Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY260067 Unique Reference Number 02 November 2007 Inspection date Ann Coggin 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 has been registered since June 2003 and lives with her son aged 13 in South Hetton a village in East Durham. The whole of the downstairs and the small bedroom upstairs are used for childminding purposes. Children have access to a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children and is currently caring for three children under five years and five children before and after school.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and of the Shotton District Childminding Network.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well protected as they are cared for in a warm, clean home, contributing to their good health. There are written health and safety, and sick children's policies in place,

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 which are shared with parents. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after being outside and using the toilet. Liquid soap is easily accessible to the children and paper towels are used which helps to prevent the spread of infection. There are clear procedures in place to ensure parents understand that children do not attend when they have an infectious illness. All parental consents have been obtained and the childminder keeps clear, detailed records of any accidents or medication she administers to children. The childminder holds a first aid certificate and a first aid box which is easily accessible to adults.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand about healthy eating through topics and being offered a well balanced diet. They are encouraged to eat healthy snacks that comprise of a selection of different fruits, such as apples, grapes and bananas. The childminder ensures that she regularly offers the younger children drinks throughout the day whilst older children independently access drinks. The childminder has a good understanding regarding the individual dietary needs of children to ensure children remain healthy.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities to help them develop their good health. Daily activities include opportunities to be outdoors, for example, they walk to and from school and visit the park. They enjoy play in the garden with a good selection of outdoor resources, such as sit-and-ride toys, swings, slide, and hoops and balls. The childminder has a good understanding about appropriate types of activities and provides good levels of support, giving children the confidence to try out new and build on their existing skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe as they play because they are supervised at all times. The childminder has put into place all necessary safety precautions to ensure children are safe. For example, fire guard, socket covers and cupboard locks, and her home is checked prior to the children arriving. Fire safety precautions are in place and the childminder has devised and practised an emergency escape plan with the children to ensure they understand what to do in the event of a fire. She keeps written records when these have been completed. Children's personal safety is promoted. They learn not to climb on furniture and to pick up toys off the floor to prevent accidents occurring. Children develop an understanding of road safety when walking to and from school. Young children are safely strapped into the buggy or walk using a wrist band. Older children walk within agreed boundaries, remaining within the sight of the childminder.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a good understanding regarding child protection issues and how to safeguard children. She has completed child protection training and has a good awareness about the signs and indicators of abuse. The childminder records children's existing injuries.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content as they play. The childminder uses her sound knowledge of child development to ensure toys and activities that interest the children are easily accessible.

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 She uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework effectively to provide a good range of activities to enhance the younger children's learning. The positive relationship between the childminder and the children promotes their self-esteem and enables them to interact with other adults. Children are well supported by the childminder who encourages children to extend their experiences by listening and talking with them, and providing activities which offer sufficient challenge and promote their well-being and development.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident in the home, selecting resources for themselves, for example, the musical instruments and the shape sorters. Young children are intrigued by the contents of the treasure basket, smiling with delight as they look at themselves in the mirror and giggle when stroking the childminder's face with various brushes. The childminder encourages communication from an early age, responding appropriately to children's babbling sounds and introduces vocabulary through books, songs and constantly talking to the children. Children enjoy singing nursery rhymes with the childminder whilst playing a selection of musical instruments and rolling a tennis ball down a cardboard tube. Older children enjoy arts and crafts, such as making masks, animal finger puppets and various collages. They have regular opportunities to play with dough, and bake biscuits and cakes.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Outings are regularly planned during the holidays and include visits to the seaside, farm and museums, and bus rides ensure children have the opportunity to explore the world around them. Younger children regularly attend local toddler groups and soft play, helping them develop their social skills and extend their experiences.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as their daily routines are discussed with parents and followed by the childminder. The childminder's written statement is shared with parents and she ensures all children have equal access to opportunities to enable them to learn and develop to their full potential. She helps children develop a sense of identity and a positive attitude to people who are different through a variety of resources, such as books, dressing up clothes and small world people. Children enjoy good relationships with each other and the childminder and develop self-esteem and confidence as they make choices and decisions.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is a good role model, teaching children to learn and respect others. She is calm, caring and shows great affection towards children in her care. This calm approach reflects on the children and they are well behaved. The childminder uses praise and encouragement well as children achieve. For example, when younger children successfully put the shapes in the shape sorter, she praises them and tells them how clever they are. Due to careful explanations by the childminder and inviting the older children to help make up the house rules, children are aware of them and understand them well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has developed with the parents. Parents' views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis through daily verbal sharing of information, enabling the childminder to meet each child's individual needs. A scrap book is maintained for each child containing samples of their artwork and pictures of them partaking in activities, and when full, this is taken home. A complaints procedure is in place, however, this is not readily shared with parents and the complaints log does not respect confidentiality.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment which contributes to the children being happy and settled. Space indoors and outdoors is well used to cater for all the children’s play needs. They are able to move around safely, confidently and independently. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to regularly update and extend her knowledge and understanding of her practice through training, such as behaviour management - a practical approach, early identification of special needs and partnership with parents. The childminder ensures children's individual needs are met in the event of an emergency by identifying alternative childminders known to both children and parents.

p.5

Organisation

Most policies and procedures are in place. They are used effectively to promote the care, learning and well-being of children. Information is shared on a daily basis with parents, keeping them well informed about their child’s progress, development and achievements. Children's times of arrival and departure are accurately recorded, and the childminder displays her registration certificate.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle and request written permission from parents for seeking medical advice or giving consent for treatment in an emergency. Documentation has been updated and all consents are in place to ensure children's health and safety.

p.5

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.5

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.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): • develop the information given to parents regarding contacting Ofsted and devise a complaints log.

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 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.6