Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY232873 Inspection date 21 November 2005 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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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 November 2002. She lives with her husband and their daughter aged 11 years. They live in a detached house in the High Grange area of Billingham. The premises are situated within easy walking distance of shops, schools, parent and toddler group and a day nursery. The ground floor, bathroom and small bedroom upstairs is used for childminding. The children have access to an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family have one pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time; she is currently caring for eight children aged from 1 year to 6 years old on part time schedules. She

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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 is also registered to care for one child under 8 years for overnight care and currently cares for one child on an occasional basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. The childminder understands health and hygiene guidelines, helping her to keep children healthy. She recognises the risks of cross infection and children learn about good hygiene in everyday routines. They learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating; they use wipes for hand washing in the bathroom and can access tissues independently to wipe their nose. Daily routines are flexible and responsive to individual needs. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children. The childminder liaises closely with parents so that children's individual dietary needs are met. Meals can include fruit, but vegetables are not offered as children do not eat them. Children are not frequently encouraged to try new foods. Children's understanding of why healthy foods are important is not reinforced within daily

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Helping children to be healthy

conversations and they do not consistently have healthy choices at mealtimes. Drinks are offered regularly and are always low in sugar, with water and milk promoted as a choice. Children sit together sociably to eat meals; they develop independence in feeding themselves and practise using cutlery properly. The childminder promotes healthy living by planning a varied range of activities in the fresh air on a regular basis, which contribute to keeping children fit and well. They develop their physical skills as they use tunnels in the garden. They go to the park to feed the ducks. Children experience large physical play activities as they use a range of equipment both in the local park and at toddler groups. The childminder plans suitable activities and offers appropriate levels of support, giving them confidence to try out new skills. Her clear understanding of the needs of younger children supports

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because the childminder's home is very welcoming and secure, with all potential hazards minimised. Older children can play independently and without the interference of younger ones in the conservatory if necessary. Younger children are very interested in playing with a stimulating range of toys and equipment, which are well presented at floor level and easily accessible to them. There is a clear emergency evacuation procedure in place. However, this does not include a practice drill to raise children's awareness 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

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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 well. Children are always transported safely, using designated car seats which are correctly fitted at all times. Children are protected because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection; she is sufficiently confident to put appropriate procedures into practice if she is concerned about the welfare of children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very happy and settled with the childminder. Relationships are relaxed and trusting. The children enjoy lots of warm conversation as they play. The childminder offers positive support, appropriate to each child's needs so that children play confidently, independently making their own choices. The children have limited opportunities to explore their creativity, either by the provision of activities such as painting and art and craft, or resources such as dressing up. However, there is role play equipment and they can make models with play dough; children enjoy books and their speech and language development is promoted well by the childminder. They are encouraged to use new vocabulary and extend their thinking. The childminder feels it is important to find out what children enjoy and can do, so that they can plan experiences together which reflect their interests. She organises

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the environment so that children enjoy a range of activities each day and are able to be involved in planning their own play. Children access freely a wide range of resources which are easily accessible promoting their independence and confidence. The childminder sensitively supports good behaviour. She helps children to think about right and wrong in their relationships with each other, by encouraging them to explain reasons for disagreements. As a result, they begin to manage situations independently. They are encouraged to be polite and have good manners. Babies' and toddlers' home experiences are built on effectively to provide stimulating daily activities. 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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are well met because the childminder liaises successfully with parents; she works consistently with them when tackling any difficult behaviour issues; they agree arrangements for sleeping, feeding and settling in. Children's awareness of the local and wider community is promoted through regular outings to groups and the park. The childminder is helping children to develop a positive view of the wider world and to respect difference. A written complaints policy is discussed with parents but this needs to be revised in line with recent changes in requirements; a complaints record must be introduced

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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 which should be shared freely with parents, linked to the National Standards and be kept up to date. Children understand responsible behaviour and behave well because the childminder manages behaviour effectively and positively; she is extremely calm in her approach, uses lots of laughter and good humour which diffuses situations easily. The childminder praises children's achievements and actions often, which makes them feel good about themselves. High priority is given to being polite and observing good manners; even the youngest children frequently say please and thank you without prompting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and cared for by the childminder because she has a sound understanding of child development and has completed all the mandatory training. She is very conscientious in her approach, is keen to ensure that she offers the best service possible and that outcomes for children are consistently good. It is very clear that the childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children and observations show that she cares about individuals and aims for all children to benefit positively from their time with her. She works within her registered numbers at all times to ensure all children receive a good level of her time and attention. She has a very organised approach to documentation and all required paperwork is in place, although she does need to display her certificate of registration. Overall the childminding service meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to: provide toys and resources which reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability; obtain written record of adults authorised to collect children; make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. A written complaints procedure is in place, although it needs to be revised in line with new regulations and contracts now contain information regarding named authorised persons who will collect children. Overall this has improved partnership with parents and children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

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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 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): • plan activities to raise children's awareness of the importance of healthy eating and increase their opportunity to make healthy choices at mealtimes • develop children's awareness of the emergency evacuation procedure with the inclusion of a practice fire drill • develop the activities for children under 3 years by using the Birth to three guidance and plan more opportunities for older children to promote their creative development • revise the complaints policy for parents and introduce a complaints record, in order to meet new registration requirements.

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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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