Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY270534 Unique Reference Number 06 November 2007 Inspection date Pauline Pinnegar 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and their adult daughter, in the Thornaby area of Stockton-on-Tees. Her daughter works with her as a co-childminder.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The downstairs of the home pus the upstairs bathroom is used for childminding activities. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has two pet dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children at any one time, when working alone, and eight children when working with her daughter. She is currently caring for two children aged three years and six years on a part-time basis. The childminder also has regular care of her four grandchildren who are aged under eight years. One grandchild is aged over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder follows suitable health and hygiene procedures in order to protect children from infection. For example, her sickness policy is well implemented and she does not care for children who have contagious illnesses, in order to protect the health of all children in her care. Children's understanding of the importance of good hygiene is promoted in everyday routines, for example, children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. The childminder's sound understanding of the needs of younger children supports their developmental progress. She establishes shared understanding with parents to ensure consistency with home. Children confidently express their own needs and wishes, as they request a change in activity. Procedures for administering medication meet requirements and protect children effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a nutritionally balanced diet for children, which includes portions of fruit and vegetables each day, avoiding unnecessary additives. This ensures children are well nourished. They enjoy healthy snacks, such as satsumas and yoghurts. Children freely access drinks of fruit juice and milk. The childminder displays her daily menu for parents' information.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a suitable range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. Activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors as they play in the local park with large play equipment. They enjoy playing in the garden using a range of play equipment to practise their large motor skills. Children also enjoy walks within the local community. Younger children routinely visit local toddler groups and soft play centres, where they are able to develop their large physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment. The childminder organises the use of space to promote children's safety, for example, one room is used only for quieter activities. The childminder organises space and resources well to reduce potential hazards and promote independence. Children use an appropriate range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, helping them to enjoy a variety of experiences safely. Toys are stored at low level to enable children to access them safely and promote their independence. The indoor and outdoor equipment available meets the required safety standards and is suitably maintained by the childminder. The emergency evacuation plan has been fully discussed with children, and the childminder organises a fire drill, so that children are familiar with what they need to do in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken appropriate steps to ensure a safe environment for children. For example, the premises and outdoor play area are kept secure, a stair gate and socket covers are in place. Cleaning materials are inaccessible to children. Children are kept safe when outdoors or on outings with effective supervision at all times. The childminder promotes children's awareness of risk and safety in daily routines; for example, they use the crossing each day when out walking. They talk about why they need to behave sensibly near busy roads. Children are encouraged to tidy away toys when they have finished with them, to minimise the risk of accidents.

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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 Children are suitably protected because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection. She is familiar with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and all contact details are in place. However, the childminder has not fully developed the system to record existing injuries to fully safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s care arrangements are fully discussed and agreed with parents. The childminder ensures daily activities take account of their usual routines, individual needs and interests. Children benefit from a suitable range of play and learning opportunities, both in the family home or on outings. For example, regular walks to the local park and visits to the shops. The childminder has created a relaxed and homely atmosphere for children, so that they play contentedly. Children are able to plan their own play, selecting from a suitable range of resources and a balanced range of age-appropriate activities. Children's interactions with the childminder are warm and trusting. They begin to understand why some behaviour is unacceptable. They learn to be polite and are reminded to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Children are happy overall and enjoy their play engaged in age-appropriate activities. Children are suitably encouraged

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder is caring and affectionate in her approach. She praises them regularly, which makes them feel good about themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to initiate their own play ideas as they independently access resources stored at child height. Children use their imaginations well as they play with small world toys and dressing-up clothes. They enjoy drawing and making pictures using coloured pencils and crayons. Children have satisfactory opportunities to develop their creative skills as they use media, such as paint, collage and play dough. Younger children enjoy playing with jigsaws, and building with construction toys. Children also enjoy baking sessions and recently made 'Halloween' biscuits. Books are readily available to children and they enjoy reading and listening to stories. Older children have fun playing simple computer games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed into the setting and participate fully in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. The childminder promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. However, children access a limited range of activities and resources to increase their awareness of diversity. Children's individuality is respected and valued. Children learn about the local community as they take part in outings to local parks and other places of local interest. Although there are currently no children on roll with disabilities or learning difficulties, the childminder has given this matter consideration.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder establishes successful working relationships with parents in order to meet children's individual needs. She uses effective discussion with parents and ensures that she is fully informed about children's likes, dislikes and individual needs. The childminder ensures that there is time to give daily feedback about children's experiences with her. Agreements reached with parents are clearly recorded and parents also receive written copies of all policies and procedures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. She helps them to take responsibility for their own behaviour by supporting them and being a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 positive role model. She consistently reinforces boundaries giving children clear messages of right and wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare is promoted in the well organised and safe environment. Their individual needs are supported by flexible planning. Routines are responsive to individual needs and support children's care and development. Resources are accessible so that children can independently select their own activities and plan their own play. The childminder has completed all mandatory training. As a result, the children are confident and happy.

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Organisation

Children are kept safe and their welfare is effectively safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding and implementation of the required policies and procedures. Although there have been no complaints about the provision to date, the childminder has not yet established a clear system for recording any complaints. The childminder fully understands requirements with regard to reaching agreements with parents, so that their wishes are clearly understood and inform her childcare practice. She shares information daily with parents about children's activities and care needs, enabling consistency and continuity of care.

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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: ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice; ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible and available for inspection; and ensure consent forms are in place for giving medication, transporting children and going on outings.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All records relating to childminding activities are in place and available for inspection, improving the overall organisation of the provision. All the required parental consent forms are now in place, contributing to effective partnerships with parents and improving children's overall safety and welfare. However, the provision for resources and activities which reflect positive images of diversity still remains limited and an area for development.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004, 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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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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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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): • develop the system for clearly recording existing injuries • develop the activities and resources available to children which reflect positive images of diversity • develop a system for the recording of complaints, in line with regulations.

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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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