Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY217805 Inspection date 22 September 2005 Inspector Lindsey Pollock

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 good. 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 2001. She lives with her husband who is her assistant. There are schools, nurseries, shops and other amenities within walking distance of their home. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding. There is a rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under 8 years. There are currently 3 children under 8 years of age on roll. They attend on a part-time basis The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the

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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 library, to parks and to the leisure centre.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has implemented clear, efficient hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health. Good standards of cleanliness are maintained in childminding areas to ensure children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Children's awareness of good hygiene procedures is raised by the childminder explaining the importance of following good routines and by setting a good example. Children know to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and have an increasing understanding of why this is important. They are well nourished as they enjoy a varied range of healthy snacks. However, their understanding of healthy eating is not raised as they are not always given explanations as to why some foods are better for them than others. Children enjoy a broad range of activities which contribute to their good health and their learning the importance of physical exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are many activities to help them develop their physical skills, for example as they ride on wheeled toys, play football and walk to and from nursery, school, shops and the park. Younger children participate in organised gymnastic sessions at the leisure centre.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. Adequate organisation of space ensures children have room to move around freely and have suitable provision to rest and relax. Children are able to play safely in the secure rear garden. Furniture, equipment and toys are of sound quality and in a safe, well maintained condition and 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 is aware of potential hazards and has reduced most risks in the home to ensure children's safety. They are, however, able to access air fresheners in the bathroom. The glass in the patio doors is also a potential hazard for children as this has not been identified. The childminder helps children to gain an awareness of safety outdoors by talking and explaining to them and by setting a good example.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children know they must hold the childminder's hand when on outings and look both ways when crossing roads. The childminder has a sound understanding of her responsibilities with regards to child protection. All required procedures and documentation are in place to ensure

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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 protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Warm and trusting relationships have been developed between the childminder and the children in her care. She raises their self esteem by listening to them, answering their questions and valuing what they have to say. They are very confident around the childminder and her assistant and happily approach them with questions and to share toys and books. Regular visits to the local toddler group, gymnastic sessions and to the library help children to develop social skills and enjoy the company of other children. They become aware of their community as they go on many walks in the local area and particularly enjoy visiting the library. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are eager to participate in the variety of activities provided. These offer appropriate challenges for their age and stage of development. Children are interested in and want to play with what is available. They are eager to learn and are beginning to showing an interest in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

colours, numbers, and early writing skills. Older children especially enjoy the opportunity to play football and other outdoor games after school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values children as individuals, she gives them lots of praise and encouragement resulting in them feeling good about themselves. She is a positive role model and encourages children to respect differences. Some resources and activities are available to increase children's awareness of diversity. Children are well behaved and are developing an understanding of what is expected of them. They sit appropriately at meal times and help to tidy away toys when requested. Behaviour management methods are used which are age appropriate and are effective in helping children to learn right from wrong. Children enjoy positive relationships with the childminder and are confident and comfortable in their surroundings. Positive relationships with parents have been established to help promote children's well being, development and progress. Information is obtained and daily exchanges

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensure parents are informed of their child's care, they have not, however, given written permission to allow the childminder to take children on outings.

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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 The childminder is experienced and is committed to developing her practice. She actively seeks ways to enhance the quality of care received by the children and has completed several relevant courses and updated her first aid training since her last inspection. Children feel at home and relaxed in the well organised environment and are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Time is used well and required ratios are maintained, resulting in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being met effectively. Records, policies and procedures are all in place and are kept appropriately. All records are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and the activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall

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Organisation

the provision meets the needs of the children cared for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has raised children's awareness of the emergency evacuation procedures.

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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 good. 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): • raise children's awareness of why they should eat healthily and of what foods are good for them • increase children's safety by identifying the glass in the patio doors and preventing children's access to harmful substances • continue to develop resources and activities to raise children's awareness of diversity.

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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 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

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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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