Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY263645 Unique Reference Number 25 October 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 two sons, aged six and 17 years. They live in the residential area, which lies between the towns of Whitley Bay and Tynemouth.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 outdoor 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 five children. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have a cat, a rabbit and two fish.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a well maintained environment, where toys and equipment are cleaned regularly. The childminder sets an appropriate example, as the children watch her clean her hands after changing the toddler's nappy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene and are becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. They know they must wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. She discusses this with parents and carers when they first come to see her.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder can respond appropriately if children have an accident, as she is trained to administer first aid. However, although parents and carers verbally give permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for their child, they do not put this in writing. Consequently, this could delay appropriate action in the case of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Clear records are kept in respect of accidents and medication. These records are shared with parents and carers.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular use of the garden, walks to the park and outings to the soft play area, provide opportunities for healthy exercise. They explore, test and develop physical control for instance, when playing football. Children are active or restful through choice. Babies sleep in-line with their individual needs and parents' and carers' wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's wellbeing is enriched through accessing a nutritious diet. Meals provided include scrambled eggs, roast dinners and fresh fruit. Parents and carers also have the option to provide food for their children. Consequently, individual needs are met well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular drinks of water or milk, which quenches their thirst and benefits the children's health. Relevant information with regard to health, including specific dietary needs is recorded on initial registration forms. These positively safeguard children’s wellbeing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safeguarded well, as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting their children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Large windows in the kitchen, dining area and conservatory enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. They are able to explore confidently, using high quality resources appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children participate in activities fully, as furniture and equipment are of an appropriate size. An example of this is where they can sit at a low table to manipulate the play dough.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's knowledge about personal safety is encouraged by gentle reminders from the childminder to pick small toys, so the younger children do not choke on them, regular fire

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 evacuation drills and road safety activities. These positively contribute 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

Children experience good levels of supervision and appropriate safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced. This includes smoke detectors, electrical socket covers and a fire blanket. Those who go on outings are kept safe, as the childminder carries out risk assessments and is vigilant.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected well, as the childminder has attended two child protection courses and demonstrates a sound understanding of associated issues. They are cared for in an environment which is comfortable and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks are identified, successfully addressed and minimised effectively. All required procedures and documentation are in place to ensure that children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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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 using pop-up toys, playing with the doll's house and small world figures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Free play is incorporated into each day, where child-initiated play is encouraged and supported by the childminder. Children have excellent opportunities to socialise with others, as they attend the parent and toddler group and sit together to eat.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Effective use is made of the local area, giving children a breadth of opportunities. An example of this is where they visit the library and shops.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder extends activities for instance, when children collect leaves and make collage pictures with them. This inspires children to be creative and increases their knowledge of the natural world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children delight in using their imagination for instance, as they pretend to take the baby dolls on holiday to Australia.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s communication skills are fostered through a variety of activities, including songs and rhymes. This results in good interaction between themselves and the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy mark making and are developing good hand-eye coordination. A variety of creative activities includes painting, cutting and sticking. This promotes children's self expression whilst having fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's mathematical thinking is encouraged as they use number stacking games and look at numerals in books. Children show an awareness of shapes as they complete puzzles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's 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.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well settled in the friendly and welcoming environment. A short induction period, including visits with parents and carers, ensures individual needs are met well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children 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 promotes a positive outlook of the wider world. These include dolls and books, showing different cultures and small figures representing positive images of those with disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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, so long as she can meet the needs of all those attending.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder communicates verbally with parents and carers every day. She also completes written diaries for children aged under one year. They share information about activities participated in and progress made. This contributes to the continuity of care provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are beginning to understand the consequences of unacceptable behaviour to others. The childminder has good strategies in place for managing behaviour, including a list of ground rules. These are appropriate to the children's ages and stages of development and their understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are learning to share and take turns well, through the childminder’s appropriate support.

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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, kitchen and dining area enables children to choose to play with others or alone. They are able to participate in a range of experiences, including craft activities in the kitchen.

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Organisation

Effective use of time, enables children to participate in a variety of experiences, both indoors and outdoors. The resources are well organised and labelled effectively with pictures, which further encourages children’s independence.

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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.

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Organisation

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 wellbeing.

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Organisation

Relevant policies and procedures are in place and stored safely to maintain confidentiality. All legally required documentation is in place and implemented well. This positively contributes to children’s overall wellbeing.

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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, the childminder was asked to ensure a first aid kit is in place. She was also requested to ensure the smoke alarm is in working order.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Both of these have been addressed, which has had a positive impact on children's wellbeing.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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): • obtain written permission from parents and carers to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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