Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341195 Unique Reference Number 21 April 2008 Inspection date Jim Bostock 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 2006. She lives with her four children aged 19, 17, 13 and six years in the residential area of South Shields in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house, except for the study, is used for childminding; the bathroom is situated on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and at the time of inspection was minding six children under eight. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has marine fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted through effective health and hygiene practices. Children learn about good hand washing practices as part of the daily routine. Children have a fresh towel to dry their hands which helps minimise the spread of infection, protecting children's health. Children's health is further protected as the childminder has clear policies in place for the

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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 exclusion of children with contagious illnesses, however, the written permission for emergency medical treatment is not in place for all children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder creates opportunities for the children to participate in regular physical exercise; they have use of the fully enclosed garden and walk regularly to the local park. They regularly visit local places of interest, such as the Discovery Museum. They use the garden as often as possible where they play with the sandpit, slide, swings and enjoy nature as they learn about weather, seasons, growth and change.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has undertaken relevant first aid training and she has a fully stocked first aid box. This enables her to provide appropriate first aid treatment when necessary, protecting children's well-being. Good clear procedures are in place for recording accidents and the administration of medication. Children are offered a varied range of healthy meals and snacks, providing them with a good balanced diet, keeping them healthy. They are beginning to learn about the benefits of healthy eating through regular discussions. Drinks are available throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm, welcoming and friendly for children and parents. 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. Toys and resources are appropriate to the children's developmental stages and interests and within easy reach so they can independently access at all times, keeping them motivated and interested.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Extensive safety precautions have been implemented to minimise accidents and keep children safe. For example, smoke alarms have been installed, electrical socket covers are in place, a fire blanket is fitted in the kitchen and safety gates prevent unsupervised access to the stairs. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place and regular fire drills are practised, which develop children's awareness of fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised at all times and the childminder ensures children's safety outside the home, discussing why they need to hold hands or the pushchair when crossing the road, developing children's awareness of road safety. The childminder requests permission from parents to transport children in her car, further enhancing children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the various types and possible signs of abuse. She knows the procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and relate well to the childminder, as she joins in with their play. She is positive in her interaction and the children enjoy the close contact with the childminder and respond well to her encouragement. Children are happy and secure as a result of the childminder's praise and support. They enjoy a good variety of interesting and stimulating play with the childminder. She takes an interest in what children have to say which promotes their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder organises toys and resources to ensure they are readily accessible to the children, within the designated playroom. This supports and develops children's play and learning. Babies and toddlers are beginning to learn to speak as the

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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 childminder helps them by naming objects, and develop an appreciation of books as she reads stories to them. This encourages children's awareness of the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Resources and activities provide children with first hand experiences. They enjoy playing with shape sorters and construction blocks, paint, draw and do cut and stick activities as they make cards for Mother's Day. The childminder has a clear understanding of how children learn and develop, and plans a stimulating range of activities for the children. She uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance the provision she provides for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and treated as individuals. The childminder works in close partnership with parents to ensure the individual needs of all children are met. Clear information regarding children's needs is gathered enabling the childminder to provide the appropriate care. She provides parents with a daily diary to help them know what their child is doing during the day. The children have a good range of toys, resources and activities which develop their awareness of diversity. For instance, they have books and dolls which have positive images of difference and diversity and celebrate a range of different festivals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved as the childminder uses a range of positive strategies to manage behaviour, according to the children's age and stage of development. These include praise, encouragement and distraction. Regular communication between the childminder and parents enhances children's welfare. The childminder seeks parents' views about their child's likes and dislikes and routines to ensure she meets the individual needs of all the children in her care. Complaints procedures are in place and available to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The well organised environment and good daily routines ensure that children are happy and well settled. Good opportunities are made for free play, social interaction, resting, eating and going out. This means that children are gaining in confidence to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The required ratios are maintained and time is organised well, which results in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being met.

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Organisation

The childminder's good knowledge, skills and positive attitude towards extended training enhances the care of children. For instance, she is reviewing her service in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage which is being introduced in September 2008.

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Organisation

Most of the required policies, procedures, records and documentation are in place and shared with parents. However, due to a misunderstanding, appropriate checks have not yet been carried out on her 17 year old daughter.

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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 last inspection the childminder had an action to inform Ofsted about any changes in the persons over the age of 16 living in the household. She did this, but, due to a misunderstanding

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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 has not followed this up to ensure appropriate checks have been carried out. This forms the basis of a recommendation from this inspection.

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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): • obtain written parental permission for seeking emergency medical treatment • ensure that all persons aged sixteen or over who live at the premises undertake appropriate checks to assess their suitability to be in contact with minded children.

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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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