Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY290398 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2008 Inspection date Cathryn Parry 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two adult children in the residential area of Benton in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 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 outside play.

p.2

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 one child. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into very clean and well-kept premises where they have sufficient space to play. They are learning the importance and value of good personal hygiene through established routines being in place. Brushing teeth and hand washing forms an integral part of their day. Clear records are kept in respect of accidents and medication and these are shared

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 with parents. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness and she discusses this with parents when they first come to see her. The childminder can respond appropriately if children have an accident as she is trained to administer first aid. She also has permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment in place for the children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical play and have a wide variety of outdoor toys and resources to use in the rear garden. These include several different sized slides, sit and ride toys and a see saw. They explore, test and develop physical control, for instance, when playing football and manipulating large hoops. The childminder’s flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. She actively manages a very good balance of meeting parental wishes, and encouraging healthy food options, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Other meals and snacks provided include pasta and vegetable and lentil soup. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel secure as the childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment. 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 a password system if needed. Windows in the living room and dining room enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. Regular checks and cleaning keep the broad range of toys and resources in good condition. These are bought from reputable suppliers and are suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children attending. This ensures that children handle items that are clean and safe. Children are kept from harm on outings as they learn road safety procedures and understand simple rules, such as holding hands when crossing the road. This is complemented with the use of age-appropriate restraints when needed and a set of road

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Regular risk assessments both indoors and out, minimise the risk of accidental injury effectively. All safety equipment is in place reducing the risk of accidents. This includes a specialised safety surface under the slides outside, smoke detectors, plastic film on low-level glass and a fire guard. The childminder identifies risks and responds positively in order to effectively reduce the risk of accidental injury. An example of this is where she has lowered the thermostat on the boiler to ensure children do not scald themselves. Routines, such as tidying away toys from the floor, and using the Green Cross Code encourage children to take responsibility for their own safety. The childminder has attended relevant child protection training and demonstrates a sound understanding of associated issues. The required procedures and documentation are in place to ensure that children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted. However, the fire

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuation plan does not include an escape route from upstairs. This results in children not being familiar with this means of leaving the building in the case of an emergency.

p.3

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 with the childminder and are happy to participate in the wide variety of activities provided. These include sharing books, singing and dancing to music and exploring natural

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 materials in the heuristic play box. The childminder is keen to let activities be led by the children. Consequently, free play is incorporated into each day, where child-initiated play is encouraged and supported. Children's self-esteem and a sense of belonging are encouraged as their paintings are displayed on the hall wall. Effective use is made of the local area giving children a breadth of opportunities. Examples of this are where they visit the beach and museum. Children delight in using their imagination, for instance, as they access the wide variety of dressing up clothes and play with the wooden dolls house and small figures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s communication skills are fostered effectively through various activities, including the use of musical instruments. This results in competent speakers and listeners. The garden is very well resourced, not only with equipment for large physical play, but also with activities fixed to the walls and fence, including a chalk board. Consequently, children are stimulated to enjoy the outdoor environment. A wide variety of creative activities, including hand painting, making necklaces out of pasta and decorating eggs, promote children's self-expression whilst having fun. Their all round development is fostered well, as the childminder provides a wide range of opportunities. She extends their learning and development by being actively involved in their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well settled in the friendly and welcoming environment. An effective induction procedure ensures individual needs are met well. 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 selection of resources, including small world figures, dolls and books reflecting different cultures and positive images of people with disabilities. She also celebrates some festivals, which raises children's awareness and understanding of different traditions. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities and has liaised with other professionals. She has attended a small amount of training in this area. This is due to the inappropriate times that the courses have been run, for instance, during the day when she is caring for children. However, she does show a very positive

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

attitude to providing an inclusive environment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are beginning to understand the consequences of unacceptable behaviour. The childminder has good strategies in place for managing behaviour, which are appropriate to the children's ages and stages of development and understanding. Effective partnership with parents and carers ensures individual needs are met well, which promotes stability. Detailed information is shared verbally with parents and carers on a daily basis as well as with individual developmental files being provided. They also have the option of written diaries if they wish. This ensures they are fully aware of the activities their children have participated in. Parental feedback is encouraged in a variety of ways, including completing questionnaires. Consequently, the childminder is able to effectively monitor the service she provides.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. The use of the dining room and living room enables children to move freely from area to area. They can choose to play alone or to interact with the childminder. The flexible

p.4

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 routine incorporates time to visit places of interest, as well as taking part in a wide variety of experiences within the childminder's home. The wide range of resources are stored at the children's height to encourage easy access. This promotes free choice and independence and is complemented with the childminder rotating toys to capture children's interest.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder’s ongoing commitment to training, particularly over the past twelve months, 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 members have had suitable checks completed. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents and carers before their child starts attending. Consequently, they are well aware of the care provided. Individual documentation is stored confidentially. This ensures children’s well-being and privacy are respected throughout.

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 previous inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and to share this with parents and carers. She was also requested to ensure children have access to resources that reflect positive images of people with disabilities. A request was made for her to make available to parents and carers details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. She has positively addressed all of these, which has a positive impact on children's well-being.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to National Standard 6: Supervision and National Standard 1: Behaviour. This involved an allegation made about the childminder's supervision of children and the implementation of behaviour management strategies. An Ofsted Early Years Childcare Inspector visited the childminder on 12th December 2006. One action was raised relating to National Standard 14: Documentation with regard to informing Ofsted of any significant events. The childminder responded positively to this in writing. Ofsted was satisfied that by taking this step the provider met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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): • further develop the fire evacuation procedure and plan to include upstairs.

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