Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY249001 Inspection date 26 October 2005 Inspector Andrea, Jane Lockyer

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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 May 2003. She lives with her 2 children aged 3 and 8 years. They live in a terraced house in the Wallsend area of North Tyneside. Local amenities and public transport systems are within walking distance. The whole of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is a safe and enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. There are no pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children under the age of 8 years and is currently caring for 3 children on a part time basis, 1 of whom is over 8 years. She receives support and training opportunities from the local Early Years

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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 Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities which help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they play games in the garden and visit local parks, soft play and the beach. The childminder's good understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives children confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder does not have a current first aid certificate; however, she has applied to attend a relevant course in November 2005. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to

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Helping children to be healthy

drinks throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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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 safe home where the risks are identified and minimised. This means that they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside, for example, talking about road safety when out on walks and encouraging children to pick up toys so they do not fall over them. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder has processes in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, however she is not aware of the correct procedures to follow in line with the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They are confident and happy. They achieve well because the childminder has a clear 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 developmental stages and provides a range of activities and experiences that promote and enhance individual development and learning skills. They relate very well to each other and socialise with other children through regular visits to local amenities. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy a wide variety of activities which contribute to their creative, physical and imaginative development, such as building castles and making pictures of animals prompted from a visit to a wildlife park. Children are included in decisions about activities and trips out which further develop their self esteem and sense of belonging. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self. Communication skills are supported well through

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources, that promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others; for example, as they visit museums and play with toys that reflect positive images of race, culture and disability. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest, such as the harbour, wildlife park as well as routine outings to local parks and the beach. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well through good information sharing and daily communication with parents. Children are beginning to learn right from wrong; they show care and concern for each other and play harmoniously together. They behave very well. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do and helping themselves to toys and resources. They have time to relax as well as be active.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The 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. Records and policies and used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the provision and their children's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has met the recommendations made. She has extended her range of toys and resources for older children and has included positive images of people with disabilities. She has also ensured that she obtains written parental consent for emergency medical treatment.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a copy 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures • ensure that a current first aid certificate is maintained.

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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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