Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364577 Unique Reference Number 12 June 2008 Inspection date Ann Coggin 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 November 2007. She lives with her husband and three year old daughter in the Acklam area of Middlesbrough. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and two small bedrooms are used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has a rabbit.

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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 caring for three children under five part time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a qualified Nursery Nurse.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have their health needs met well because the childminder ensures her home is clean and well maintained and where children learn the importance of personal hygiene from an early age. Clear and efficient hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health are in place.

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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 Individual face cloths and towels are used to prevent the risk of cross infection and hands are washed before meals and snacks and after nappy changing. Documents relating to the administration of medication and the recording of accidents and all parental consents are in place. The childminder holds a first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise as the childminder provides many opportunities for physical play. They develop control of their bodies and experience large physical play activities as they use resources, such as a climbing frame, slide, cars and bikes. They regularly attend toddler groups and visit the local parks and soft play areas. All children rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy meals and snacks that the childminder provides, for example, fresh fruit and vegetables are offered daily. The childminder liaises closely with parents so that children's individual dietary needs are met. Drinks, such as milk and water are offered throughout the day to encourage children to drink healthily with sugar free juice offered as an alternative. Children develop independence in feeding themselves and practise using cutlery properly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The entrances to the childminder's home are secure ensuring children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Safety equipment is in place, such as a stair gate preventing access to the kitchen, covers in low-level sockets and cupboard locks and these are used effectively to minimise risk. As a result, children have room to move around freely, safely and independently. The childminder carries out written risk assessments to keep children safe. There are good procedures in place for recording who may collect the children and all parental consents are in place to keep children safe. There is a clear emergency evacuation procedure in place for both during the day and overnight, however, these procedures have yet to be practised with the children. Children's safety is promoted when outside the home as they talk about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Furniture, equipment and toys are of good quality and in a safe, well-maintained condition to promote children's development and welfare. The children are able to easily access appropriate toys, which encourages them to make choices and develop their independence. The childminder is very aware of the developmental stage of the younger children she cares for and the layout of her home allows her to supervise them extremely well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding regarding her role in child protection. She has a written statement, which is shared with parents and is sufficiently confident to put appropriate procedures into practice if she is concerned about the welfare of children. She is aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has some documentation in place for reference. However, she does not have the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home due to her caring and welcoming approach. They are confident in their surroundings and benefit from the consistent routine established. This helps to promote children's sense of security and increase their confidence. Relationships are relaxed and trusting and children approach the childminder with affection.

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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 The childminder offers positive support, ensuring children play confidently and independently to make their own choices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy using a wide range of resources, such as musical toys, building blocks and dolls, which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They make decisions about their play and learning, appropriately supported by the childminder. Activities and play opportunities, both inside and outside the home, such as attending toddler groups and visiting the library, are purposeful and developmentally appropriate resulting in children being motivated and interested. Children thoroughly enjoy painting, laughing as they paint their own hands and the hands of the childminder before making hand prints. They join in with singing rhymes and action songs, eagerly look at books and giggle with delight when playing hide and seek. The childminder provides children with regular opportunities to bake, play with sand and water and use their imagination when cutting out and gluing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Caring, supportive interactions encourage them to become confident in their independent play. Children's individual needs are effectively met by the childminder's sensitive understanding of how children progress. The childminder is beginning to use observations and assessments to inform her in planning the next stages in their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and have their individual needs well met. This is a result of obtaining all relevant information from parents and working closely with them. She actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. She acknowledges each child's individual ability and gives them confidence to move onto their next stage in their development. Ensuring they reach their full potential. Children's awareness of the local community is promoted through regular outings to toddler groups and the park, however, resources reflecting positive images of diversity are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well due to consistent, positive behaviour management by the childminder. She demonstrates a clear understanding of applying strategies according to the children's age and level of understanding. The childminder promotes good behaviour by acknowledging what children say and do with positive praise and encouragement, which makes them feel good about themselves thus developing their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are well met because the childminder liaises successfully with parents. Parents are warmly welcomed into her home and information is exchanged daily, both written and verbally, in order to meet the individual needs of the children. Trusting partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. Parent's knowledge of their child's needs and interests is actively sought prior to a placement commencing and a written agreement is in place to ensure children's needs are met. There are written policies and procedures in place, which are shared with parents, however, the complaints procedure does not include the address for Ofsted and a complaints log is not in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder uses her qualification and experience to ensure children are well cared for in a safe and stimulating environment. They are happy and settled and made to feel welcome in

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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 the childminder's home, resulting in them being confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder makes good use of the space available allowing children the freedom to move around independently and safely. She organises resources to promote children's growing independence and encourages them to make choices.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to update her knowledge and skills by attending workshops and training, such as first aid, Foundation Stage curriculum, the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Documentation is in place and used effectively to support her practice. A daily record of children's times of arrival and departure is maintained, and is accurate and up to date. Records are shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about the service and the activities provided for their children. This contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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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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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 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 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 a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board Guidance • practise emergency evacuation procedures with the children • further improve the range of toys and equipment which reflect diversity • develop the complaints procedure to include the address for Ofsted and a complaints log.

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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 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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