Childminder in DarlingtonOfsted inspection, 29 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300953 Inspection date 29 September 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 1975. She lives with her husband in a house in the north of Darlington. The property is close to local schools, shops and other amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has two pet dogs The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are currently 10 children on roll, aged from 3 years to 8 years, who attend on part time schedules.

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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 helped to stay healthy and nourished because the childminder encourages them to eat a nutritious diet. She makes sure children are given plenty of fresh fruit and that their drinks are continually available in their own cups. Children are cared for in a very clean environment, maintained to a high standard by the childminder. She protects their health by ensuring that equipment and toys are regularly cleaned with anti-bacterial spray. Children understand about simple good health and hygiene practices as they are gently reminded to flush the toilet and strongly encouraged to wash their hands. This is well supported by clear explanations to highlight to children why it is important. There are many opportunities provided for children to enjoy outdoor play and to develop their gross motor skills. Children enjoy daily walks in the fresh air, either at the park or walking the dog, and also enjoy sessions at the local soft play area. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder works very well with parents to ensure that children are able to sleep in accordance with their own routines, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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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 a separate room if necessary. Younger children are very interested in playing with an interesting range of toys and equipment, which are well presented at floor level and easily accessible to them. 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 well. Children have an understanding of how to keep themselves safe, for example, as they cross the road. 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. However, a copy of her local child

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children play with a varied range of equipment and resources, these are regularly rotated to keep them interested. The childminder closely monitors the children who

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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 enjoy free choice of play activities. Equipment is provided to help the children develop their independence and easy access storage means they can choose for themselves. Children are settled and have positive relationships with others. The childminder is aware of children’s individual needs and is usually successful in meeting them. She helps to promote concentration by becoming involved in some activities and encouraging the children to talk about what they are doing. Children have access to a suitable range of activities to increase their experiences, such as craft and creative activities. Their self-esteem and self-confidence are appropriately supported as the childminder offers constant praise and encouragement. Children’s social skills are beginning to develop through attendance at local under

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

fives' groups. They enjoy outings locally, which raises their awareness of the local area, and offers them opportunities to socialise and make friends. Children make steady progress in all areas of their development supported by effective interaction provided by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met due to the successful partnership that the childminder has established with parents. She is always very respectful of their wishes. Information about the children's day, including the activities they have enjoyed, is fully shared in verbal form with parents. This creates a good link between children's home life and the childminder. Children feel a sense of belonging and are settled with the childminder because she warmly welcomes them into her home, and obviously enjoys her time with them. They understand responsible behaviour, develop self-esteem and respect for others due to the good example set by the childminder. She speaks kindly to them, uses and encourages good manners at all times and provides children with clear boundaries. They behave very well, which is largely due to the consistently positive attention they receive. Children are beginning to gain a positive view of the wider

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Helping children make a positive contribution

world and can access a satisfactory range of activities and resources that increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and are secure in the well organised environment. The organisation of the home provides children with appropriate opportunities to access a good range of equipment easily and safely. A good range of clear policies and procedures, that are used effectively, promotes the welfare, care and learning of children. All are shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about their children and the service. Verbal discussions regularly inform parents of the child's day, routine, achievements, and progress. The childminder ensures children have appropriate support at all times. All required

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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 documentation, which promotes children’s welfare, is maintained by the childminder. However, the procedure for recording the administration of non-prescribed medication is on occasion not adhered to. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make sure that children have a range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, and make sure exposed sockets are fitted with protective covers. Both issues have been addressed. Children's awareness of diversity has been raised because resources have been improved. Safety has been improved and all exposed sockets are now fitted with covers contributing to children's overall safety within the home.

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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 knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures by obtaining a copy of the guidelines • ensure a written record is maintained following the administration of non-prescribed medication.

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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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