Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY101146 Inspection date 26 August 2005 Inspector Josephine Ann Northend

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 lives with her partner and their four year old son in a semi-detached house located in Eston, close to local amenities such as a park, shops, library and playgroups. Minded children have use of the ground floor of the property and there is a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the property for outdoor activities. The childminder has been registered since January 2002. The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years, there are currently three children on roll attending for a variety of sessions.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. Daily activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines and the childminder offers good support and guidance to the children which raises their awareness and develops their independence. Children benefit from being offered varied, nutritional food at mealtimes. The childminder works closely with parents to provide food and drinks which appeal to children and meets their dietary needs. They enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development. Effective procedures followed by the childminder results in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection, however, parents do not sign to acknowledge

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

the record of medicines administered. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder has sound systems in place to ensure children's safety inside and outside the home. Furniture, equipment and toys which are of good quality and in a safe, well maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Toys and resources are stored so that children can reach them easily, make choices and develop their independence. The childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example she holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures in line with Area Child Protection procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Routines have been established, promoting children's sense of security. The childminder is aware of the children's individual developmental stages and their likes and dislikes which allows her to plan interesting activities that take into account children's individual interests.

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 They are interested in the range of activities, toys and resources available. The childminder's good understanding of the Birth to three matters programme supports her practice and extends the children's experiences. Good relationships are evident between the children and the childminder, these contribute to the children's sense of belonging. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. Communication skills are well supported through good adult-child interaction.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. They access a varied range of activities and resources which increases their awareness of diversity. Children behave very well. The childminder helps them to negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour by supporting them, being a positive role model, and encouraging the children to help each other. Children learn to work harmoniously together and develop respect for each other. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Parent's views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis. Parents are kept verbally informed about their child's day and activities. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease within the well-organised environment and the childminder organises her time well to meet the needs of the children. The required ratios are maintained resulting in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being met effectively. The childminder keeps her own knowledge up-to-date by attending regular training, the knowledge gained is used to enhance the care that is given to the children. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the care and welfare of children and are shared well with parents, to keep them informed about the service and the child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. The provision meets the needs of the children being cared for.

p.4

Improvements 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 Not applicable.

p.4

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): • Ensure parents sign to acknowledge the record of any medication administered.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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.5