Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY267049 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2007 Inspection date Janet Fairhurst 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 satisfactory. 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 17-year-old son in the Town End Farm area of Sunderland, near to shops, parks, schools, nurseries and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to provide care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for five children one of whom is over eight years old. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through informal daily routines, for example, as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands and

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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 provides simple explanations as to why. Effective procedures are in place to minimise the possible spread of infections as the children are encouraged to use anti-bacterial hand gel. The overall approach to childminding generally means children are well protected. However, the childminder is in breach of the conditions of her registration, as her first aid certificate has expired and is, therefore, no longer valid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of activities that contributes towards their physical well-being. Good access to the local parks and the excellent use of the local amenities means that children are able to participate in outdoor activities on a daily basis. Children learn to practise and develop their physical skills and control over their bodies as they walk to and from school, play in the secure back garden and play games, such as hopscotch and 'What time is it Mr Wolf?'. The exciting range of outdoor opportunities encourages children to play together and learn to appreciate the fun and freedom of being outdoors from an early age.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the need to provide a balanced diet and to encourage children to eat healthy foods, to promote their continued growth and development. Babies have food and drink following their home routines, as discussed with their parents, which contributes to the continuity in the children's care. Suitable arrangements are in place which ensures that meals provided by parents are appropriately stored and prepared. Children are beginning to develop their self-help and social skills as they are encouraged to help prepare meals, whilst babies are supported well to hold their drinking cups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment that is warm and welcoming, and where space is organised to offer a safe environment. Children are protected from hazards within the home because the childminder is safety conscious and vigilant. Children are beginning to understand about the need to stay safe. Through the childminder's encouragement they learn about the safe use of the roads and recognise this will help to prevent accidents. Close supervision of children is used by the childminder to help prevent accidents and keep children safe. The childminder is aware of fire safety and has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation which are practised on a regular basis with the children. Children are protected in the home and on outings because the childminder has a good awareness of her responsibility to safeguard them. The childminder regularly reviews safety arrangements, taking into account children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of safe and very well-maintained toys which are suitable to meet their developing needs and stimulate their interests. They are well organised to encourage children's independent access so they can make decisions about their play and learning. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys carefully to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well protected. The childminder has a good understanding about the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and knows the procedures to follow if concerns are raised.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a relaxed, homely environment which helps them to feel secure. Warm and caring relationships are formed between the children and childminder; this contributes to children's sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. They arrive happy and settle quickly, encouraged by the childminder's warm greeting and cuddles. The childminder organises the consistent routines throughout the day so that children have times for rest and quiet as well as active games. This helps to ensure children are secure and know what to expect during the day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies receive lots of cuddles and their early communication skills are supported well through good quality interactions with the childminder. The childminder talks to them as they play, maintains good eye contact and gives lots of praise and warm smiles to engage them. The childminder and baby enjoy playful games together. For example, as they look into the mirror the baby stares at themself and is beginning to develop their own awareness of self, what they look like and who they are.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are taken out within their local environment where they have opportunities for different learning experiences and where they socialise with other children and adults. Babies also benefit from routines which are consistent with their experiences at home; through this approach the childminder helps young children to move between home and the new setting and in turn meets their emotional needs. The nurturing environment and the childminder's sensitive, caring nature helps children feel totally secure in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder offers good settling-in procedures for new children and gets to know them well. Children are able to become familiar with their new surroundings and form a good relationship with the childminder. They settle well in a home-from-home environment and enjoy the childminder's company. Children behave well because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and effectively, ensuring clear rules and boundaries are in place. The childminder herself provides a very good role model to children. She helps children to gain an understanding of right and wrong and to be considerate of one another. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunity, learning difficulties and disability issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive relationships the childminder has developed with parents. Babies settle well because they have introductory visits which are tailored around their needs. The childminder talks to parents each day which ensures that they are kept informed of their child's progress and care. She gains appropriate information about the children when they first attend and she has written agreements in place with parents; this ensures that she is aware of, and is able to meet, children's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and totally at ease with the childminder. The childminder ensures that all of her time is spent in supporting children in their play and interaction with their peers. Consequently, children learn to develop warm and positive relationships with one another.

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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 Space, resources and equipment are organised effectively to meet the children's needs. Whilst the childminder has not attended a lot of training recently, she is fully committed and dedicated to the children in her care.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised and kept up to date. Children's records and other information is filed securely, ensuring confidentiality is maintained. The effective verbal discussions the childminder has with parents means children are supported and cared for appropriately.

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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 last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain a copy of the 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused' booklet, extend the range of resources relating to equality and anti-discriminatory practice and provide parents with the regulator contact details. The childminder has addressed all recommendations. She has obtained the summary booklet and has made herself aware of its content, she has a good selection of resources to develop and enhance children's awareness of equality and diversity and also makes good use of the local toy library to offer variety and interest. Parents are provided with written information which outlines the regulator contact details should they wish to make a complaint. The improvements have improved aspects of safety and the play experiences for children.

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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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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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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 satisfactory. 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): • attend a paediatric first aid training course.

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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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