Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY363487 Unique Reference Number 14 July 2008 Inspection date Noreen Elizabeth Appleby Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 2007. She lives in a house in Blackhill with her three children, aged nine, 11 and 13 years. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. Toilet and bathroom facilities are on the first floor. Minded children do not access any first floor bedrooms. An enclosed garden at the back of the property is used for outdoor play. There are schools, pre-schools and toddler groups within the village, as well as parks, shops and local amenities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. She is presently caring for three children, aged from one to three years of age. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes the children to toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. Effective procedures, such as washing hands after toileting and before mealtimes, contribute towards maintaining the children's good health. Individual facecloths and liquid soap are used to prevent the spread of germs. Clear accident, sickness and medication procedures are in place and associated records are maintained in line with regulatory requirements. The childminder has good plans in place for children who take ill and she makes parents and carers aware of exclusion periods for children who have a contagious disease. She has also completed relevant first aid training, which enables her to handle children’s minor injuries competently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. Their individual dietary requirements are thoroughly discussed with parents and carers, including special dietary needs and personal preferences. Main meals are home cooked and provide a good range of vegetables. Fresh fruit is provided on a daily basis. The childminder encourages children to make healthy choices, although they have occasional treats, such as biscuits or cake. They enjoy occasional baking activities, such as making shortcake. They have independent access to healthy drinks, such as water and sugar-free juice. The childminder prompts them to drink regularly, which keeps them hydrated throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

A good range of physical play activities helps children to develop large motor skills. Indoors, they like to dance to music and move around imaginatively. They enjoy daily opportunities for outdoor play, which provides them with plenty of fresh air. They use the sandpit and the water trough in the garden and they have enjoyed planting flowers and strawberries. They also enjoy going to the park, where they enjoy energetic play, such as ball games or running games with their friends. Outdoor activities are helping children to develop a healthy lifestyle.

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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 warm, welcoming environment. Premises are maintained in a clean and orderly condition. Play areas are well set out to provide children with ample play space, where they can move around freely. The dining room has bright displays of children’s work, linked to interesting themes the children have enjoyed. This gives them a good sense of belonging, as well as giving them pride in their achievements. A broad range of resources is available and the childminder ensures they are age and stage-appropriate for those children present. This contributes towards keeping children safe and stimulates their interests. Resources are stored at children’s height, which enables children to explore and make individual choices. The childminder checks toys and equipment on a regular basis and ensures they are maintained in a clean and safe condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety issues are closely monitored within her home and she takes steps to minimise potential hazards. For example, safety gates are used on the stairs, cable ties are used to secure trailing electrical wires and suitable car seats and restraints are used to transport children safely. Most hazards are suitably addressed, although the front gatepost is in need of repair and a low level bathroom door catch is within children’s reach. The childminder helps children to learn to keep themselves safe. They hold hands or hold the buggy strap when walking out of doors and they

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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 are learning good road crossing routines. Regular fire drills enable everyone to know what to do in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s wellbeing is given sound consideration regarding child protection issues. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of issues and of how to recognise signs and symptoms which would raise a concern. She has suitable plans in place to report issues promptly, in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s daily routines and individual needs are supported effectively by the childminder, which contributes towards children’s continuity of care. All are happy and settled. They readily approach the childminder and her family, who respond to the children's interests well and interact positively with them as they support their play. The childminder provides some structured, adult-led activities but also allows children to initiate their own play and develop this at their own pace. Children are developing creativity as they enjoy art and craft activities, such as painting, colouring or making friezes which depict topics and themes they have enjoyed. For example, when celebrating 'Spring', they planted sunflowers and made collage ducks and spring flowers for their wall display. Informative photographic files identify a broad range of activities the children have enjoyed, such as using wooden bricks to build and construct

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

imaginatively, exploring sand and water in the outdoor play area, developing fine motor skills as they play with floor puzzles or learning to climb and balance as they negotiate outdoor equipment, such as the slide, play tunnel or rocker. They also benefit from interesting outings. For example, when visiting the Discovery Museum in Newcastle they thoroughly enjoyed exploring a wide range of areas, including taking part in an Aboriginal art workshop where they created their own dot pictures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is currently looking towards developing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum so she can plan for children’s individual learning needs and monitor their progress more effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder knows them well and takes good account of their personalities and interests when planning for their play and learning. Regular outings help children to develop a good sense of community. They are also learning about diversity and the wider world, for example, as they celebrate festivals, such as Chinese New Year. Children also see positive images as they access a range of books and resources which reflect cultural differences and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive strategies to manage children's behaviour, such as providing encouragement and purposeful praise. This gives the children a good feeling of self-worth. She sets clear and consistent boundaries to help children to understand right from wrong and she makes good use of distraction to redirect the children into other activities. Children are learning to share and take turns. They demonstrate care and concern for one another and generally play very well together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Sound partnerships have developed with parents and carers. The childminder makes good use of introductory visits to discuss and agree all aspects of the child’s care and she respects parents’

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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 and carers’ wishes. She has devised a broad range of policy statements which informs them of usual practices and routines. Formal contracts and agreements are maintained in line with regulatory requirements, which supports children’s safety and care. The childminder also uses informal daily discussion to keep parents and carers updated regarding their child’s care, learning and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Suitable checks have been completed for all adults living in the childminder’s home. In addition, the childminder closely supervises the children, especially when they are out of doors. This contributes towards keeping them safe. Space and resources are well organised to enable children to participate in a good range of activities. The childminder is proactive in pursuing further training to enhance her knowledge and skills. For example, she has completed a speech and language therapy course, first aid training and a business course related to her childminding.

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Organisation

Good documentation systems have been set up. All necessary records are in place, in line with the National Standards. They are up-to-date, well organised and readily available for inspection. Policies and procedures are used effectively to support the childminding practice and to share information with parents and carers.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration, there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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.

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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): • ensure the low level door catch in the bathroom and the front gatepost do not pose a risk to children.

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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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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