Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 313876 Inspection date 24 October 2005 Inspector Lindsey Pollock

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered for approximately 21 years. She lives with her husband and her 15 year old son. Schools, nurseries, parks and shops are within walking distance of her home. The ground floor of the home and first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children at any one time. She is currently caring for 6 children under 8 years.

p.2

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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She attends local toddler groups on a regular basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder follows effective hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health. High standards of cleanliness are maintained in childminding areas to ensure children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Toys and equipment are clean and well maintained with particular care being taken with young children's resources to prevent cross infection. Children are beginning to understand simple good health and hygiene practices. Children are actively encouraged to wash their hands, for example, following messy activities, after using the toilet and before meals. This is supported by clear explanations about germs, which helps children to understand simple good health and hygiene practices. Children benefit from being offered varied, nutritional food at mealtimes. Fresh ingredients are used where possible and unnecessary additives are avoided. The childminder works closely with parents to provide food and drinks which appeal to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

children and meet their dietary needs. They enjoy fresh fruit and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development. Each day there are outdoor activities provided to improve children's physical skills. They especially enjoy regular visits to soft play sessions which allows them to develop their skills for climbing, balancing and jumping. They gain control of their bodies as they use outdoor equipment in the garden and in the local park. The childminder works successfully with children's parents to ensure that they rest and sleep according to their own individual needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children thrive in a safe, secure, warm and welcoming environment. A well organised, safe environment ensures they have room to move around freely and safely. Premises are made warm, welcoming and friendly to children and parents. The main play area is attractively decorated with children's art work and photographs displayed. The childminder carries out her own informal risk assessments to identify most hazards in her home, for example, cupboard safety catches and smoke alarms are fitted, however, an unprotected electrical socket in the main play area and cleaning substances in the toilet are accessible to children. Children are learning to keep themselves safe, as the childminder talks to them about crossing the road safely and the potential dangers around talking to strangers.

p.3

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 Furniture, equipment and toys which are of good quality and in a safe, well maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. They are presented invitingly to children and are easily accessible to them which encourages them to make choices and develop their independence. Children are very well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regards to child protection and has completed training in this area. All required procedures and documentation are in place.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and happy in the childminder's care. Routines and care have been established that are consistent with home. This promotes children's sense of security and increases their confidence. Warm relationships are evident and the children approach the childminder confidently and with affection. The childminder helps to raise children's self esteem by providing encouragement and praise and by valuing what they have to offer. Children thoroughly enjoy using a wide range of resources such as puzzles, games, creative materials and books, which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They make decisions about their play and learning, appropriately supported by the childminder. Children's speech and language is developing well and they chatter happily with each other and the childminder who talks and listens to them and encourages them to ask questions. Activities and play opportunities are

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

purposeful and developmentally appropriate resulting in children being motivated and interested. Although the childminder is aware of Birth to three matters, she has not implemented this fully to develop her practice with younger children. Children especially enjoy socialising with others at the soft play sessions, toddler sessions and the pram club.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. Children learn to value differences through sensitive discussions and are receptive to the childminder's good role modelling. They are very caring and help each other and the childminder without being asked, for example, older children help the younger children with their lists for 'Santa' and fetch items for the childminder at nappy changing time. Children's behaviour is very good due to consistent, positive behaviour management by the childminder. She uses lots of verbal praise to make children feel proud of their behaviour and achievements. The younger children play well alongside each other and are gaining an understanding of sharing and taking turns. They are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong. Older children negotiate and take responsibility

p.4

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 for their own behaviour. All are learning to work harmoniously together and develop respect for each other. Trusting partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's well being, development and progress. Information is shared on a daily basis. Parent's knowledge of their child's needs and interests is actively sought prior to a placement commencing and on a regular basis throughout their time in the childminder's care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has much experience of caring for a wide age range of children. She accesses a wide range of training and development opportunities, for example, child protection training which contribute to her ability to plan enjoyable experiences for children, enhancing their learning and development. Children feel at home and relaxed in the well organised environment, resulting in them being confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder works within the required ratios at all times to ensure children receive a high level of care and individual attention. Records, policies and procedures are all in place and are in very good order, well organised and up-to-date. All records are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and the activities provided for their children. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection actions were made relating to first aid training, the security of the premises and unprotected glass in a cabinet. The childminder has completed a first aid course to promote children's well being whilst in her care. Their safety has been increased as the premises are now secure and they are unable to access unprotected glass.

p.5

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 may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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 The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 children are unable to access unprotected sockets and harmful substances • develop the care of younger children by using Birth to three matters.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6