Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY319870 Unique Reference Number 06 May 2008 Inspection date Anthea Errington 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 is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age and has been minding since 2005. There are currently eight children on roll, most of whom are cared for on a part time basis. She minds from her home situated in Morpeth, Northumberland. Areas of the home used for minding purposes include the kitchen, living room and dining room located on the ground floor. A bathroom is available for children's use on the first floor and there is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. She shares her home with her partner and two school-aged children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well-presented, clean home where they are protected from the spread of infection. The written sickness policy is shared with parents, ensuring that they are aware of the childminder's expectations. Relevant records are in place for accidents and the administration of medication to protect children. However, written consent for emergency

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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 medical care and treatment is not obtained for all children. Children's health is further supported as the childminder has a valid first aid qualification for babies and young children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn and benefit from a healthy diet. They thoroughly enjoy their snack of 'teacakes and juice' as they happily accept more when offered by the childminder. Dietary requirements including allergies are fully discussed with parents and recorded on children's individual records. This ensures children's needs are fully met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. They benefit from physical activities which help them to learn control of their bodies. Outdoor and physical play is a regular feature of children's care as they visit the local parks, walk in the local environment and attend local toddler groups. Indoors they enjoy listening and moving to music as they imitate the dance moves they observe on the children's television programmes. The result is children develop a positive attitude towards exercise. They are able to rest or be active according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space to play safely in the well organised environment. The home is made welcoming with a broad range of safe resources, set out daily so that children can select their own activities, therefore developing their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates how she ensures children's safety whilst in her care. For example, she has a written fire evacuation procedure, visitors record, smoke alarms and socket covers fitted and keeps doors and gates locked. However, glass bottles are within children's reach in the kitchen which compromises their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings through the good procedures the childminder has in place. For example, she ensures children are strapped safely into their buggies and ensures car seats are fitted safely and correctly into the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very good awareness and understanding of safeguarding children and relevant documents are in place, therefore, children are fully protected. Local contact numbers are held for specialist support and advice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and very secure in the stable environment, enjoying a good relationship between themselves and the childminder. For example, children confidently approach the childminder displaying affection towards her. Routines have been established that are consistent with home, which promotes children's sense of security and develops their confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn. For example, she asks children to name their favourite characters in a book they share together which helps to develop their learning and self confidence. Children use their own initiative and become independent as they make choices from the broad range of activities available to them. For example, they choose and select from the various bags and use the tea set to develop their imagination. Great enjoyment is had as children jump copying 'tigger' as he bounces.

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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 Written developmental records are kept which are linked to the 'birth to three framework' and 'steps of learning' which include information about how children are progressing. This helps the childminder to plan the next steps in their play and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities to promote a positive view of the wider world, increasing children's understanding of others. For example, they learn about various religious festivals from posters displayed in the setting and enjoy baking a traditional 'Jewish cake'. The children develop their knowledge of the local community through visits to local facilities, such as parks and community groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour was very good throughout the inspection. From discussion and observations of written documents the childminder demonstrated an understanding of age appropriate techniques to help promote positive behaviour and help children to understand right from wrong. For example, distraction and time out methods are used when required. A written behaviour management policy is in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good relationship has been established between the childminder, parents and carers. Written policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents. Children's records are completed and contain information with regard to their needs, likes and dislikes, which helps the childminder to cater for their individual requirements. Written daily diaries are kept and verbal feedback is given, which keeps parents informed of their children's progress and enhances their child's development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are confident, feel at ease and secure in the well organised care the childminder provides for them. She balances her time effectively and plans activities to meet the children's individual needs. The childminder has continued to update her childcare knowledge and is currently studying for a diploma in home based child care.

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Organisation

The space within the home is well organised to accommodate minded children and the provision of a range of age appropriate activities. The childminder organises toys and resources so that children access them independently and make choices about their learning and play.

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Organisation

Written policies and procedures are individual to the setting and are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. The childminder is aware of the need to maintain, display and keep documentation. Documentation is well organised, accessible and confidentially stored. A record of attendance is kept, including the actual times children are in her care. The childminder's certificate of registration and other relevant information is displayed on the kitchen notice board.

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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

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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the registration 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

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • ensure written consent is obtained for emergency care and treatment for all minded children • prevent children's access to glass bottles in the kitchen.

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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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