Childminder in Darlington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303986 Inspection date 09 September 2005 Inspector Ann Doubleday

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged 7 and 3 years in Darlington. The home is situated close to local amenities. The ground floor of the house and the first floor, except for the main bedroom, are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under 5 years on a part time basis. The childminder walks and goes in the car to local nursery to take and collect children.

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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 the local childminder group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. Daily activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through discussion, the good example set by the childminder and daily routines. The childminder offers good support and guidance to the children, which raises their awareness and develops their independence. There are appropriate hygiene routines in place to protect and promote children's health. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. The childminder has clear policies in place regarding sick children, medication and accident recording to ensure children's health needs are met. Children benefit from being offered varied, nutritional food at mealtimes. The childminder works closely with parents to provide food and drinks that meet their

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Helping children to be healthy

dietary needs. They enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development.

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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 spacious environment where risks are identified and minimised. This means children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder has identified most potential hazards and taken appropriate precautions to minimise risks to children, such as the use of safety gates to prevent access to the stairs. However, the bathroom door has a lock that means older children are at risk from locking themselves in. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe on outings, for example as she promotes road safety when out for walks. Equipment is stored well at child level which allows even the youngest to make choices for themselves and direct their own play. Toys are available for all ages and in sufficient quantities to ensure children enjoy a wide range of activities to promote all areas of development. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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 The childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example she holds a current first aid certificate, food hygiene certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's house and feel secure in the welcoming environment. They have good relationships with the childminder and access a good range of toys and resources which contribute to their all round development. Children's self esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. Children's communication skills are developing well as a result of the childminder talking and listening to them. She sensitively supports their language development. The childminder plans purposeful activities that take into account children's individual interests and development. She is interested in what children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play. As a result, children are interested, motivated and their all round development is promoted. Children's progress is recorded and shared regularly with their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play with a range of resources that promote positive images of the wider world. They learn about the local community as they take part in outings to the local parks and toddler groups. The childminder has a very good understanding of each child as an individual and uses this to plan and resource activities that all children find enjoyable and interesting. This gives children a sense of security and belonging. The childminder effectively supports younger children and all children are encouraged to share and take turns. She has high expectations and uses positive reinforcement. As a result children behave very well. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Parent's views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis. Parents are kept well informed about their child's day and activities. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual

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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 The childminder provides a well-organised environment which contributes to the children being happy and settled. Space indoors and outdoors is well used to cater for all the children's play needs. They are able to move around confidently and independently. Adult to child ratios are maintained with good organisation of time to allow children one to one attention to meet their individual needs. The childminder keeps her own knowledge up to date by attending regular training. The knowledge gained is used to enhance the care that is given to the children. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the care and welfare of children and are shared with parents, to keep them well informed. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • make sure children cannot lock themselves into the bathroom.

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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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