Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY359301 Unique Reference Number 29 July 2008 Inspection date Shirley Peart Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 November 2007. She lives with her brother and children aged 11 and eight years respectively, in the Gosforth area of Newcastle upon Tyne. The home is situated close to local facilities. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed patio and garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years and five children over five years, mainly on a part-time basis. She also cares for children aged over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a very clean home. They follow good hygiene practices as they all wash their hands before snacks. The childminder is aware when babies need their nappies changed or need

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Helping children to be healthy

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 nap. She meets their needs very well, as she sings to them and cuddles them warmly, so that they feel very secure.

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Helping children to be healthy

Suitable documentation is available should children have an accident or need medication. The childminder shares her sickness policy with parents so that they know children are not admitted if they are ill. This protects all children well from the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy a healthy diet as they choose which fruit they would like for snack. Their drinks are readily available, so that they are well hydrated and nourished.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder’s self evaluation form indicates how she helps children to understand about the importance of exercise and keeping fit. They regularly walk to school or toddler groups, play outside in the garden on a range of equipment or visit the park. She is well aware of how to help children develop physically. For example, she assists children to master the skill of riding a bike without stabilizers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to a warm and welcoming home, which meets their needs effectively. For example, creative activities, snacks and meals take place in the kitchen/dining room. There are also comfortable settees here if children want to play quietly or watch favourite films. The easily accessible garden ensures that children can play indoors when the weather permits. Games and other activities are generally carried out in the living room.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is plenty of equipment outdoors, such as rockers, scooters, bikes, balls, built in swings and a slide, which enhance children’s physical ability well. Children also play with some good age appropriate toys and competitive games indoors, which all contribute to their overall development and interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder provides a safe and secure home for the children so that they play and explore freely. Child safety equipment is used effectively, such as a stair gate and cupboard locks. A visitor’s record, attendance recording and written risk assessments all promote children’s welfare effectively. Although the fire is not used, when children play physical games and babies crawl, the fire hearth and grate could be hazardous. Children regularly practise fire drills with the childminder and these are documented well. On outings babies are transported safely in buggies and the childminder talks to the children about safety, so that they gain a good understanding of staying safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has relevant information and contact numbers for any child protection concerns. She is very clear about her responsibilities; her child protection procedure is shared with parents and she has carried out relevant training. This ensures that children are safeguarded effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies and children are happy and settled. Babies explore their environment and begin to demonstrate good hand-eye coordination as they aim to press the buttons on the electronic game to make noises. Children get excited when they join in with competitive physical games and interactive computer games. They make independent choices about what they would like

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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 to do and clearly enjoy their play, the company of others, and the childminder. They approach her easily to ask questions or talk about themselves and their families.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder aims to include all children. She listens and talks to them and shows interest in what they do. She also manages to provide warm interaction for babies. Therefore, children achieve well and thoroughly enjoy what they do.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans outings and activities around the children’s attendance and their interests. For example, they visit the library, go swimming, visit children’s museums and fun-day play schemes during the school holidays.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of young children’s needs and how she aims to settle them into her provision. She has some good equipment that shows positive pictures and photographs of children with disabilities and different cultures, which help children, gain a positive awareness of differences in the world. The childminder is well aware of how to promote the welfare of children with differing needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is good; they play cooperatively, are confident and have high self-esteem. She reminds them to adopt good manners and they spontaneously say ‘please’ when prompted. She deals effectively with any behaviour issues and discusses this where necessary with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has quickly become a popular choice with parents and families and obtains all the information she needs on children. She exchanges information verbally with parents. For younger children their care is written on the daily diary sheet and given to parents at the end of the day. This ensures that parents are fully informed and that they work together well to meet the individual needs of the children. Parents’ questionnaires indicate that they are very pleased with the care that their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A very good operational file is in place which underpins the childminder’s good practice. Policies and procedures are shared with parents and they sign the policy document in agreement. The self evaluation documents are very good. The childminder has clearly identified her strengths and reflects on what she does well. She has also identified areas where she feels she could improve to provide better outcomes for children.

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Organisation

The childminder meets all training requirements and regularly attends additional training sessions so that she is knowledgeable and well informed. This ensures that children are cared for by a capable and competent childminder.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • improve safety by ensuring that babies and children are protected from the hearth and fire surround.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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