Childminder in Middlesbrough

Inspection report for early years provision

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312658 Unique Reference Number 06 June 2008 Inspection date Elaine Marie McDonnell 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 has been registered since 1986. She lives with her husband and their 16 year old daughter in the Acklam area of Middlesbrough. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and there are currently six children on roll aged from 16 months to 11 years, two of who are cared for on a full-time basis. The childminder provides care during school term-times only. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends a local toddler group on a weekly basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows good hygiene procedures to ensure that the home and equipment are kept clean. Children are beginning to understand about simple,

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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 good health and hygiene practices, such as hand washing, as this is promoted throughout the daily routine.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate verbal procedures are in place to protect children’s overall health, for example, the exclusion of children with infectious illnesses. Accidents are also recorded. However, there is currently no system in place for the childminder to keep a record of medication administered to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and receive varied meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to promote a healthy diet. The childminder finds out about individual dietary requirements or family preferences from parents and ensures these are adhered to.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have appropriate opportunities to enjoy physical activity. For example, they play in the garden and visit local play parks and toddler groups on a regular basis. They also participate in dancing and actions indoors. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and individual routines, which the childminder is well aware of.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good steps are been taken to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. For example, the premises are kept secure, suitable safety equipment is in place and cleaning fluids are stored upstairs out of children's reach. However, the rug in the hall-way poses a tripping hazard. Appropriate steps are taken to ensure that children are kept safe when playing outdoors and when on outings. For example, safety reins are used when necessary and children learn about road safety when out walking. The childminder does not use a car for minding purposes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is warm and welcoming for the children with a varied range of resources readily available for them in the lounge. They have easy access to toys, equipment and furniture and the childminder ensures that resources are safe and suitable for children's use with regular checking and cleaning routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder understands her role in relation to child protection issues and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She demonstrates a good understanding of the main areas of abuse and of the possible signs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a varied range of activities that cover all areas of development. For example, they visit local social groups, play parks, library, and shops and feed the ducks. During the inspection children are observed building with bricks and listening to stories read by the childminder. They concentrate well when sorting and storing small cars into a shopping basket.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children also have access to jigsaw puzzles, craft materials and a toy kitchen; however, there are limited resources available for older children. Planned activities in the house include colouring-in and role play. Children have some opportunities to learn about wider society, such as tasting foods from different cultural backgrounds, and discussions about what they see on television. They begin to appreciate their own cultural traditions when involved in activities in relation to Easter and Christmas.

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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 Children develop confidence and self-esteem when being praised and encouraged by the childminder for their efforts. They show interest in what they do, enjoy the resources available and have good opportunities to be independent and use their initiative. Children acquire new skills and knowledge with support from the childminder, such as sharing, cleanliness and respect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how to promote equal opportunities. There are currently no children with any learning difficulties, disabilities, or who speak English as an additional language attending the setting. However, the childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with additional needs and ensures that a child's specific medical needs are being well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy being with the childminder and enjoy the activities available. They are settled and happy and make positive relationships with adults. Children are generally well behaved and the childminder manages behaviour appropriately, for example, by giving children explanations about what they are, and are not expected to do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively in partnership with parents and carers. Parents are kept informed of their child’s development and progress through regular discussions. Appropriate consent forms from parents are available and contract agreements are also in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures that adults caring for children are suitable to do so as all persons living in the house have complied with vetting procedures. She has a positive attitude towards personal development and has undertaken additional training since the last inspection. For example, she has almost completed a Diploma in Home Based Child Care which includes safeguarding children and is currently attending training relating to the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also completed an appropriate first aid course in March 2007.

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Organisation

Attendance records are kept up to date in the diary and show that adult to child ratios are maintained. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children and as a result they receive good adult support and attention.

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Organisation

All documents and records required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are available, well kept and up to date, with the exception of medication records. 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 ensure that children are not left unsupervised outdoors. This action has been fully address as children are no longer left sleeping in a buggy at the front of the house.

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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.

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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 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 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): • ensure that a record of medication administered to children is maintained • ensure that the rug in the hall does not pose a tripping hazard • ensure that more resources suitable for older children are available.

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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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