Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 507069 Inspection date 10 October 2005 Inspector Hilary, Jane Purvis

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 has been registered since 1998. She lives in Gunnerton village, Northumberland with her partner and 2 children aged 3 and 9 years. The whole ground floor of the premises and a first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden area. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any 1 time and is currently minding four children under 8 years all on a part time basis. The childminder collects children from the local school and nursery. Local child friendly facilities are used by the childminder including toddler group and library. The family do not have

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 any pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminder's Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children effectively learn about their own personal hygiene through clear discussions and a daily routine, which incorporates consistent use of good hygiene practises including washing hands after playing outside and toileting and before meals and snacks. The childminder sets a good example by washing her own hands before preparing a meals. The childminder puts in place effective measures to reduce the risk of cross infection. This includes changing the hand towel daily and providing children with their own cups for drinks. Children's dietary needs are well met through the provision of meals and snacks that are healthy and balanced. A varied menu is provided, which incorporates each child's individual needs, preferences and parental wishes. Meal times are promoted as a positive experience for the children, with meals being served at the dining table with social interaction and table manners encouraged. Children are given free access to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

drinks throughout the day. They are given a choice of water, and fruit juice.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where the risks to children have been identified and reduced. This allows children to move around freely and safely. Risk assessments have been carried out on the premises and precautions have been put in place including socket covers, smoke detectors and fire blanket. Children's development is well supported through the provision of a wide and varied selection of toys and equipment. The safety and suitability of toys and equipment is ensured through the childminder implementing an effective policy. Toys and equipment are checked after a child finishes using them. They are cleaned on a regular basis. A written policy outlining the cleaning and checking of all equipment is shown to parents. There is a selection of equipment suitable for babies including a high chair, travel cot and buggy. All of which are all in excellent condition and are

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

effectively used. Children's safety is promoted through the childminder having a good understanding of child safety within the home environment, which is regularly assessed. The risk to children in the home is effectively reduced through appropriate precautions and safe practises being in place. The childminder discusses with children the dangers of climbing on furniture or throwing toys. She is also mindful of this during day trips with the children. On outings, children learn about road safety, including holding onto the

p.3

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 buggy and stopping and listening at suitable places to cross. The childminder uses her car appropriately to transport children safely. She includes appropriate car seats , insurance and written parental consent. The childminder is aware of fire safety and has formulated an evacuation plan including suitable exits. Children are well protected through the childminder having a good understanding of the child protection procedure. She has recently attended child protection training and has all the required up to date documentation. This includes relevant contact numbers.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop well with the childminder's support. Good relationships have been developed between the childminder and the minded children, with constant warm physical and verbal interaction. Regular meaningful praise encourages children to gain in confidence and increase their feeling of self worth and belonging. Children can freely select from the good range of toys and equipment available. This helps in supporting the development of their independence and equality of opportunity. The toys and equipment are well organised and provide children with the opportunity to make informed choices in their play. An interesting programme of activities is provided by the childminder, including crafts, baking, construction, role play and small worlds. These reflect the age and stage of development of each of the children being cared for. Children's specific areas of interest are supported and promoted by the childminder, who provides children with

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

appropriate equipment and opportunity to meet their individual needs. The children are given the opportunity to play together and/or with the childminder or independently, throughout the activities provided. The childminder is close at hand to give guidance and support, should it be needed.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met through the childminder spending time getting to know each child as an individual. She incorporates their interests and preferences into the daily routine. Children learn about the community they live in through regular outings to child friendly facilities; such as the park, shops and the library. There is a limited supply of toys and equipment that positively reflect images of other cultures. The childminder is aware of this and aims to increase this supply to meet the needs of the children attending. Children's behaviour is well managed by the childminder. Constant praise and support is effectively used to encourage children to interact positively; both with each other and the childminder. Appropriate measures to manage children's behaviour are in place. These include discussing why some behaviour is not appropriate or dangerous. All methods that are used to manage children's behaviour reflects each

p.4

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 child's age and level of understanding. Good relationships have been developed with the parents of minded children, regular transfer of information takes place verbally. Parents views are actively sought both at the start of a placement and on an ongoing basis throughout their dealings here. Child information sheets and written contracts are in place to enable children's needs to be met. Parents are provided with an information file, which includes details about the childminder, insurance documentation and certificates of relevant childcare courses attended. A diary of activities that are undertaken is kept by the childminder. This ensures that parents are kept informed of what activities have been undertaken, and also details what the children have gained from them.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder keeps her own knowledge up to date by attending regular training. This includes child protection, child development, and the quality first assurance scheme. The knowledge gained from this training is used to enhance the care given to children. The space available within the home is well organised, presenting a suitable environment for a variety of activities to be successfully provided. Children feel at ease and are confident to move around the premises freely and safely. The childminder organises her time well to allow an interesting programme of activities to be effectively balanced with meeting children's physical needs. This includes providing regular opportunities for children to have uninterrupted sleep and quiet times. The written policies and procedures that are in place are effectively used to promote the care and welfare of the children and shared with the parents to keep them

p.5

Organisation

informed. All information both written and verbal is maintained and retained in an organised and confidential manner. The overall provision meets the needs of the children being cared for.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since the last inspection.

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

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 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 enhance knowledge and understanding of the care of babies and young children by attending appropriate training such as Birth to three matters framework.

p.6

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.6

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