Chilvers-Tidey, Emma

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 311702 Inspection date 08 December 2005 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 has been registered since March 1997. She lives with her husband and their two teenage children, in Ryton, Tyne and Wear. The home is situated close to the local school and shops in the village. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, as it is all on one level. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and is currently minding four children under 5 years and one child over 5 years, mainly 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 The family has three pet cats, a rabbit, two lemmings and chickens that live in the rear garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children follow good hygiene practices. They are supervised to the bathroom and the childminder ensures that they wash their hands. She meets their personal care needs well, as she wipes their faces and reminds them to be careful not to touch their own face, after stroking the cat. This ensures that children learn about good hygiene practices. Children have naps as part of their individual routine and the childminder recognises when they are tired, as she knows them well. The children are generally offered a healthy diet and the childminder encourages children to try different foods. However, she often has to go with the children's likes to ensure that their preferences are met and that they do eat. Children explain what they have had to eat and demonstrate by gestures, how their sandwich was put together. They are given regular drinks of water throughout the day and help themselves to their drinks from their cups. This ensures that their nutritional needs

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Helping children to be healthy

are suitably met. The childminder holds a relevant first aid certificate. Appropriate documentation is in place should children have an accident or need medication, which ensures that their health is monitored well. Children have plenty of fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school on a daily basis. They also attend regular toddler groups, childminder drop in groups and soft play sessions. This allows them more freedom, in more space and therefore helps them to develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a welcoming environment. They can use all of the rooms within the home, apart from the kitchen, as they are all on one level. However, the bedrooms are usually only used for children to have a sleep in their buggies, or if they are interested in what's going on. For example, when the childminder's own child plays the drums. They are also under strict supervision should they be in these rooms or in the garden. Good use of child safety equipment within the home, also ensures that the children are safe. The childminder obtains parental consent for outings and public transport. She uses a buggy and a buggy board or wrist straps for the younger children, so that they are safe when they are out and about. Children access their good quality toys and materials easily. For example, they sit comfortably at the child size table, playing with the brightly coloured play dough. They

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

curl up on the comfortable settee for a rest, or use the floor area to build the sturdy

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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 train track. Appropriate information and procedures are in place regarding child protection. The childminder has carried out training and clearly understands what to do should she have any concerns. 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 thoroughly enjoy playing within the homely atmosphere. For example, they confidently choose what they want to do, make their needs known and approach the childminder very easily. They have very good relationships with her and are extremely settled. Children play happily with the play dough and manipulate it very well when they make 'pastry' for dinner. They recognise and name colours and are able to count very well during their every day play situations. Their emotional needs are exceptionally well met, as they gain comfort from stroking the pet cat. Children enthusiastically get out the trains and track and demonstrate a keen interest when they set it up. They concentrate exceedingly well and are able to fix and hook up the carriages and tractor independently. They use their imaginations very well during their role play. Children are highly motivated and ask lots of questions. They hold lots of lively

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

conversations with the childminder, therefore their language development is enhanced very well. She is consistently supportive during the children's play, gives them the time and space to achieve their aim and remains at their level at all times. Therefore, children achieve well and thoroughly enjoy what they do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder knows the children very well and how they react to certain situations. Therefore, children's individual needs are met exceptionally well. She has a high regard for their emotional wellbeing, so that they feel very secure. Non-stereotypical play is encouraged and children's choices are acknowledged. For example, boys enjoy playing with the dolls and first aid bandages. Children's behaviour is very good. They benefit from lots of encouragement and positive praise, so that their self-esteem is high. She talks to the children about responsible behaviour and simple explanations are offered, so that children learn to understand. The childminder recognises when children need a change of activity and responds very well, so that children are happy and fully occupied. The childminder is open and honest with parents. She discusses any issues, regarding the care of the children, so that both parties are happy with the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

arrangements. Excellent information is recorded in the two-way daily dairy, which goes home with the children after the session. This ensures that parents are very well informed of their children's care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the provision is very well organised. Relevant documentation is in place which also includes written parental consent, where necessary. The Ofsted certificate of registration is available in the file, but was not on display for parents. The childminder is knowledgeable and has carried out previous training. Relevant information is available on the Birth to three matters framework. However, developing further knowledge on this and considering using it, would benefit the children and enhance the good practice already in place. Children benefit from being cared for by an experienced childminder, who is clearly committed and enjoys her work. Planned regular outings throughout the week, to relevant groups and soft play, ensures that children are actively involved in a good range of activities, that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Adult; child ratios are always adhered to and the children often receive one to one care.

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Organisation

Therefore, they receive lots of attention which positively supports their overall development and the children in her care are very settled. Overall the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to obtain a copy of vehicle documentation when children were transported in a car. This is not necessary as children are no longer transported in a car.

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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 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):

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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 • ensure that the Ofsted certificate of registration is displayed during the hours of childminding • develop knowledge on the Birth to three matters framework and consider using in practice.

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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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