Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307585 Inspection date 28 November 2005 Inspector Jim Bostock

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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 first registered in 2005. She lives, with her husband and 1 year old child, in North Shields. The house is close to local schools, shops, parks and bus routes, with the Metro a short walk away. Minded children have access to the living room, kitchen/dining room and toilet on the ground floor, and the bathroom and two of the bedrooms on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for their use. At the time of inspection there were three children on the register of attendance.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children receive a balanced and healthy diet including the provision of fruit, snacks and drinks each day and the childminder presents as having a very good understanding of the nutritional needs of children. The regular after school treat of "smoothies" is greatly enjoyed by children and used very well by the childminder to introduce children to different food, such as avocados and pears. Children's individual dietary needs are recorded and reflected in the meals and snacks provided. Parents are enthusiastic about the sticker and star system which helps children take pride in achieving their food and drink "targets". Children are helped to learn about healthy eating and benefit from the good communication between childminder and parents about food and drink issues. Children have easy and constant access to drinking water within the playrooms. Children's health and hygiene is promoted well. They carry out daily routines,

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Helping children to be healthy

including washing hands before eating and after toileting. Accidents and medicine administered are recorded appropriately and shared with parents. Children's physical development is promoted through regular use of the outdoor area where children have access to large play equipment and outdoor activities. Children have regular outings, walks and visits to interesting events such as Pets corner and the library. They also enjoy music and movement sessions.

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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 welcoming environment which is light and in good decorative order. The childminder promotes child safety within the home through encouraging children to be aware of danger and keeping themselves safe, as well as taking good precautions to reduce the risk to children. Children's safety is promoted both within the home and on outings by the use of risk assessments. Close supervision of children is used by the childminder to help prevent accidents and keep children safe. Emergency cover has been arranged by the childminder to ensure that the children will be cared for appropriately during unforeseen circumstances. The childminder has a good awareness of fire safety and has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation, including good written plans and practice evacuations. The childminder has a good awareness of the issues involved in protecting children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

from abuse and has undertaken additional child protection training. She has written guidelines to ensure that children at risk are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They interact confidently with the childminder who shows a detailed understanding of their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 individual needs. Children are encouraged to be independent with support and guidance to select and use the toys and equipment effectively. The childminder helps children very well with their play, asks good open questions to extend their learning and makes play fun and exciting for children. They respond with enthusiasm and interest. Children's abilities and confidence are developed through effective use of the wide selection of resources available. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the educational development of children putting into practise skills and methods gained from experience and relevant training. Children's self-esteem is developed well by the childminder valuing each child's contribution. The childminder has good knowledge and experience of the care and provision for babies and very

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

young children. She understands Birth to three Matters. Children benefit from a planned activity programme which encourages their interest and progress. Activities such as constructing aeroplanes with Lego and making "smoothies" help children develop their language skills and their understanding of travel, food, fruit and food preparation. Parents are fully involved in their children's experiences with regular updates.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to be respectful and interact positively as the childminder is patient, understanding and helpful. She helps children develop good manners as they learn to say please and thank you. Children develop self confidence very well because they receive lots of praise and encouragement. They are eager to participate in activities and respond very well to the childminder. They learn to share, relate well to each other and behave well. Relationships with parents are promoted and developed very well. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress and details of their physical care on a daily basis both verbally and from individual files. Parents are fully informed and consulted about all aspects of the care provided with the childminder discussing all issues and incorporating parents requests into her service. They provide written information for the childminder about their children and have contracts with her, to ensure the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relationship is on the correct footing. Parents comments for the inspection were very positive about the care provided for their children. Children are cared for as individuals with differences being acknowledged and enjoyed. Children gain an understanding of the wider world and their local community through outings and topical visits connected to the theme of activities. There are some activities, toys and resources related to multicultural play and the childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunity and special needs issues. From these, children develop an awareness and positive attitude to difference.

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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 clear routines and organised activities which give children confidence in the setting. Children benefit from the relevant training attended by the childminder which is reflected in the good standard of care provided. The childminder has attained the BTEC Nursery Nurse qualification and attended the Introduction to Childminding Practice course. The well planned daily routine allows children to experience a wide variety of stimulating and interesting activities. The documentation kept, enhances the care provided by being relevant and well organised. The childminder keeps very good records which are securely stored to ensure confidentiality. She has current public liability insurance and a current first aid qualification so that children are well protected. She displays her certificate on the

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Organisation

wall as is newly required. The service meets the needs of the children attending.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • continue to develop the multicultural play opportunities for minded children.

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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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