Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288473 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2008 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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and eight years in a detached house on the outskirts of Newcastle. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for three children and currently has two children under eight years on roll. The family has a pet guinea pig.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained family home, where they are generally supported in staying healthy. For example, the childminder ensures that bottles are regularly sterilised and that children wash their hands after using the toilet. Clear accident and medication records, along with consent to obtain emergency medical treatment, further promotes children's good health.

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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 Children benefit from regular exercise and fresh air. They walk to school daily, go to the park and take part in organised activities such as sports days. Such activities contribute to children's physical development. The childminder has suitable procedures in place for children to sleep, 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 suitable understanding of the importance of providing a healthy and balanced diet. Children enjoy snacks of fresh fruit and have constant access to beakers of juice. The childminder consults with parents to ensure that she is aware of any dietary needs, however, this is not consistently recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good safety procedures are in place to ensure that children are kept safe and secure. For example, hazardous materials are kept out of children's reach and the garden is secure. Close supervision along with effective use of stair gates means that children are able to move around the space freely, safely and independently. A clear written emergency evacuation plan is in place along with regular recorded checks of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, however, the childminder does not carry out regular fire drills with the children to promote their understanding of keeping safe. A well maintained range of toys are placed out for children each day which they are able to self-select from. The childminder ensures that the toys are clean, in safe condition and suitable for the age of the children.

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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 good procedures in place. Young children are securely strapped into pushchairs and the childminder constantly discusses road safety with them. The childminder carries a mobile phone and list of all emergency contact numbers to further promote children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures as a result of attending relevant training. She is clear about the signs and symptoms to be aware of and 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 are happy and settled at the childminder's home and choose from a good range of resources and toys. The childminder provides a good range of interesting activities for the children, both inside and outside the home. For example, outdoor trips and activities play a large part in the children's time spent with the childminder. They visit local museums to see dinosaur and monster displays, go to children's farms and have opportunities to socialise with other children at regular toddler groups. At home the children enjoy icing biscuits and playing with jigsaws and footballs. They take part in a range of activities which contribute to their imaginative and creative skills, such as arts and crafts and role play. For example, they use holiday brochures and toy phones to play 'travel agents'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder helps the children to develop good levels of self-esteem and confidence. She interacts calmly with the children, giving them praise and reassurance when they are upset. As a result, children are happy and settled in her care.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a suitable awareness of equal opportunities. She interacts well with the children and is aware of the importance of ensuring that individual needs are met. Children have good opportunities to learn about their local community, for example, they go on trips to local museums, go for walks to the park and attend regular toddler groups. They celebrate well known festivals, such as Christmas, as well as learning about other cultures as they celebrate the Chinese New Year and Eid. The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, she is confident about her ability to meet individual needs and is committed to working closely with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Appropriate behaviour management techniques ensure that children are generally well behaved. The childminder provides regular praise and encourages children to share and respect each other. Parents are invited for introductory visits to the childminder's where she discusses with them how she works. However, parents do not benefit from any written information to support this. The childminder gathers relevant information about the children from parents to ensure that she is aware of any individual needs however, this is not consistently recorded.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a suitably organised home where they are safe and secure. Toys and space are effectively organised, allowing children to move around freely and independently. Flexible daily routines allow children to experience a broad range of activities outside the home and in the community.

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Organisation

All documents and records which are required for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place. However, they are not effectively stored to promote accessibility. The childminder benefits from attending regular training, for example, safeguarding children and equality and diversity, which promotes her understanding of good practice and supports the care of the children. Attendance records are kept up to date and the childminder makes sure that all adults in the home are vetted to ensure their suitability to be around young 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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection recommendations to obtain a fire blanket and to make hazardous materials and the fire safe were raised. The childminder has a fire blanket in place and hazardous materials are kept out of children's reach. The fire has been removed. Recommendations to have a written contract with parents and to improve knowledge of child protection procedures were also raised. Written contracts are in place and the childminder has attending relevant training to increase her knowledge of child protection issues. Actions to ensure that medication and accidents were recorded and signed by parents were also raised, the childminder has done this.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 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): • further promote children's safety by practising and recording regular fire drills • provide parents with written information about policies and procedures • ensure children's details are consistently completed and stored to promote easy access.

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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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