Childminder in Redcar and Cleveland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301156 Inspection date 28 September 2005 Inspector Sandra Davies

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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 March 2005. She lives with her fiancé, one adult son and two children aged 13 and 9 years. They live in a semi-detached property in an established residential area, close to local amenities including shops, school, leisure centre and beach. The ground floor is used for minding. There is a lounge-diner and kitchen-diner available. The toilet is located at first floor level. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have two pet dogs a hamster and fish. Minded children have supervised access. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is

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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 registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding two children, on a part-time basis. The childminder takes the children to parent and toddler group and the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. The childminder understands the importance of good hygiene routines, ensuring that children's health is protected. They develop independence in personal care, with encouragement and support. Systems are in place for addressing children’s health needs. For example, appropriate documentation for the recording of accidents and medication. The childminder works well to meet each child’s individual needs. She complies with special dietary requirements and takes into account children’s preferences ensuring children remain healthy. Children benefit from a healthy diet. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. They visit the local park and use appropriate equipment in the garden, including a trampoline, slide, bats and balls. Children are able to rest and be active according to

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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 warm and welcoming home where most risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder has sound systems in place to ensure children's safety inside and outside the home. However, there is some low-level glass that could be a potential hazard. The furniture, toys and equipment provided are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of a suitable design and condition and are well maintained. Equipment is made easily accessible by bringing boxes of toys into the lounge area. Space and resources are used productively to ensure good supervision and effective access to toys and equipment. The childminder has procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds an appropriate first aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She has some knowledge of appropriate child protection procedures.

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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 Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Good relationships are evident between the children and the childminder and her family. This contributes to the children's sense of belonging. Routines and care have been established which are consistent with home. This promotes the children's sense of security and develops their confidence. The childminder is interested in what children do and say and is actively involved in their play. Younger children are encouraged to count and recognise numbers, identify animals and the sounds they make and say nursery rhymes. As a result children are interested, motivated and their all round development is promoted. Children have an opportunity to socialise at a parent and toddler group and at the park. Physical development is encouraged through the use

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of outdoor activities in the garden and at the local park. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the local community as they take part in outings to the parent and toddler group and the local park. All children are valued, praised and encouraged and their individual needs are well met. The childminder is aware that some of the children may have special needs and is proactive in ensuring that appropriate action would be taken if such a child is identified. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. This helps children to understand the boundaries set and behave well. The effective use of praise and encouragement ensures children feel valued and confident. 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. Discussion takes place between the parents and the childminder on a daily basis and parents are kept verbally informed about their child's activities and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

progress. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease within the well-organised environment. This means they are confident and can initiate their own play and learning. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children enabling them to move around confidently and independently. Most records, policies and procedures, which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children, are maintained. The childminder has completed the relevant training course and holds an appropriate first aid certificate, enabling her to give appropriate care to minded children. The provision effectively meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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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 low level glass does not pose a hazard to minded children • ensure that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and understand what you must do if you have concerns about a child • ensure that written prior parental consent is obtained for transporting children and taking them on outings.

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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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