Childminder in Darlington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY249039 Inspection date 12 October 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 April 2003. She lives with her daughter aged 5 years in a two bed roomed house in the Eastbourne area of Darlington. The home is situated close to local amenities including shops, a park and schools. The whole of the home is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have a pet dog, hamster and guinea pigs. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll aged from 6 months to 8 years, who attend on part time

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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 schedules. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home; they learn about the importance of good hygiene in everyday routines. The childminder ensures that they learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. There are clear procedures in place for nappy changing. The childminder has a good understanding of health and hygiene guidelines, which helps her to keep children healthy. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children. Daily routines are responsive to individual needs. The childminder liaises closely with parents so that children's individual dietary needs are met by nutritious meals and snacks. Meals include lots of fruit and vegetables and the childminder encourages children to try new foods; sweets are allowed only on an occasional basis. Drinks are always available for children to access independently and different fruits are offered at snack time for variety.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes healthy living by planning a varied range of activities in the fresh air each day, which contribute to keeping children fit and well. Children walk to school, and routinely visit the local park and play in the garden using the large play equipment. Children also access the local soft play leisure facility to develop their gross motor skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is very safe and child friendly. The childminder plans effective use of available space to meet children's different needs and ensures close supervision at all times. She assesses risks appropriately to promote children's safety and enjoyment. The emergency evacuation plan has been fully discussed with older children. However the procedure does not include the provision for a practice drill to raise children's awareness. Children access a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. This gives opportunity for them to enjoy a good variety of different play experiences safely. The childminder promotes children's awareness of risk and safety in daily routines, for example, they always have a 'pep talk' before outings so that safety rules are clearly remembered. They talk about why they need to behave sensibly near busy roads. Children are encouraged to tidy away toys when they have

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

finished with them to minimise the risk of accidents. They know some toys must not be used on the floor when young children are around.

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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 Children are effectively protected. Their welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities within required child protection procedures. She is now more able to talk confidently with parents about her role, sharing required documentation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children independently choose from a range of well maintained equipment which is interesting to them. The childminder provides a stimulating and interesting programme of activities that promote children’s learning. All children enjoy their play and spend time purposefully engaged in activities. They enjoy a wide range of play experiences, which contribute to their creativity such as music, painting, baking and model making. Children are confident and fully engaged in the daily routine. They lead play ideas and work well alone or sharing with others. They have good opportunities to socialise with other children through regular attendance at local under five groups and playgroups. Younger children develop their confidence and self esteem well. Routines are flexible, which allow young children to pursue their interests. This reduces incidents of frustration and conflict. The childminder has limited knowledge of the Birth to three

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

matters framework to develop her current practice enabling her to plan the next steps for babies, although currently activities are varied and age appropriate. Older children often share responsibility for decisions about the provision, this contributes to them being interested in their environment and keen to do and find things out for themselves. Children’s development continues to be enhanced by the good quality interaction provided by the childminder. Children benefit from the childminders interest in what they say and do. She consistently talks and listens to them building their language skills, self-esteem, and confidence. She asks questions to make them think and responds enthusiastically giving praise and encouragement.

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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 both verbally and in written records 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 resulting in children behaving and playing together harmoniously; a good behaviour

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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 management strategy together with a stimulating range of experiences have a significant positive impact on behaviour. Younger children develop confidence as the childminder effectively responds to their sounds and gestures. She sensitively supports them as they develop their personalities and individuality. Older children develop good self esteem. Children are beginning to gain positive view of the wider 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 satisfactory. 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 comprehensive 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 and written 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 documentation, which promotes children’s welfare is maintained by the childminder, including a clear complaints procedure with written documents for recording and sharing complaints with parents. However, Ofsted have not been informed promptly

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Organisation

of changes in circumstances with regard to a variation in registered numbers. 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 request prior written permission from parents to administer medication and to seek emergency medical treatment or advice; ensure toys and equipment promote equality of opportunity and meet the needs of children aged 5 to under 8 years; ensure parental agreements are completed and parents give written permission to transport children in a vehicle; ensure daily register is completed accurately; ensure all persons who are regular visitors to the home are vetted; ensure a copy of the local area Child Protection Procedures is obtained and that it includes all relevant contact number. All the required documentation is now in place. Partnerships with parents has improved overall contributing to the continuity of care for children. Written parental consent forms are now in place to administer medication, transport and emergency treatment. Written agreements are now completed with all parents regarding

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Improvements since the last inspection

children's care and a daily attendance register is now completed accurately. The childminder has improved her knowledge and understanding of child protection by obtaining a copy of the local guidelines and has also attended training ensuring children are kept safe. All regular visitors to the household have completed the vetting procedure to ensure children's safety. Children can now access a range of resources which promote diversity.

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Improvements 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

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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): • develop a knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters • develop the emergency evacuation procedure to include a practice drill with children • ensure all significant changes are reported promptly to Ofsted.

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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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