Childminder in Darlington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 301050 Inspection date 29 November 2005 Inspector Elizabeth Blenkhorn

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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 October 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged 8, 6 and 4 years. They live in a house close to Darlington which is within easy reach of schools, toddler groups, park and shops. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminders home are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for a total of four children on a part time 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 pets are a dog and two cats. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are effectively being helped to stay healthy and to develop their understanding of what contributes to their good health. They follow effective procedures and practices that meet their health, nutritional and physical needs. The good adult support and guidance helps children gain an understanding of hygiene and become increasingly independent in their personal care, for example, as they wash their hands before meals and after use of the toilet. The childminder has implemented sound hygiene routines to protect children from illness and the spread of infection. Children's nutritional needs are well met. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their individual requirements. Children enjoy a broad range of physical activities that contribute to their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors, for example, walking to and from school, daily walks in the local community. Children are able to rest or be active according to their individual needs.

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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 well-organised and safe environment. Good organisation of space and resources ensures children have room to move around freely, safely and independently. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. Equipment and resources are well-organised at child level which allows them to make choices and direct their own play. Toys are available for all ages and in sufficient quantities to ensure children enjoy a wide range of activities to promote all areas of development. The childminder has most of the required documentation, records and procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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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 provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's home. They have good relationships with the childminder and each other. The childminder's understanding and knowledge of children's development and her knowledge of the individual ages and stages of the children she cares for mean that they are making good progress in all areas of their development, growing in skills, confidence and independence. Children enjoy a wide range of interesting activities providing them with good levels of challenge and stimulation. They are able to make choices and be involved in deciding on activities from the easily accessible storage. They are learning to share and take turns, for example, when playing games together and to show consideration for others. The childminder gives each child meaningful praise and encouragement

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and has established care routines consistent with their own home routines. As a result children have confidence to try new things and to learn new skills.

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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. They access a wide range of activities and resources that increase their awareness of diversity. Children learn about their local community as they go for walks and visit local shops and schools. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour taking account of children's ages, stages and level of understanding. This helps children understand the boundaries, play together and behave well. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents. The childminder actively seeks parent's views about their children's needs when they register their child and on a regular basis after that. Parents are kept informed verbally about their child's progress and achievements. This enables the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder to meet each child's individual needs and parents wishes for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident and can initiate their own learning. Space, both indoors and outdoors, is set-out to maximise play opportunities for children. They are able to move around safely, confidently and independently. The childminder has completed relevant training. This has increased her knowledge and skills and allowed her to develop her practice. She is committed to improving the service and seeks ways to enable her to do this.

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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 Most policies and procedures are in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, the accident and medication records do not contain all relevant information. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about their child's activities and the service. This contributes to the continuity of the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children cared for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection an action was imposed for the childminder to ensure the name and telephone number of the childminder and anyone else living on the premises is available and was recommended to: ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times; ensure the fence in the garden is secure and that all exposed sockets are protected; obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle and for children to attend outings; practice and record the fire evacuation procedure; provide additional resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, and disability; request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has reviewed and up dated her safety, policies, procedures, record keeping and extended activities and resources to promote equality of opportunity. As

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Improvements since the last inspection

a result the partnership with parents and children's care, well-being and development have improved.

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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): • improve accident and medication records to include full details of individuals, the accident and the medication adminstered.

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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 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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