Childminder in SunderlandOfsted inspection, 21 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 305671 Inspection date 21 November 2005 Inspector Sharon Greener

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 13 years, 17 years, and 1 of adult age, in the Springwell Village area of Gateshead. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom located on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding, and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any 1 time, and is currently minding 6 children under 8 years. One child attends on a fulltime basis, and the others on a part-time basis. The childminder walks children to school, 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 she attends local carer and toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminding areas are very clean and very well maintained. They provide a warm and comfortable environment for the children. Hygiene standards are high. The childminder encourages and supports children in adopting suitable personal hygiene practices to promote good health, such as, hand washing. Catering arrangements are flexible. Parents are consulted regarding the children's specific dietary requirements and preferences. The childminder works in harmony with parents to maintain the established feeding routines of very young children. Healthy eating is encouraged, and the childminder does not offer children sweets. Information about health issues is shared verbally with the parents. The childminder has a clear understanding of relevant policies and procedures, for example, a sick child. Procedures are well implemented to safeguard children's well-being. Children have regular opportunities for outdoor play and exercise. They have access

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Helping children to be healthy

to a suitable selection of toys and outdoor play experiences to support and encourage development of their physical skills. The childminder shows a good understanding of each child's stage of development, and encourages them to test their capabilities, within the constraints of safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder carries out a visual risk assessment of the childminding areas before the children arrive. This is ongoing throughout the day. Suitable equipment is in place to help reduce risks, and safeguard children’s welfare. For example, smoke detectors, a fire blanket and socket covers are all used. The childminder shows a good understanding of relevant policies and procedures, such as, security of the premises, and the evacuation process. These procedures, along with the childminder’s close supervision of children, help her to maintain a safe environment. This enables children to play in safety. Resources and equipment are in very good order. The childminder explains safety rules well to the children to help them develop an understanding of danger, and to preserve their personal safety. Gentle reminders are given, such as, not to climb on the furniture, and the children respond very well. Rules for outings are discussed with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

older children, including road safety. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the action she would take, if she had a concern of a child protection nature; enabling her to help protect a child from harm. However, she does not have a copy of the recommended child protection booklet for reference purposes.

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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. Children enjoy the time spent with the childminder. They are able to access a good variety of age appropriate activities. Examples of this include imaginative play, construction play, sorting and grading toys, creative activities, board games and books. During play the childminder uses questions well to support and encourage children's learning. For example, young children respond eagerly when asked to match items, or name characters in a book. Children are given lots of praise by the childminder, which builds their self-esteem. Resources are stored to enable children to self select activities with ease. The childminder plans and prepares some activities in advance, and takes an active part in children's play. Close, warm relationships are evident between the childminder and children. She is aware of and responsive to their individual needs, and they receive ample support. Overall, they make good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children make choices and self select activities with ease from a good range of resources accessible to them. There are regular opportunities for children to develop their knowledge and understanding of the local environment and the wider world, through frequent and varied outings. The childminder has sufficient understanding of special needs and equal opportunity. A selection of resources and activities are provided to help children to develop an awareness of diversity. The childminder is aware of and responsive to the individual needs of the children for whom she cares for. Their needs are effectively met. She has a good understanding of behaviour management and makes consistent use of suitable tactics. Children respond most positively to her and are very well behaved. Their independence skills are developing well, in a way that is appropriate for their age. This is shown in how

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they self select toys. The childminder builds good relationships with parents. They are informed of the childminding policies, procedures and other general information. Some written information is shared with them, such as, previous inspection reports, insurance and registration certificates; the registration certificate is clearly displayed. Parents are kept well informed of their child's progress and daily activities, through regular verbal feedback. Respective parents have access to their child's personal records.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. The majority of the required documentation is in place and is suitably maintained. Policies and procedures are used well to promote the children's development and well-being.

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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 However, there is no system of recording complaints, and verification of clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau is still outstanding for one family member. The childminder's first aid certificate does not show an expiry date. She acknowledges the need to maintain a valid first aid certificate, to enable her to administer first aid treatment to minded children should this be necessary. The childminder is to clarify this matter and address it accordingly, if necessary. Children move freely from room to room under the childminder's close supervision, and are most at ease within the childminding environment. They are taken on frequent outings and have regular opportunities for exercise. Parents are kept well informed of their child's progress and day-to-day activities, and are encouraged to

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Organisation

keep the childminder up to date with relevant information. This enables her to continue to meet children's individual needs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure that the relevant suitability checks were completed in respect of her 16-year-old child, and that she obtained a copy of the booklet "What To Do If You Are Worried A Child In Your Care Is Being Abused". Suitability checks are still on going, as the childminder has not had confirmation of clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau. A copy of the child protection booklet has not been obtained. These matters need to be addressed to help improve the care of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

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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):

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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 • make enquiries and inform Ofsted once the outstanding Criminal Record Bureau clearance has been obtained for the relative household member • ensure a clearly defined procedure for managing and recording details of complaints in put in place and shared with parents • check the expiry date of first aid certificate and if applicable complete relevant training to ensure that a valid certificate is held • obtain a copy of the recommended child protection booklet for reference purposes.

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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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