity. The childminder ensures that the stairs remain safe by using a stair gate for young children and close supervision of older children. She has a current first aid certificate in place and ensures that children have access to a good range of activities and resources to promote diversity.

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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 complaint 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): • obtain written consent for emergency medical treatment • obtain written consent for children to play on the trampoline.

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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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