Childminder, Out-of school day care in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 319103 Inspection date 24 November 2005 Inspector Lynne Pope

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged 9-years-old, 8-years-old and 3-years-old in the west of Newcastle. The lounge, hallway and bathroom of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed yard available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5-years-old all day and no children over 5-years-old before and after school. She is registered to care for 1 child under the age of 8-years-old overnight. The childminder walks to local schools to take and

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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 collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The childminder has no pets. 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 well presented, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, the childminder gives consistent guidance as they are reminded to wash their hands when using the bathroom. The childminder has a high awareness of special dietary requirements through consultation with parents. Children learn and benefit from a healthy diet. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. They benefit from physical activities which help them to learn control of their bodies. They move freely enabling them to explore the childminding environment. Outdoor play is a regular feature of their care where they visit the local park, walk to and from school and play in the back yard with a challenging range of equipment. The result is children develop a positive attitude towards exercise. They are able to rest or be

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Helping children to be healthy

active according to their needs. Relevant records are in place for accidents and the administration of medication to protect children.

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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 secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The living room is made welcoming with an extensive range of resources, stored so that children can independently select their own activities. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Clear written policies and practises are in place, ensuring children's safety. The childminder identifies and minimises risks around the home. This means that children are able to move around safely and freely. Children learn the importance of keeping safe on outings through the procedures the childminder has in place. Children are well protected by the childminder who is confident and secure in her knowledge of child protection policies and procedures. A well written child protection statement is shared with parents and carers before their child starts, promoting

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children's welfare. She has attended a number of training courses to ensure that her knowledge is up to date and that she knows the correct procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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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 good. The childminder has a calm, confident manner when caring for children. This results in children being content and settled. She uses good procedures to find out what children can do through a staged introduction to herself and her home. She is responsive to the children's individual needs. For example, feeding the baby when he wakes up. Children develop their self esteem, confidence and become independent through the sensitive approach of the childminder with the result that they make good progress. They are given the scope to use their initiative and become independent during purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities. For example, they plant seeds and observe over time how they grow. Children are encouraged to understand right from wrong through a sensitive approach appropriate to their age. They receive

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

a lot of positive praise and encouragement to share which helps to develop their self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, increasing children's understanding of others. They learn about the local community visiting the local park and library. They socialise with other children at various community groups. They are included in a wide variety of experiences, encouraging a sense of achievement and enjoyment. A good relationship is developed between the childminder and children. Consistent boundaries are set and good behaviour encouraged through praise with the result that children learn to manage their own behaviour. A good relationship has been established between the childminder, parents and carers. Written policies and procedures are shared prior to the child starting. Children are settled in over a period of time ensuring that they settle well. A daily diary is shared with parents which enhances their child's development. A record is not

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. Children's care is significantly enhanced by good organisation. They feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning as well as being well supported by the childminder. They access varied stimulating activities either in the home or on visits into the local environment and to toddler group. The childminder has attended short courses, which enhances her skills when caring for children. For example, she has attended child protection and promoting positive behaviour in childcare settings. Policies and procedures are individual to the childminder and are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are available in written form for parents to read and keep, ensuring they are aware of her expectations.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has extended the range of resources to reflect positive images of culture, disability, ethnicity and gender. She has play figures that depict disability, various games that depict culture and ethnicity and story books. This enables children to gain knowledge about the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the 1st April 2004.

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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 that a record of any complaints is maintained and is available for inspection.

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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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