Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349407 Unique Reference Number 15 April 2008 Inspection date Shirley Peart 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 June 2007. She lives with her husband and children aged nine and six years, in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. The home is situated close to local shops and school. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and an upstairs bedroom is also used. The garden is not currently used for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years mainly on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have a pet dog and a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s care and hygiene needs are appropriately met. The childminder changes nappies as soon as this is needed, in a hygienic manner with the children’s own belongings. Babies sleep

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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 comfortably upstairs in a travel cot as part of their daily routine. Children do not have unsupervised access to the family pet dog and they wash their hands before lunch, but not generally before snack, which could impinge on their health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Suitable documentation is in place regarding administration of medication and accidents. Parental consent is not yet in place for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder ensures that parents are aware of her sickness and exclusion procedure, so that children are suitably protected from cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a well balanced diet as they have substantial, healthy food, such as jacket potatoes, soup and fruit for snacks. Babies’ meals are discussed with the parents and the childminder gives advice to parents where necessary. Allergies, likes and dislikes are recorded, which ensures that children are only given foods that they enjoy or can tolerate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have some opportunities to be out and about in the fresh air as they regularly walk to and from nursery and school. If possible the childminder ensures that children have a chance for some daily fresh air during the school holidays. For example, they go for walks along a country lane or play with footballs and skittles in the square at the front of the house, under the childminders supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a spacious, warm and welcoming home. They have access to a playroom where their toys are well stored and easily accessible. Their art work and photographs are displayed well, which gives them a good sense of belonging. There is a very good range of toys which are sturdy, clean and appropriate for the different ages of children who attend.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended to safety issues in her home well so that children are safe. For example, low level glass is protected; safety gates are used where necessary and doors are locked. She supervises the children at all times and ensures that non-mobile babies are able to play with their toys safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although the childminder is aware of how she will get out in an emergency she has not yet practiced this with the children. They are gaining a good understanding of staying safe when they are out and about. For example, the childminder has discussions with children as they look at the road safety poster and they play imaginary games, which helps them become aware of hazards on the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has relevant information and contact numbers for any child protection concerns. She is clear about her responsibilities, seeks help and advice where necessary and she has completed relevant training. This ensures that children's welfare is very well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies are given lots of opportunities to explore and to enjoy the company of others. They are propped up by cushions so that they can see what is happening, therefore they gurgle and smile happily. They are given good physical opportunities. They kick and move freely when they lie on the mat as they try to reach a toy. They receive lots of appropriate physical interaction, cuddles and eye contact from the childminder so that they feel secure.

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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 are settled and happy. They like the childminders attention, such as when she initiates games like hiding the ‘fish’ and encouraging children to guess which ones are missing because they have been ‘eaten’ by the 'crocodile'. They have lots of fun as they laugh and giggle and their interest is sustained very well during play. Children know the routine, for example, they choose a cushion, sit and watch a favourite programme as they eat their snack quietly. Children are enthusiastic and proud of their achievements, such as when they successfully tidy away the toys in the playroom. Therefore, children achieve well and thoroughly enjoy what they do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are given lots of choices as they decide what they want to play with and what they want to eat. The childminder provides an inclusive environment and promotes non-stereotypical play. She has developed her provision since being registered and is aware of further information she could gather when a placement commences. For example, she has devised a check list of things to discuss with parents, such as children’s likes, dislikes, favourite toys, how they like to sleep, names of familiar family members and obtaining photographs from home, which ensures that their individual needs are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good equal opportunities policy in place and ensures that all children are accepted and included. Her home is suitable for any child with mobility difficulties, for example, care and facilities are all available on the ground floor.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to understand how to behave responsibly through the very clear and consistent messages that they receive from the childminder. She gives full explanations of why certain behaviour is not acceptable and children receive lots of verbal praise and relevant encouragement, sometimes receiving stickers and using star charts, which children respond to well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder aims to develop good relationships with parents as she is open and honest with them. She has devised individual daily diaries where all parties can contribute, but also recognises the importance of exchanging verbal information regularly. This ensures that parents are fully informed and that they work together well to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a professional approach to her career. She has completed relevant courses, such as first aid, safeguarding and speech and language. She has also recently commenced an Open University degree in early years. This ensures that children are cared for by a knowledgeable and well trained childminder.

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Organisation

Documentation is good and maintained in a confidential manner. Written policies and procedures work well in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment and achievement, as they are updated regularly and shared with parents. She also has relevant information displayed for parents, such as her public liability insurance and the Early Years Foundation Stage poster.

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Organisation

The childminder fits her day around the children’s routine and is currently working on an activity plan for school holiday periods. She is aware that recyclable materials keep children entertained, such as using their imagination when playing with large empty cardboard boxes. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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. 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 that written parental consent is in place for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure that an emergency evacuation plan is in place and practiced with the 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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