Brown, Leigh Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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312393 Unique Reference Number 12 May 2008 Inspection date Cathryn Parry 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 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in the residential area of Hebburn in South Tyneside. The whole of the ground floor and the toilet and bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has two dogs and one cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy regular opportunities for fresh air and active play, which contributes to their overall good health. They develop and test their physical skills, for instance, when they use large climbing equipment in the park and bounce on the trampoline. The childminder’s flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. Appetising

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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 meals, such as spaghetti bolognaise and salad, ensure the children receive the nourishment necessary for their growth and physical development. A varied and imaginative menu encourages children to have a good awareness of healthy meal options and the opportunity to try new foods. This includes enjoying fresh fruit daily, such as different melons. Children have regular drinks of water or fresh juice, which quenches their thirst and benefits their health.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder enables children to develop independence with regard to personal care in accordance with their age and stage of development. Children demonstrate an awareness of routines that promote their health. This includes washing their hands after using the toilet. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has effective systems in place to administer and record medication. This ensures children's health is safeguarded. In addition, she has a suitable sickness exclusion policy which is shared with parents and carers. This enables the childminder to protect others from illness. Systems are in place to gather information from parents and carers regarding children's medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. Consequently, individual needs are met well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children rest, play and sleep in comfort where they feel secure. They are safeguarded well as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children. Large windows in the living room and kitchen enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. Suitable and well-maintained equipment is available to meet children's individual needs, for example a buggy. Regular checks and cleaning keep the broad range of toys and resources in a good condition. This ensures that children handle items that are clean and safe. The childminder is vigilant on outings, with an active approach to children taking responsibility for their own actions. This results in the reduced risk of accidental injury and raised self-awareness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised well and have good opportunities to practice what they can do, such as using scissors. This helps to develop some awareness of their abilities. All safety equipment is in place reducing the risk of accidents. This includes a safety gate, fireguard and smoke detectors. The latter are regularly tested and the checks logged. Children's knowledge about personal safety is encouraged by gentle reminders from the childminder to ensure the net around the trampoline is zipped closed so they do not fall, waiting at the kerb before crossing the road and a fire drill practice. This positively contributes to children developing a sense of danger and how to keep themselves safe. The childminder has attended a relevant child protection course in the past and is currently undertaking another two training sessions. She demonstrates a sound understanding of associated issues, resulting in children being safeguarded

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are highly motivated to play with a wide variety of toys and activities. These offer appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development. They include baking, using construction toys and completing jigsaws. The affectionate and gentle care given by the childminder enables them to develop a sense of belonging and trust. Sufficient effective support is given, which nurtures children’s independence. An example of this is where the childminder closely supervises them whilst they stand on a chair to wash their own hands. Their confidence

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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 and self-esteem are raised through the childminder's consistent praise and encouragement. Children have good opportunities to socialise with others as they attend parent and toddler groups and sit together for meals. Free play is incorporated into each day, where child-initiated play is encouraged and supported by the childminder. They benefit from a flexible routine, including a balance of child-centred and adult-led activities. Effective use is made of the local area, giving children a breadth of opportunities. Examples of this are where they visit the beach, park and farm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children delight in using their imagination, for instance, when dressing the dolls and pretending to make cups of tea in the play kitchen. They develop mathematical thinking when they look at numerals in books and make geometrical shapes out of play dough. A variety of creative activities, including cutting and sticking, promote children's self-expression whilst having fun. They enjoy looking at books, both independently and with the childminder. Activities are extended by the childminder. An example of this is where the children went to the quarry and caught toad spawn with their fishing nets and brought it back to nurture into toads. This inspires children and increases their knowledge of the natural world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled in the friendly and welcoming environment. An effective induction procedure, including visits with parents and carers, is conducive to a smooth transition from home to the childminding environment. The gradual settling-in procedure ensures children's emotional well-being is met. The childminder's suitable approach to equal opportunities contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. She currently only celebrates Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter with the children. This has a negative impact on children increasing their knowledge of different traditions. There are some resources showing positive images of different cultures and a book with a person who has a disability. However, these are limited, which has a detrimental effect on raising children's awareness and understanding of difference. The childminder does not have any experience of caring for children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with learning difficulties or disabilities, however, she shows a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive consistent care as there is a daily exchange of information between the childminder, parents and carers about activities the children have participated in. The childminder is friendly and approachable; this includes inviting parents and carers to stay for a drink of coffee or tea when they collect their children. Consequently, children feel secure. Children understand and cooperate with simple house rules. Their good behaviour is actively encouraged through positive role modelling, meaningful praise and valuing good behaviour. Children are learning to share and take turns through the childminder’s appropriate support, for instance when playing on the trampoline.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children access play opportunities through the appropriate organisation of space, time and resources. The use of the living room, kitchen and garden enables children to participate in a range of quiet, boisterous and messy activities. The flexible routine ensures children have time to complete activities at their own pace. They also benefit from having the time to visit places

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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 of interest. Toys and resources are well-organised in boxes and in low-level cupboards. This enables the children to independently select what they would like to play with.

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Organisation

The childminder has been caring for children for nearly 12 years, which has a positive impact on the quality of care provided. Children benefit from the knowledge gained by the childminder attending the initial training and subsequent courses. Their welfare is appropriately safeguarded as she and other household members have had suitable checks completed. The childminder is aware of her current registration requirements and adheres to them. This has a positive impact on children's well-being. Relevant policies and procedures are in place and stored adequately to maintain confidentiality.

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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 previous inspection the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. She was also requested to inform Ofsted of all persons aged 16 and over who are living on the premises so that relevant suitability checks may be undertaken. The childminder has addressed both of these issues positively. This has a positive impact on children's well-being.

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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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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): • further develop equal opportunities resources and the celebration of different festivals.

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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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