Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 311799 Inspection date 08 November 2005 Inspector Cilla Burdis

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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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and 3 sons; 2 are aged 15 years and 1 is aged 8 years. They live in a residential area of Gateshead. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding four school aged children, before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 supports children with special educational needs. The family has one cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that promote good health and well-being. They walk to and from school on a daily basis and have regular opportunities to play in the park and the childminder's garden. Children can rest or sleep on the comfortable chairs and sofa. Babies would sleep in their buggies or a travel cot. Children are cared for in a warm, comfortable environment where a healthy lifestyle and good standards of hygiene are a priority. Care routines develop children's understanding of good hygiene practice. The childminder supports children's independence with regard to personal care, by encouraging them to attempt things themselves and by allowing children plenty of time to develop new skills. The childminder obtains information about each child's health details before she cares for the children. The childminder's sickness policy and her high standards,

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Helping children to be healthy

regarding health and hygiene, protect children from illness and infection. Accidents and incidents are well documented and the children's welfare is safeguarded by sharing the details with parents. The childminder does not, however, hold a current first aid certificate. She has made arrangements to attend training in the new year and plans to refresh her knowledge by reference to first aid manuals. The childminder encourages children to eat healthy meals and snacks. The childminder provides healthy options including fresh fruit and vegetables. Menu plans provide parents with an overview of the types of meals the childminder will provide. Mealtimes are social occasions when children sit at the table together, sharing their news and experiences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder follows effective procedures to ensure children are cared for in a safe and well organised environment. She has identified potential risks to children's safety and has taken effective measures to reduce the risk. Children have safe and easy access to a good range of toys and resources. A variety are set out in toy boxes for easy access and the children are able to make requests for other resources, which are stored in the garage. All resources are monitored for safety and regularly cleaned. Children learn ways to promote their own safety by following routines, such as tidying away toys and using utensils and equipment safely. Children learn how to keep themselves safe when on outings by, for example, learning safe procedures for crossing the road and how to protect themselves from other threats to their safety.

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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 Documentation to support safe procedures is well maintained. The childminder has a very good understanding of her role in safeguarding and promoting children's welfare. She has completed child protection training and knows the procedures to follow if concerns are raised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and show a sense of belonging as they share ideas and support each other in play. The children have developed good relationships with each other and enjoy spending time together. The children display high levels of confidence and self-esteem. They are well supported by the childminder who interacts effectively by providing appropriate levels of encouragement and challenge. The children enjoy a varied range of activities and are able to make choices. Activity plans provide examples of the activities that the children participate in during the school term and during the school holidays. The children focus very well on activities and enjoy self-chosen challenges. After the school day, children often like to rest and relax before joining in activities. The childminder knows the children very well and has a clear understanding of their needs, likes and dislikes, which enables her to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

provide activities that are appropriate to the individual child. During the school holidays and the longer summer evenings, there are more opportunities for visits and outdoor play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals and develop positive attitudes towards others. Children are helped to develop an understanding of others by sharing and taking turns. Children's awareness regarding the diversity of society is raised by discussing first hand experiences. The childminder, however, has a limited number of resources to share with the children. Children's knowledge of the local community is developed by a variety of outings and visits. The individual needs of each child are met effectively. The settling-in procedures and effective communication with parents ensure the childminder is well informed and updated with regard to children's care needs. All children are welcomed into the setting and the childminder has a positive attitude towards inclusion. The childminder is proactive in ensuring all children take part in activities that are stimulating and appropriate to their individual needs and abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries to help the children learn what is acceptable and what is not. She ensures the older children understand what the consequences of their actions will be. The childminder is a good role model. She is calm in her approach and she respects what the children have to say. Good behaviour is encouraged by offering constructive praise.

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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 A good partnership with parents contributes to children's well-being. Parents are informed verbally of their child's care and activities on a daily basis. Activity plans are shared with parents to inform them of the types of activities the children will participate in while in the care of the childminder. The childminder has received very positive comments from parents who are extremely complimentary about the care and activities she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very happy and at home in the well organised environment. Activities are planned to ensure children participate in a good variety of experiences, in accordance with their needs and differing abilities. Children's care is enhanced by the sensitive support and caring attitude of the childminder. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote children's care and welfare. Good verbal communication and the regular sharing of information contributes to the continuity of care between the childminding environment and the child's home. Documentation is well organised, completed appropriately and kept up to date. Confidentiality is ensured by the secure storage of children's records and family details. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The recommendations raised at the last inspection have been addressed by the childminder. A written document informs parents of how they can make a complaint. Parental permission is obtained in writing to confirm they agree to the childminder seeking emergency medical treatment for their child. The childminder has formulated an emergency evacuation plan which she shares with the children and she provides regular opportunities, through discussion and activities, so that children learn about different cultures, ethnicity and disability.

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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

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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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 a current first aid certificate is maintained • continue to increase resources that reflect positive images of the diversity of society.

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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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