Gouch, Dawn

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 311704 Inspection date 31 January 2006 Inspector Shirley Peart

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 March 1997. She lives with her husband and their children aged 12 and 9 years, on the outskirts of Ryton, Tyne and Wear. The home is situated close to all of the amenities and schools in the villages of Ryton and Crawcrook. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under 5-years and four children over 5-years, on a part time, varied basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 She is a member of the National Childminding Association. There are two pet cats and fish on the premises.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young children play in a very clean environment and they follow good hygiene practices. The childminder assists them to wash their hands, with their own face cloths, after using the bathroom and after lunch. Older pre-school children know when they need to wash their hands, for example after a gluing activity. Younger children know that the banana skin goes into the rubbish bin and they successfully manage these self-care tasks well. Therefore, they are gaining a good understanding of making appropriate, healthy choices. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks such as cheese and fruit and they help themselves to drinks from their individual cups, which are readily available. This ensures that their nutritional needs are met very well. The childminder ensures that she gains sufficient information from the parents on any allergies, so that children are protected well from any possible reactions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have very good opportunities to be out in the fresh air, as they always walk to school and nursery and they generally play outside during the summer months. Younger children also have good opportunities to develop their physical skills, using a range of equipment, such as large slides, soft play and trampolines when they attend appropriate groups. This ensures that their overall physical needs are effectively met. Relevant paperwork is in place and completed correctly, regarding medication and accidents. The childminder holds an up to date first aid certificate. She works closely with parents and other health professionals to meet the individual medical needs of the children. This ensures that children's health needs are very well met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and stimulating environment, as they have access to a designated playroom. The whole environment is welcoming and children's art work is displayed very well. They are keen to show off their paintings and explain which ones are theirs. They choose their toys and activities from an extensive range of age appropriate, good quality equipment, which also includes real items, such as pasta, dried leaves and different shells. Children easily access the table for their meals and art/craft activities, or play happily on the floor with the dolls and the small world equipment. The floor area becomes cluttered, if children are not reminded to tidy away their toys when they change their activity, which can pose a slight hazard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 safety is promoted well. The home and garden are secure and child safety equipment is used effectively. Children have participated in the 'Safe Walk to School Campaign' to assist them to learn about staying safe while on the way to school. The childminder is always with the children, therefore she supervises them well, both indoors and out. Appropriate information and procedures are readily available, regarding child protection. The childminder has completed further training on child protection, so that she is knowledgeable regarding these issues. This ensures that children's welfare is protected appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very interested in what is available. They are extremely settled and feel very much at home with the childminder. Interaction is warm, natural and excellent relationships are in place. Children naturally respond to the childminder and sit upon her knee comfortably while she reads stories. Children play happily with the small world figures and concentrate very well, as they line them up and sit them on chairs. They take an active part in the setting and take ownership. For example, they know where to put their craft pictures to dry. They thoroughly enjoy their role-play. Younger children demonstrate strong determination and independence when they successfully put on the play shoes by themselves. They persevere with tasks until they achieve their aim, for example when they fit the policeman figure into the car. Children demonstrate consistently high levels of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

concentration, for example when they make a sticky craft picture. Children choose their toys and activities independently and are fully supported in these choices by the childminder. She remains at their level at all times, is very attentive and knows what they enjoy doing. The childminder provides lots of challenges and encouragement for pre-school children. For example, when she joins in with a guessing game, children are highly animated, therefore their language skills are developing very well. Pre-school children describe different objects accurately and younger children are able to copy words correctly. They thoroughly enjoy their time with her and make excellent progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder is obviously very well liked by the children. They have made her individual cards and pictures, with lots of positive comments. She communicates very well with them and has an obvious caring attitude. She acknowledges the children's choices very well, she knows that they have their favourite toys and allows them to choose freely. This enhances aspects of their emotional development very well and helps them to have input and some control while in the setting. Children gain a good knowledge of different festivals and the wider world as they participate in fun

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 activities such as dressing up, craft activities and food tasting during Chinese New Year. Pre-school children also make good attempts at remembering and saying 'Happy New Year' in Chinese. Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder adheres to a written behaviour policy. Children receive lots of positive praise and stickers which raises their self-esteem very well. Partnership with parents is excellent. The childminder has cared for some of the children for a number of years and parents have written some very strong, positive comments regarding the care she gives their children. She discusses her practice and allows sufficient time for children to settle into her provision, depending on the individual needs of the child. She maintains very good, written, developmental

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Helping children make a positive contribution

progress on the under-3s, which is linked to the Birth to three matters framework. If parents are anxious about their children settling, she encourages them to contact her as much as they feel they need to through the day, so that reassurance is offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for by a competent, experienced and dedicated childminder, who thoroughly enjoys her work. She has successfully completed an extended childminding practice course and keeps herself up to date with new developments, such as the Birth to three matters framework, which is very good. Documentation is very well organised, up to date and supports the childminder's practice well. This fully contributes to children's health, safety and the partnership with parents. Children participate in well planned activities that meet their all round development needs. They enjoy varied outdoor play in the warmer weather, such as playing with water and sand. They attend toddler groups and childminder drop in sessions, which assists their social development well. She often plans themes for children to participate in, such as celebrating different festivals, using musical instruments and

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Organisation

activities that are planned around the children's interests, such as bird watching. Craft activities are readily available at all times and the children create craft pictures and models from a variety of real and recyclable materials. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no recommendations at the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record

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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 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 children are encouraged to tidy away their toys, when changing their activity, so that they can continue to move around independently and safely.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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