Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357861 Unique Reference Number 15 April 2008 Inspection date Janet Fairhurst 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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband and their three children aged, six years and twins of five years. They live in the Fenham area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The areas used for childminding are the living room, dining room and kitchen on the ground floor, and bathroom and toilet on the first floor. There is an enclosed yard area for outdoor play. The family has a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently caring for three children on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about keeping healthy. They develop an understanding of good hygiene practices through consistent daily routines. Clear and effective procedures and practices protect children from illness and minimise the risk of

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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 cross infection. First aid training is kept up to date which enables the childminder to act in children's best interests to safeguard their health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's home routines are followed with regard to meals and sleep patterns providing a secure and familiar environment. As a result, they are very happy and content contributing to their overall wellbeing. Children benefit from nutritious foods to promote their growth and development. The childminder takes into account children's individual requirements to meet their dietary needs. Children are provided with regular drinks which include water. Mealtimes are a relaxed and social occasion for the children to enjoy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular outdoor physical exercise as they walk to school and visit local toddler groups. Children gain in confidence and learn to develop control over their bodies as they participate in 'wiggle jiggle' an activity session for young children and during their visits to the local play park. The childminder has a good understanding of the children's need for a wide variety of physical play to build their confidence and ensure their healthy growth and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised by the effective organisation of space and the use of safety equipment. Risks have been identified and minimised, which ensures that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe through age appropriate discussions with the childminder about road safety. The childminder carries out visual risks assessments, which further ensures the safety of children. Safety equipment is in place to help reduce risks, for example, smoke detectors, fire blanket and carbon monoxide detectors. Appropriate fire evacuation procedures are in place, however, they have not been practised with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have ample space to play within the childminder's home. They are able to select from a good range of resources which meet safety standards. These are organised to encourage children's independent access. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys carefully to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their ages and stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and is confident about the procedures to follow should concerns arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. A close and caring relationship have been established between the children and the childminder; this contributes to children's sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. Young children benefit from routines which are consistent with their experiences at home; through this approach the childminder helps children to move between home and the new setting, and in turn meets their emotional needs. Children's language and social skills are promoted well by the childminder, who talks and listens consistently to the children, asking them questions to make them think, fostering children's confidence and understanding. These skills are enhanced further as they look at photographs with the childminder to recall familiar events and name members of their peer group.

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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's interest and enjoyment is sustained well as they are encouraged to make their own choices regarding their activities. They are eager to communicate and confidently make their wishes known. For example, a favourite story book was selected by the child and brought to the childminder to read. The childminder uses this opportunity to promote children's learning as they talk about the pictures and introduce new words.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and develop a strong sense of belonging. The nurturing environment and the childminder's sensitive, caring nature helps children feel totally secure in her care. Children freely climb on the childminder's knee to give her a hug. Young children develop a positive sense of self as their wishes and requests are valued and acted upon. They feel well supported and understood as the childminder is fully in tune with their wishes and desires.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine, as discussed and agreed with their parents. Children's self-esteem and confidence is well promoted as they are encouraged to voice their opinions and make choices and decisions. The children have appropriate opportunities to learn about the local community as they visit places of interest, such as the library and toddler group. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of equal opportunities, learning difficulties and disability issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved as a result of the childminder's sensitive approach and clear guidance. They are beginning to understand simple rules and expectations, for example, helping to tidy away toys and not to climb on the furniture. The childminder's calm and sensitive approach promotes respectful relationships. Excellent use of praise and encouragement, fosters children's self-confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children settle well because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that they follow their home routine. They benefit from a two-way sharing of information between parents and the childminder, which is demonstrated effectively through the use of the daily diary; this practice ensures very good communication and contributes to the children's care and learning. Time is taken prior to admission, to ensure that each child's needs, interests and abilities are identified. Written policies and procedures are used well to inform the parents about the service.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in an environment, which fosters their independence and provides them with opportunities to develop. They have a familiar daily routine, which provides them with security and confidence. The childminder organises the premises well. The layout helps to maximise play opportunities and allows good levels of supervision to take place. Children feel at home and benefit greatly, from a good amount of individual support, which fosters their confidence and learning. The sharing of fun experiences with the childminder, ensures they enjoy a thoroughly good time.

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Organisation

Written policies are in place to support the appropriate care of children and to inform parents about the service that is provided. Children's needs and routines are discussed on a daily basis

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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 with parents, which contributes effectively to the children's care. Ample play space is available to the children in order for them to play in comfort.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of the need to maintain records and displays documents appropriately. All required paperwork is well organised and used well to promote the welfare of the children. Registers and records meet all regulatory requirements and are well maintained and easily available. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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.

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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): • improve children's safety further by practising the emergency evacuation procedure.

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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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