Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 311784 Inspection date 18 January 2006 Inspector Janet Fairhurst

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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 has been registered since 1985. She lives with her husband and their adult son and daughter who is also a registered childminder and works with her. Their home is situated in the Low Fell area of Gateshead. This is an established suburb close to the centre of Gateshead. Local community amenities are within walking distance and include shops, a library, schools, parks and community centre activities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and three bedrooms are used to provide overnight care. There is an enclosed rear yard for outside play. The family has two cats.

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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 National Childminding Association and part of the Gateshead Childminder Network. She is a foster parent and currently has three foster children living in the home. She is registered to provide care for six children and currently has four minded children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, very clean home where they learn about keeping healthy. They develop an understanding of good hygiene practices through consistent daily routines. For example, they know to wash their hands before and after eating. Younger children are beginning to take responsibility for their personal care as they make good attempts to visit the toilet unaided, helping them to become independent. Clear and effective procedures and practices protect children from illness and minimise the risk of cross infection. First aid training is kept up-to-date which enables the childminder to act in children's best interests to safeguard their health. Children's home routines are followed with regard to meals and sleep patterns providing a secure and familiar environment. Children are well nurtured through lots of cuddles, warm smiles, good use of eye contact and soothing words. As a result,

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Helping children to be healthy

they are very happy and content contributing to their overall wellbeing. Children benefit from nutritious foods to promote their growth and development. The childminder takes into account children's individual requirements to meet their dietary needs. Children are provided with regular drinks which include water. Meal times are a relaxed and social occasion for the children to enjoy. Children benefit from regular outdoor physical exercise as they visit local parks and playgrounds. They enjoy the freedom of running in open spaces and playing ball games. Children gain in confidence and learn to develop control over their bodies as they use wheeled toys and climb on soft play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised by the effective organisation of space and the use of safety equipment. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions with the childminder about road safety and house rules, such as no running indoors. Children use a varied range of good quality play materials and equipment, which are safe and suitable to minimise risks. These are organised to encourage children's independent access. Babies do not have access to toys which may cause them any harm and older children learn to keep small items out of reach. Young children learn how to use all their senses as they explore and investigate a range of safe, natural materials. The childminder gives good individual support and ensures close physical proximity so children quickly become confident.

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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 adequately protected whilst being transported in the childminder's car as necessary documentation is kept up-to-date and children wear suitable restraints. The childminder ensures that fire precautions, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place to ensure children do not come to harm. There are procedures for evacuation of her home in an emergency however, these are not recorded. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding about child protection procedures and has all relevant information and contact details, which enables her to keep them safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children benefit from familiar routines that help them feel secure. They are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder and the varied activities. Children's confidence and independence skills are developing well as they make choices about activities and the materials they use. Children experience a wide range of activities, which promote their development and learning both within the home and the community. They enjoy dressing up and learning about shape during creative activities. Young children enjoy music and exploring objects that make different sounds. Children are developing good levels of concentration, as they explore and select a range of creative materials to express their own ideas. The childminder uses these opportunities to promote children's learning, as they talk about shape and size, as well as sound out letters of the child's name. Children are eager to communicate and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

confidently make their feelings known. The childminder's enthusiastic approach further enhances their desire to play and take part in activities. Children form warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and develop a strong sense of belonging. The nurturing environment and the childminder's sensitive, caring nature helps children feel totally secure in her care. Children freely climb on the childminder's knee to give her a hug. Young children develop a positive sense of self as their wishes and requests are valued and acted upon. They feel well supported and understood as the childminder is fully in tune with their wishes and desires.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder forms with parents. Information about the children's development and activities is shared on a daily basis. This provides continuity and consistency for children and involves parents in their child's care. Discussions are held with parents with regard to the service that is offered and some written polices are in place. Children are respected for their individuality. They confidently make their needs known and express their thoughts and ideas, which makes each child feel important and valued.

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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 learn about the wider world through resources and activities. The childminder talks to children about similarities and differences, encouraging children to respect others. The childminder has a positive attitude towards inclusion and effectively supports children with special needs. She recognises the importance of working together with parents and other professionals to meet children's individual requirements Children are very well behaved. They are clear about the boundaries and expectations, which are explained to them and applied consistently. Children display high self-esteem and confidence as they are praised for their efforts and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease with the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Indoor and outdoor space is used well to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder works in partnership with her daughter, who is a childminder in her own right. They work very well as a team and share effectively the care of the children. Some written policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are also used to inform the parents about the service and to inform them about their children's activities and achievements. However, parents are not informed of the complaints procedure. The childminder has all required documentation in place; records are well maintained and this contributes greatly to children's health, safety and wellbeing. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In response to the action imposed the childminder has devised a log book to record any significant changes or events.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was raised in relation to Standard 1. A visit was made by a childcare inspector to discuss the concerns with the registered person. One action was raised under National Standard 14. A satisfactory response was received, the provider remains qualified for registration. 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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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

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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 all emergency evacuations are recorded • update policies in line with the national standards for complaints.

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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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