Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY368805 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2008 Inspection date Cathryn Parry 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 2008. She lives with her husband and son aged 10 months, in the residential area of Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom, toilet and identified bedroom on the first floor of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden 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 aged under eight years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children flourish as they access good opportunities for physical play. These include enjoying a bounce and rhyme time at the library and accessing resources at the local parent and toddler groups. Babies and toddlers are developing their locomotion and balance skills through a selection of push-and-pull toys. They also enjoy regular opportunities for fresh air, which

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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 contributes to their overall good health. Children are active or restful through choice and sleep in-line with their individual needs and parents’ and carers’ wishes. They thrive as the childminder provides healthy and nutritional meals and snacks. These include fish, vegetables and pasta. Regular drinks of water are offered, which quenches children's thirst and benefits their health. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is positively promoted as the childminder sustains good levels of hygiene throughout her home. The health of babies and younger children is protected by additional hygiene precautions. These include the childminder wearing gloves when changing nappies and frequent washing of individual cot sheets. Although the childminder has not had to administer medicines or record any accidents yet, clear records are in place, which would be shared with parents and carers. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. She can respond appropriately if children have an accident as she is trained to administer first aid. Written permission from parents and carers to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is also in place. Consequently, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming setting where positive steps have been taken to promote their safety and security. They are safeguarded well as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children, including the use of a password system. Large windows in the playroom enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. They are able to explore safely using well-maintained resources. These are bought from reputable suppliers and are suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children attending. Those who go on outings are kept safe as the childminder uses suitable restraints for children in the buggy and discusses road safety procedures even with the younger ones.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children experience good levels of supervision and appropriate safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced. This includes smoke detectors on each floor, electrical socket protectors, safety gates and a fire guard. The childminder has a good awareness of safety and hazards are effectively addressed. She has taken necessary steps to ensure children's safety by, for example, keeping hazardous items out of reach and closely supervising babies as they sleep. Children's knowledge about personal safety is encouraged by gentle reminders from the childminder not to put toys in their mouths in case they choke and regular fire drill practices. This positively contributes to nurturing children's sense of danger and how to keep themselves safe. The childminder has attended relevant child protection training and demonstrates a sound understanding of associated issues. Consequently, children are safeguarded well. They rest,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

play and sleep in comfort where they feel secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The affectionate and gentle care given by the childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging and trust. They enjoy their time in the childminding environment and are eager to participate in the variety of activities provided. These include, using stacking toys, sharing books and watching carefully selected digital versatile discs. The childminder has only been

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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 caring for children for two months and already has a wide range of resources, which she is continuing to develop. There are a limited amount of natural resources, which results in younger children's sensory development not being fully promoted. However, they do have opportunities to explore different manmade fabrics and musical instruments, such as xylophones and maracas. Effective use is made of the local area giving children a breadth of opportunities. An example of this is where they visit the Piccolo music group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a flexible routine including a balance of child-centred and adult-led activities. The childminder offers appropriate levels of help and support to ensure that all children receive maximum enjoyment out of the activities. The very young are beginning to develop social relationships when they recognise familiar faces and play with other children. Their communication skills are fostered well resulting in good interactions between themselves and the childminder. Sufficient effective support is given, which nurtures children’s independence. An example of this is where the childminder provides younger children with their own bowl and spoon whilst she feeds them. She consistently praises and encourages children both verbally and with sensitive facial expressions. Consequently, their confidence and self-esteem is raised.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. An effective induction procedure ensures the childminder has a sound knowledge of the child before they start attending regularly. This includes visits with parents and carers as well as the childminder visiting the child in their own home. The gradual settling in procedure ensures children's emotional well-being is met. The childminder demonstrates a confident approach to equal opportunities, which is complemented with a selection of associated resources. This has a clear impact on children developing a positive awareness of difference. The childminder does not have any experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. However, she shows a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment, so long as she can meet the needs of all those attending.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises that young children need a predictable environment in order to feel safe. Hence, she works closely with parents and carers to establish the child's needs and follow individual routines. They receive consistent care as there is a daily exchange of information between the childminder, parents and carers about the children's day. This takes place verbally and with written diaries. Photograph albums are also being compiled, which results in parents and carers being fully informed. The childminder uses age-appropriate behaviour management strategies, such as explanations and distractions, to effectively manage a range of children’s differing behaviour. She implements a positive and consistent approach, which takes into account children's understanding and maturity.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. The use of the play room and living room enable children to play independently or with others. An example of this is where an older child may watch television in one room whilst younger ones explore age-appropriate toys on the floor in the other. The childminder deploys herself well to support children's activities. The flexible routine enables children to participate in a range of opportunities, whilst meeting their own individual needs. This includes

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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 maintaining consistency at home and at the childminder's with regard to eating and sleeping patterns. Children are able to select from a wide range of resources, which meet safety standards. Their independence and self-help skills are promoted well as they access the toys easily.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the knowledge gained by the childminder attending the initial training and subsequent courses. Their welfare is appropriately safeguarded as she and other household members have had suitable checks completed. The childminder is aware of her current registration requirements and adheres to them. This has a positive impact on children's well-being. Relevant policies and procedures are in place and stored safely to maintain confidentiality. All legally required documentation is in place and implemented well. This positively contributes to children’s well-being.

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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 in order 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): • continue to develop a suitable range of natural materials to promote sensory development for younger 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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