Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY248599 Inspection date 07 September 2005 Inspector Donna Suzanne Lancaster

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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 April 2003. She lives with her husband and son aged 5 years in the Ingelby Barwick area of Stockton on Tees. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. The family have one pet rabbit. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently caring for 11 children aged under eight years, children attend at

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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 varied times and days of the week. She 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 warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. Systems are in place for addressing children's health needs, for example appropriate documentation for the recording of accidents and medication, however written consent is not in place to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. In addition, the effective use of a sick children policy enables children's health needs to be well met. Children are beginning to develop self-care skills as a result of the childminder setting a good example and teaching them to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities to help them develop their good health. Daily activities include opportunities to be outdoors, for example, playing in the garden for children after school, baby gym and toddler groups for babies and

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Helping children to be healthy

young children. The childminder has a good understanding about appropriate types of activities and provides good levels of support giving young children the confidence to try out new and build on their existing skills. Children help themselves to readily available drinks. They benefit from being offered varied, nutritional food at snack and meal times. The childminder works closely with parents to provide food and drinks which appeal to 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 well organised and spacious home where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to move around inside and outside the home safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe on outings, for example, when crossing roads on journey to and from school. Children safely select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Equipment is stored well at child level which allows even the youngest to make choices for themselves and direct their own play. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children's safety is well promoted. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. All the required procedures and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

documentation are in place in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. All the children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Routines and care have been established which are consistent with home, this promotes children's sense of security and develops their confidence. Good relationships are evident between the children and the childminder, this contributes to the children's sense of belonging. The childminder has a sound knowledge of children's capabilities and shows an interest in what they do, resulting in their individual needs being met. The well-organised space and resources help children take initiative and develop increasing independence. For example, selecting their own toys and initiating their own games and rules. Activities and play opportunities are purposeful and developmentally appropriate, such as interactive toys, books, creative and imaginative play. Children are motivated and interested in their play. Older children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

especially enjoy the opportunity to play outdoors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well-supported by the childminder who encourages children to extend their experiences by listening and talking with them and providing activities which help promote their well-being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All the children are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home and she values and respects each child's individuality. The childminder's understanding of each child's individual needs is used to encourage a sense of security and belonging. She knows their routines, their favourite toys, games, songs and rhymes. This warm and responsive approach develops children's self assurance and enables them to feel confident in accepting new experiences. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as the childminder follows their daily routines as discussed with parents. The childminder effectively supports younger children by encouraging them to share and take turns and by being a positive role model. This helps younger children to start to understand the boundaries set and to behave well. Older children negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children show care and concern for each other

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and play well together. Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder has developed with parents. Parent's views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis through daily sharing of information. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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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 organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment which contributes to them being happy and settled. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder organises her time well to meet the needs of the children. Records and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Clear systems are in place to keep children safe and to enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. 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 provide additional toys and equipment to reflect diversity; to obtain written permission from parents to transport children in a vehicle and make a written statement available to parents of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. Since the last inspection the childminder has made significant improvements. Additional resources are available which promote and reflect diversity. Documentation includes written permission to transport children in a vehicle and a statement is available to parent of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint, resulting in children's safety and welfare being improved.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment/advice.

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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 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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