Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY259408 Inspection date 21 November 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 outstanding. 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 lives with her husband and their three children, who are aged 8, 10 and 15 in a terraced house located on the outskirts of central Guisborough and close to a local primary school. The living room, dining area and two bedrooms are the main rooms used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property that is used outdoor activities. The childminder has been a registered childminder since April 2003 and currently there are six children on roll, three of whom attend on a full time basis, the others attend before and after school and during school holidays.

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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 Redcar and Cleveland Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is exceptionally promoted as rigorous hygiene procedures are in place. For example, detailed, comprehensive policies support the excellent practice in place. Stimulating play areas and toys are exceptionally clean and welcoming. Children understand good hygiene practices as the childminder offers clear explanations as to why they should wash their hands, they know that washing their hands gets rid of germs that make them poorly. Children's individual health needs are supported through the highly effective detailed information the childminder gains from their parents and the excellent policies and procedures in place. Children are very well nourished. The childminder has an excellent understanding of healthy eating issues and ensures that children receive a varied, healthy diet. She receives information from parents about their child and is very aware of individual

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Helping children to be healthy

eating patterns and preferences, she meets these well whilst also including lots of healthy food. Children learn about healthy living when the childminder talks to them about the better things to eat and drink and the things that are not so good for them. Children are involved in regular and varied opportunities to enjoy physical exercise. They learn about a healthy lifestyle and have a positive attitude to exercise. There is an excellent range of large physical play equipment available in the rear garden that provide high levels of challenge to the children. Children are also involved in physical play as they visit many local amenities on a regular basis, including indoor soft play areas. Children rest according to their needs and have opportunities for restful and quieter activities such as story times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment. The childminder has taken many positive steps to reduce risks to children, she regularly checks equipment and has excellent written safety policies in place to support and inform her practice. A detailed fire plan is available and emergency evacuation procedures are practised and recorded effectively. The environment is extremely warm and welcoming with an excellent range of toys and activities very attractively presented before children arrive. All resources are safe, suitable and stimulating. The childminder has clear policies in place to equipment and resources are checked regularly to ensure they remain appropriate for children's use and also checks the safety and suitability of play materials before purchasing them. She puts a lot of thought into ensuring resources are easily accessible for children.

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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 Children are kept safe on outings and when in the car, for example, through the professional fitting of car seats. They are taught to keep themselves safe with appropriate explanations from the childminder. For example, they know to walk when inside and have a good understanding of road safety when out and about. Children are very well protected as the childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities in relation to child protection issues. A written procedure is in place and is made available to parents, other relevant documentation is also at hand. Children are cared for by adults who are vetted. The childminder has excellent child care experience and a very good understanding of children's needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are involved in an excellent range of activities and outings that promote learning in all areas of their development. The childminder has a very good understanding of how children learn and makes excellent use the Birth to three framework in order to plan and provide a range of stimulating and appropriate activities. Photographs are available for parents of their child playing and each includes an explanation of the area of development that is being stimulated. For example, children are playing at tent making and the explanation states that that they are developing their social skills and imagination when involved in role play. Children use their initiative extremely well to move around freely and decide where to play and what toys to play with from the excellent range available. Their confidence and self-esteem are exceptionally well promoted as the childminder constantly

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

praises and encourages children. The childminder observes children closely and is aware of their individual progress and achievements. Children have a very good relationship with the childminder and are well settled, happy and are very confident and secure in her care. Children are acquiring new skills and knowledge all the time and respond to challenge with excellent support and attention from the childminder. They learn shape sorting and problem solving with age appropriate puzzles and they learn to name colours and count.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Equality of opportunity is exceptionally well promoted within the setting. The childminder is fully aware of children's individual needs and ensures that all children are fully included in the life of the setting. Children effectively learn about the needs and feelings of others with sensitive and appropriate explanations from the childminder. For example, children are exceptionally well behaved and when teaching them about responsible behaviour the childminder encourages them to think about how other people may feel.

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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 Children are actively learning about wider society with the very good range of resources and activities made available. The childminder spends time choosing items that reflect positive images, but that are appropriate and useful for the age of the children in her care. There are currently no children with special needs attending the setting. However, the childminder has a very positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs and has completed relevant training. The childminder works exceptionally well in partnership with parents, a relaxed and friendly relationship is evident. Parents are kept fully informed of how their child has been. The childminder completes a written daily diary sheet for parents, this includes details of the child's day and activities they have been involved in. Information is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

clearly displayed for parents on a notice board and the childminder regularly compiles newsletters for them.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has very high regard for the well-being of the children in her care. She has a very professional attitude towards her role as a childminder, showing complete devotion to her responsibilities. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards personal training and development. Since becoming registered she has attended many additional training courses including Birth to three matters, positive behaviour management and raising awareness of culture and diversity. This has increased her knowledge and skills and allowed her to develop her practice. The childminder makes excellent use of the Birth to three framework to plan and provide a range of stimulating and appropriate activities. Adult-child ratios are maintained and the excellent organisation of the provision enhances children's health, safety, enjoyment, overall achievement and contribution. The provision meets the needs of the children being cared for.

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Organisation

All documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the provision is available, very well presented and up to date. Many additional, good practice records are available as the childminder has an excellent range of written procedures in place. Parents have access to these at any time and they receive a comprehensive information pack about the childminder and her provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were two recommendations agreed at the last inspection in relation to safety. The childminder has had the climbing equipment in the garden fixed securely and has removed the glass door on her hi-fi unit in order to ensure children remain safe.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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Complaints 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 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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