Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY255193 Unique Reference Number 14 November 2007 Inspection date Cathryn Parry 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three adult children in the residential area of Howdon, in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under eight years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog and two fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into very clean and well-kept premises where they have ample space to play. They are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene and are becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. Brushing teeth and hand washing forms an integral part of their routine. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables 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 to protect others from illness. She has the knowledge to respond appropriately if children have an accident, as she is trained to administer first aid. However, some of the items in the first aid box have not been replaced as necessary. This has a negative impact on her being able to effectively deal with an accident. Written permission from parents and carers to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is in place. This has a positive impact on children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children flourish as they access good opportunities for physical activities. These include going for walks and visiting a soft play area. They explore, test and develop physical control, for instance, when using sit and ride toys. Babies and toddlers are developing their movement and balance skills through a selection of push-and-pull toys. Children are active or restful through choice and sleep in-line with their individual needs and parent's and carer's wishes. Their well-being is enriched through accessing a healthy diet. A varied and interesting menu encourages children to have a good awareness of healthy meal options and the opportunity to try new foods. An example of this is where the childminder provides tortillas for them to taste. Children take part in imaginative food related activities, such as preparing lentil soup. This encourages good lifestyle habits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming setting where positive steps have been taken to promote their safety and security. They are safeguarded well as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children, including the use of passwords. Large windows in the playroom enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. They participate in activities fully as furniture and equipment are of an appropriate size. Those who go on outings are kept safe as they learn simple rules, such as holding hands. This is complemented with the use of age-appropriate restraints when needed. Children's knowledge about personal safety is encouraged by gentle reminders from the childminder to pick up the toys so they do not trip and fire drill practices. This positively contributes to children developing a sense of danger and how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks inside and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. Written risk assessments are in place, which ensures that children remain safe. All safety equipment is in place reducing the risk of accidents. This includes safety gates, a fireguard and smoke detectors. The latter are tested regularly and a log kept of the checks. The childminder has attended relevant child protection training and demonstrates a sound understanding of associated issues. Consequently, children are safeguarded well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and secure as a result of the childminder's praise and support. They enjoy their time in the childminding environment and are eager to participate in the variety of activities provided. These include using musical instruments, exploring interactive toys and stacking cups. A very good balance of child-centred and adult-led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development. Children's self-esteem and a sense of belonging are encouraged as their paintings are displayed on the playroom walls. They have opportunities to socialise with others as they attend toddler groups and sit together for meals.

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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 Effective use is made of the local area giving children a breadth of opportunities. This includes visits to the park to feed the ducks. Children have a growing understanding of the world that they live in through a variety of well-planned and spontaneous activities, such as exploring the snow and splashing in puddles. The childminder extends activities, including collecting leaves and making collage pictures. This inspires children to be creative and increases their knowledge of nature.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s communication skills are fostered well resulting in good interactions between themselves and the childminder. They show an awareness of shape as they complete puzzles. Children use information and communication technology to support their learning, for example, when using the computer. They delight in using their imagination, for instance, as they pretend to feed the baby dolls. Children’s mathematical thinking is encouraged as they play dominoes and explore numerals in books and on the wooden blocks. They relish sensory experiences as they play with a variety of textures and natural resources, including feeling the soft flour. Children's all round development is fostered well. The childminder provides a wide range of activities and extends their learning and development by being actively involved in their play.

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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 children's individual needs. The childminder’s confident approach to equal opportunities actively contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with access to a wide selection of resources, including a wealth of books. The childminder has also started to celebrate a range of festivals with children that represent their own and other cultures, such as Christmas, Easter and Chinese New Year. These raise children's awareness and understanding of difference. The childminder does not have any experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. However, she shows a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour, which takes into account children's understanding and maturity, is employed. Children are encouraged to consider the consequences of their words and actions for themselves and others. The childminder communicates with parents and carers on a daily basis, both verbally and with written diaries. Each child also has an individual developmental file, which the childminder has started to link to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Consequently, parents and carers are well informed of the activities their children have participated in and progress made.

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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 playroom enable children to play alone or with others. They have ample room to participate in a range of activities both on the floor and using the low-level table and chairs. The flexible routine ensures children can follow their own sleep routines as well as enjoying a variety of experiences both inside and out. Attractively set out resources inspire children to play and have fun. These are rotated to maintain children's interest.

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Organisation

The childminder’s ongoing commitment to training has a significantly positive impact on the high quality of care provided. This is complemented by her completing a quality assurance scheme. Children’s welfare is appropriately safeguarded as the childminder and other household

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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 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 well-being. Policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and individual documentation stored confidentially. This ensures children’s well-being and privacy are respected throughout.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the provider was asked to ensure that written parental permission is in place to seek or administer emergency treatment. She was also requested to extend and develop the methods currently in use to promote positive behaviour. The childminder has positively addressed both of these issues. These have a positive impact on children's well-being.

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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. 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): • ensure the contents of the first aid box are checked and replaced as necessary.

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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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