Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY250653 Inspection date 11 November 2005 Inspector Donna Suzanne Lancaster

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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 January 2003. She lives with her husband and four children aged 13 months, 11, 9 and 5 years. They live in the Hartburn area of Stockton on Tees which is close to local amenities including shops, schools, parks and pre-school groups. The ground floor is used for children. The upstairs rooms are not used for childminding except for the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children aged under 8 years at any one time. She is currently caring for three children aged between 2 and 13 months. She is

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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 a member of the National Childminding Association and the local Childminders Group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. The childminder has good systems in place for addressing children's health needs. For example, appropriate documentation for the recording of accidents, administration of medication and the exclusion of sick children. Children are beginning to develop self-care skills as a result of the childminder setting a good example and teaching them to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities to help them develop their good health. Daily activities include opportunities to be outdoors, for example, visits to the park, playing in the garden and visits to toddler groups. The childminder has a good understanding about appropriate types of activities and provides good levels of support, giving young children the confidence to try out new skills and build on their

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Helping children to be healthy

existing ones. Children benefit from being offered varied meals and snacks. The childminder works closely with parents to provide food and drinks which appeal to children and meet their dietary needs. They enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables at meal and snack time and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development. Regular drinks are offered and older children's independence is promoted when they are given choices.

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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 spacious home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around inside and outside the home safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives priority to maintaining children's safety, for example, the use of safety gates to prevent children's access to stairs. Children safely select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. Equipment is stored well at child level which allows even the youngest to make choices for themselves and direct their own play. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children's safety is well promoted. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. Most required procedures and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

documentation are in place in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures, however, the child protection policy does not contain the relevant contact details.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. Routines and care have been established which are consistent with home life. The children relate well to each other and the childminder. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. She shows an interest in what they do and they have their individual needs met through the childminder's sound knowledge of their capabilities. The childminder plans a broad range of activities and outings for the children which contributes to developing their learning, such as interactive toys, books, creative and imaginative play. The childminder adapts activities to meet children's individual needs. Activities and play opportunities are purposefully and developmentally appropriate resulting in children being motivated and interested. Children are well-supported by the childminder, who encourages children to extend

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their experiences by listening and talking with them and providing activities which promote their well-being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All the children are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home and she values and respects each child's individuality. The childminder's understanding of each child's individual needs is used to encourage a sense of security and belonging. She acknowledges young children's non-verbal cues, knows their routines, their favourite toys, songs and rhymes. This warm and responsive approach develops children's self assurance and enables them to feel confident in accepting new experiences. Children's needs are well met as the childminder follows their daily routines as discussed with parents. The childminder effectively supports younger children by encouraging them to share and take turns and by being a positive role model. This helps younger children to start to understand the boundaries set and to behave well. Children show care and concern for each other and play well together. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has developed with the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parent. Parents' views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis through daily verbal sharing of information. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment which contributes to the children being happy and settled. Space indoors and outdoors is well used to cater for all the children’s play needs. They are able to move around

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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 safely, confidently and independently. Records and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. However, the childminder's registration certificate is not displayed for parents. Clear systems are in place to keep children safe and to enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was recommended to practice and record the fire evacuation procedure and to provide additional resources and toys which reflected diversity. Since the last inspection the childminder has made significant improvements by completing a regular fire evacuation and maintaining a record of it, as a result this has helped to improve the safety of the children in her care. She has increased the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. This has helped to raise children's awareness of diversity.

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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 registration certificate is displayed for parents • ensure child protection policy contains the relevant contact details.

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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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