Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY262746 Unique Reference Number 21 December 2007 Inspection date Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom 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 registered in 2003 and lives with her husband, adult daughter and school age son in a four bedroom detached property within walking distance of Haslington Village.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The areas of the house used for the care of children are the ground floor, two front bedrooms, and tiered rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children and currently has five children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. There are effective methods in place to protect children from illness and the spread of infection. Children learn about hygiene and personal care. They are confident and know why they need to wash their hands as this is supported well by the childminder as part of her daily routines.

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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 very much enjoy outdoor play, which contributes to their good health. They have good opportunities to develop their physical skills, for example, they have access to a garden with fixed play equipment. They ride bikes, play with balls as the childminder has a good range of large and small play equipment to develop balance and coordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a positive approach to a broad and balanced diet for children. She is keen to offer varied and nutritious snacks to promote children's healthy growth and development. The childminder offers this in interesting and imaginative ways, as children help make cakes and decorate them with fresh fruits slices such as bananas or seedless grapes. Toast is often served in the shapes of cars or hearts, to promote children's interest and enjoyment.

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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, secure, bright and welcoming environment. They arrive eagerly and settle quickly. Children make good use of the quality range of toys and equipment that they self-select with confidence and enthusiasm from the clearly marked shelving and drawers that are laid out for them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The risk of accidental injury is minimised by the use of appropriate safety features and good supervision by the childminder. She also gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining their safety outside the home. There are clear rules to be adhered to, for example, when walking on the pavement or crossing the roads. The childminder ensures she carries her emergency contact numbers with her at all times and there is a clear evacuation plan in place for children if needed. However the childminder has not written consent to transport children in a vehicle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a commitment to protect children, she has a clear understanding of child protection procedures in order to keep them from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from very warm and caring relationships with the childminder. She supports children's emotional well-being, offers cuddles, encouragement, uses smiles and speaks to the children in gentle tones. The childminder is involved in children's activities. As a result children are happy, confident and secure in her care and their language is promoted well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a variety of stimulating activities to assist children in all areas of their development. They talk about colours and numbers as part of their play, as the childminder knows when to play an active part in children's play and when to stand back and let them play freely. The childminder effectively poses questions to encourage and extend children's thinking and learning as children benefit from activities that build upon what they already know. The matching game, for example, the children identified whales and seal lions both as living in the sea, long discussions ensued as to what else lives in the sea, therefore supporting learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children, have fun, they are happy and confident in their achievements, they happily create their individual art work, they paint their own Christmas trees and decorate them with glue and glitter and shiny gems. They show sustained concentration as they count out the gems and carefully consider where to place them over the trees. They then sit back and invite others to admire their creative work.

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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 good. The childminder treats children with equal concern and has a good understanding of their stages of development and their likes and dislikes. Children feel secure and their self-esteem is promoted well as their efforts and achievements are consistently recognised and celebrated. The childminder places great emphasis upon including all children, taking into account their differing needs. Activities are adapted to ensure all children can contribute and, therefore, children feel valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is skilful in her approach to managing children's behaviour. She is a good role model and she speaks positively to children, using praise, explanation and distraction techniques to effectively manage their behaviour. Therefore, children behave well, they have good social skills and show consideration for others. They are polite, learn about turn taking and good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are good as the childminder works closely with them to benefit children. Good quality information is shared about the children's day. Parents speak positively about the service they receive and are very pleased with the progress their children are making.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder uses her time well to benefit children as they receive good levels of attention. She plans a broad and balanced range of activities and experiences to meet children's needs. Children confidently explore their environment, they make good use of all the space provided to them, as the childminder is careful to ensure an appropriate balance of learning, rest and free play.

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Organisation

Most relevant records and documentation are in place although not necessarily organised well. A register of attendance is maintained daily to provide a consistent record of care for children, along with most of the necessary consents obtained from parents. However the childminder has allowed her first aid certificate to lapse, although she does have a date booked for another course next month. This is a breach of regulation. 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 agreed to several recommendations to improve the quality of record keeping for children in her care. She now ensures all records of attendance, accidents, incidents and medicines are recorded appropriately and contain all the relevant detail, therefore improving the quality of care provided for children.

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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 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

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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children, and which is consistent with any guidance issued to local authorities by the Secretary of State • Ensure parents give their written permission for their child to be transported in a vehicle.

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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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