Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY303099 Inspection date 11 October 2005 Inspector Eileen Rochford

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since March 2005. She lives with her husband and mother. They live in a village outside of Durham, close to schools and local amenities. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding. There is an enclosed play area to the rear of the house. The family have a guinea pig and a cat. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. She is currently caring for four children aged 2 to 4 years.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through a wide range of activities. They know and understand that washing hands after playing outside, before meals and after toileting prevents cross infection. Children are aware not to drink from one another's beakers. The childminder provides a positive role model and through this children have developed a good understanding of the use and disposal of paper tissues. Children enjoy a nutritious range of meals, which are provided by the childminder, including snacks, lunches and teas. Meals consider children’s individual needs, with older children helping to choose menu's thus developing their understanding of food and nutrition. Meals are served to children in a social setting, where they develop a range of social and interpersonal skills. Drinks are freely available from a range of water milk and juice, with older children accessing these independently.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a good range of daily activities inside and outside the home to help them develop a range of physical skills and promote their good health. For example, children go to the nearby park and use various resources within the garden including swing, slides and large push and pull toys.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The risk of accidents to children is minimised by the exceptional care and attention given to safety by the childminder, both inside and outside her home. Particular attention is given to safety within the car when transporting children. The childminder ensures that all appropriate equipment is in place, well maintained and used effectively, with consideration for the ages and stages of the children attending. Children are able to move freely and independently throughout the areas of the home extending to the outdoor area if desired. Children discuss how to keep themselves safe, and how to extend this to other children. For example, children know not use the slide unless extension fitted to the bottom, to ensure safety. Children choose independently from the wide range of equipment available. The childminder carefully monitors and maintains toys to ensure they are safe and clean.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She encourages children to take care of equipment through everyday activities. For example, children are encouraged to tidy away at the end of the day, or when an activity is finished. Children’s welfare and safety is of paramount importance. The childminder has developed a range of records, and has a sound understanding of child protection issues.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well into the childminders home, which is light bright and welcoming for young children. Children have developed very good relationships with her and the other children in her care. They are happy, confident and independent. Through the wide range of activities she provides, children develop a breadth of skills. They choose their activity and freely seek the support of the childminder, who has the skills and experience to understand when children will benefit from adult support, and when they need to explore and experiment independently. Children listen and respond to conversations with the childminder. Children take pride in their achievements and the achievements of others, with their work displayed. She enhances their understanding of the wider community through various visits and outings.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident in their environment because the childminder strives to ensure that their individual needs are met. Children begin to develop an understanding of the wider community and develop respect for others. However, limited resources are made available which reflect the cultural diversity of society. The childminder currently has limited experience of minding children with special needs. However she understands the importance of liaising with parents and other professionals as required, to ensure the developing needs of the child are met. Children behave well and begin to understand the consequences of unacceptable behaviour. The childminder has good strategies in place for managing behaviour which are appropriate for the ages and development stage of the children who attend. The childminder communicates with parent’s everyday. They share information about the children's activities and regularly review arrangements to ensure that any issues

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

are addressed immediately and effectively. This contributes to the continuity of care for the children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. Space within the home is well organised, which results in children feeling at ease, comfortable and confident in their environment. This enables children to play and learn developing new and consolidating previous learning. The good organisation of

p.4

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 time provides children with the opportunity to experience activities in an appropriate setting, whilst considering the needs of other children. A wide range of documentation is in place, which supports and compliments the childminding service. All records contain the appropriate detail, are accurate and up to date. The childminder keeps abreast of changes through both the National Childminding Association and the local childminding network. All information is shared with parents, at the initial visit and whilst children are in her care. This ensures that parents are kept fully informed about her positive approach to childminding, and about daily practice.

p.4

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 are no complaints to report.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • develop the range of toys and equipment which reflect the cultural diversity of society.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5