Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 305908 Inspection date 10 October 2005 Inspector Josephine Ann Northend

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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 the summer of 1989, she lives with her husband and their 2 children aged 18 and 16 years. They live in a detached house on a small estate on the outskirts of Yarm. The premises is situated within easy walking distance of shops, schools, parent and toddler groups and a river. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the property that is used for outdoor activities. The childminder is registered to care for six children and there are six children on roll attending for a variety of sessions.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is coordinator for the Yarm and Ingleby Barwick Childminding support group. She is currently working towards the Stockton kite mark quality assurance scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. They take part in regular outdoor activities in the attractive garden, including ball games, use of bikes and scooters and other large and small equipment, all encouraging their physical development. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs. Children’s health is supported by the encouragement of appropriate personal care routines which also allows them to develop their independence. They are cared for in a warm clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. Effective procedures followed by the childminder results in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. Children benefit from being offered varied, nutritional food at mealtimes. The childminder works closely with parents to provide food and drinks which appeal to

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Helping children to be healthy

children and meet their dietary needs. They enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development.

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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 environment where most risks are identified and minimised. This means children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder has sound systems in place to ensure children's safety inside and outside the home. However, there are aerosol air fresheners within children's reach in the toilet that pose a hazard to them. Equipment is stored well at child level which allows even the youngest to make choices for themselves 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. Children are well protected. The childminder has good understanding of her responsibilities with regards to child protection. All required procedures and documentation are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and

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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 outstanding. The children enjoy their time with the childminder, she plans an excellent range of interesting activities which take into account children's individual interests. The childminder works jointly with the local school to ensure the children's learning is carried on throughout the childminding day. Children are interested, motivated and their all round development is promoted through the interest the childminder shows in what they do and say. The children are independent as a result of the consistent support, praise and encouragement given to them. Close and caring relationships between the childminder and the children contribute to children's sense of belonging. Communication skills are well supported through quality adult-child interactions and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

questions are used very well to challenge the children's thoughts and extend their learning. This results in children being confident communicators who take turns in conversation well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. They access a varied range of activities and resources which increases their awareness of diversity. There are excellent procedures in place to support children with special needs. Children behave very well. The childminder helps them to negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour by supporting them, being a positive role model, and encouraging the children to help each other. They learn to work harmoniously together and develop respect for each other. The children learn to be increasingly independent as a result of the consistent, high level of support, praise and encouragement given to them. Excellent relationships between the childminder and the children contribute to children's sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Parent's views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis. Parents are kept verbally informed about their child's day and activities. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children feel at home and at ease with the well-organised environment. This means they are confident and can initiate their own learning. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder organises her time effectively to meet the needs of the children.

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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 The childminder has completed an excellent range of relevant training courses, including an appropriate first aid certificate. This has increased her knowledge and skills and allowed her to develop her practice. Records, policies and procedures support excellent practice, safeguarding children's welfare and ensuring parents are very well informed of their children's progress. The provision effectively meets the needs of the children who attend. |

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Improvements since the last inspection

There was a recommendation agreed at the last inspection regarding the provision of resources reflecting positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. The childminder now has a good range of resources and activities in place reflecting diversity. The activities help children develop good understanding of diversity in the immediate and wider society.

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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): • ensure aerosols are made inaccessible to children.

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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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